2024 Kenya National Youth Chess Championship

The 2024 Kenya National Youth Chess Championship ended last weekend at the Mangu High School along Thika Road.

This event was the most significant one in East and Central Africa and had approximately 5,000 children aged 8 to 18 participating. The event took place from the 5th to 9th of April 2024. Last year’s edition, held at Kisii High School, saw just over 3,000 participants.

The tournament consisted of two phases, with the first phase comprising 14 regional events hosted by the respective coordinators. Over 9,000 kids participated in the regional events, and players who qualified for the finals had a minimum of two points.

2024 Kenya National Youth Chess Championship — The main playing hall – The Mwai Kibaki Amphitheatre which had about 1,000 participants. Photo credit Isaac Pelnino.

The event was inclusive, and it was heartening to see several refugee players and children living with disabilities taking part, which is in line with Chess Kenya’s vision of being all-embracing.

The list of winners from each section is provided below.

U8 Open: Andy Zane Wright (Mirema School).

U8 Girls: Aaliyah Jasmine Mckenzie (Banda School).

U10 Open: Nathaniel Manyeki (Brookside Preparatory School).

U10 Girls: Winnie Kaburo (Brookside International School).

U12 Open: Mugambi Christian Mwamba (Sportsview Talent).

U12 Girls: Kuka Riziki (St. Bakhita).

U14 Open: Muiruri Don Kamami (Rusinga School).

U14 Girls: Elizabeth Cassidy Maina (Kitale Progressive School).

U16 Open: Jamie Obora Kanango (Mombasa Baptist High).

U16 Girls: Kaloki Zuri (Brookside International School).

U18 Open: Ngong Atem Gak (Kakuma and Kalobeyei Refugee School).

U18 Girls: Elsie Muturi (Homeschool).

Play Off Phase

The players who emerged as winners in the previous round will continue their journey towards the championship title. They will now participate in the Play Off Phase, which will take place from April 18th to 20th, 2024 at Mangu High School. The selected players include the top ten in certain categories who will compete in a round-robin event, while other sections will see players with up to seven and 6.5 points participate in a nine round Swiss.

The winners of the Play Off Phase will be declared as the overall winners in their respective age groups, and will represent Kenya in continental and international events.