Kenya Olympiad Team 2024 all set for Budapest

The Kenya Olympiad Team 2024 left last night for Budapest, Hungary to take part in the 45th Olympiad that runs from 10th to the 23rd of September 2024.

The Kenyan contingent is made of Chess Kenya officials, players from the Ladies Team, the Open Team, FIDE officials from Kenya and an arbiter.

Chess Kenya Officials

Terence Chazima – Head of Delegation
Rodah Olisa – Female Chaperone
CM John Mukabi – Male Chaperone

Players – Ladies Team

Board 1 – WFM Sasha Mongeli
Board 2 – WCM Joyce Nyaruai Ndirangu
Board 3 – Julie Mutisya
Board 4 – Mercy Ingado
Board 4 – Ether Karanja

Coach – Moses Andiwoh

Players – Open Team

Board 1 – Martin Njoroge
Board 2 – Matthew Kanegeni
Board 3 – Robert Oluka Mc’ligeyo
Board 4 – Elvis Likoko Wanasunia
Board 5 – Ian Mutuge

Coach : CM Benjamin Magana

FIDE Officials from Kenya

Benard Wanjala – Advisor to the FIDE President
Andrew Owili – Kenyan Delegate in FIDE General Assembly
Gilbert Wandera – Member of the FIDE Events Commission
Judy Kiragu – Chancellor, FIDE Women’s Commission
IA Duke Michieka – Appointed Arbiter

Challenges Faced – Visa Delays

The Kenyan team encountered significant hurdles in the visa application process, primarily due to the delayed issuance of official invitations and accommodation reservations by the Olympiad organizers. These documents are crucial for applying for Schengen visas. Out of the 18 visa applications submitted, six were initially rejected, necessitating appeals that further disrupted the travel plans. As a result, only a limited number of players and coaches were able to travel, significantly impacting the team’s participation.

As a result, only four players from the Open team and two from the Ladies’ team could travel alongside their respective coaches. Unfortunately, this delay has affected the Ladies’ team, which will not have enough players to field a team in the first round.

Following successful appeals, Julie Mutisya and Ether Karanja secured their visas and flew out today, just in time for the second round of the competition. The remaining players will follow suit, although logistical challenges such as securing tickets and navigating airport clearance procedures remain.

Allowances and Support

For the first time, the Kenyan team, their coaches, and the Head of Delegation will receive an allowance from the government. The move again underlines the government’s deep commitment to chess in the country.