4th Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament
The 4th Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament saw 16-year-old Olando Paul Jnr of Mavens Chess Club crowned as the winner with a score of six points out of six rounds in the Open Section. He went home with a cash prize of KES 30,000 (USD 220).
He was closely followed by 13-year-old Mugambi Christian Mwamba of Sportsview Talents, also on 6 points, who secured a well-earned second place on tie-breaks and a cash prize of KES 30,000.
Karani Ezekiel from the University of Nairobi grabbed the bronze with a solid 5.5 points.
Mehul Gohil, the three-time Kenya Champion and highest-rated player in the event, pulled out of the event after losing to Cyprian Mbaabu in round two and drawing against Baraka Kiplangat in round three.
The Open Section saw a total of just over 220 participants.
Ladies Section
The Ladies Section was equally thrilling, with Jumba Gloria of KCB Chess Club claiming the title with a powerful 6-point score.
WCM Lucy Wanjiru, the 2019 Kenya National Ladies Champion, took the silver, and Angel Kagambi of Waridi Chess Club took the bronze. Both finished with 5 points, but WCM Wanjiru had the higher tie-break.
The Ladies Section had 88 players.
Other details
The tournament also served as a launchpad for new talent through The Gift of Chess Outreach Program. Students from Mully Children’s Family, Devki Secondary, and Ndiini Secondary participated in their first large-scale FIDE-rated tournament, gaining not only competitive experience but also the confidence to unlock their full potential.
The Gift of Chess was the organiser, with the Rotary Club of the Cayman Islands, generously supporting the event. The event took place at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika.
Game Corner
Corner
Event Poster
Links
Live Games from Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Chess Tournament.
Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament 4th Edition on chess-results.com.
Photos from the 4th Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Tournament.
2025 Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament.
Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament 2025 on chess-results.com.
Live Games from Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament 2025.
Photo album from the Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament 2025
2024 Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament.
2024 Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki on chess-results.com.
Live games from the 2024 Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki.
Ronald Wabwire wins 2023 Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Tournament.
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Article by Kenya Chess Masala.
