2025 Kitale Open - Mark Nyola triumphs

2025 Kitale Open – Mark Nyola triumphs

Mark Nyola from Uganda was the winner of the highly competitive 2025 Kitale Open, which took place over the weekend of July 19th & 20th, 2025, at the Kittony Heights Hotel in downtown Kitale. He scored 5.5 points out of six rounds to win KES 30,000 as the cash prize. Mark Nyola is no stranger to Kenya, representing Equity Bank Chess Club in the 2025 Kenya National League and the title holder of the 2025 Eldoret Open, which he won in January 2025.

County Executive Member for Education, Janerose Mutama (left) presents Mark Nyola his prize for winning the 2025 Kitale Open.

Daniel Misiko, Hugh Misiko and Felix Boera tied for 2nd place with 5 points to equally share KES 30,000. It is interesting to note that Daniel Misiko is the 2023 Kenya National U17 Champion and is currently a student of Kaimosi Friends University. He might be a name to watch in the future.

The Open Section saw just over 70 participants in action, fighting for valuable Grand Prix points to qualify for the 2025 Kenya National Chess Championship.

Ladies & Junior Sections

WFM Joyce Nyaruai and Glenda Madelta jointly won the Ladies Section with 5 points each out of six rounds and equally share the KES 30,000 cash prize. However, WFM Joyce Nyaruai was declared the winner due to her higher tie-break.

This section featured 30 players, which was part of the Grand Prix Circuit.

Arlene Jerop of Hillschool Eldoret won the Junior Section with a perfect score of 6 points out of 6 rounds, beating a field of 28 players.