Kenya made it’s debut at the FIDE World Youth Chess Olympiad (WYCO) 2017 which was organized by the Gujarat State Chess Association. The event took place in Ahmedabad, India and ran from 10th to 19th December 2017.
Kenya had two teams in the event;
Team Simba comprised of CM Aravind Vengarai (Premier Academy), Jeff Gichuki (Alliance), CM Timothy Mwabu (Alliance), Dorcus Wanjala (Matunda) & Kishi Shah (Premier).
Team Ndovu comprised of Timothy Billy Njoroge (Alliance), Edna Wangari (Alliance), Sylvia Wahito (Bishop Gatimu), Hardiv Karania (Oshwal) & Meshack Kipkemboi Rop (St. Patrick’s High)
An interesting development in Kenyan chess has been the support extended by the county governments for the team. Elgeyo Marakwet provided financial support for Meshack Kipkemboi Rop’s and Muranga county supported Sylvia Wahito.
Team Simba and Team Ndovu ended up in 25th and 29th position respectively out of a total 30 teams.
Russia won gold, India Green won silver and Iran were third.
Full results and games can be found here – 2017 World Youth Chess Olympiad.
