Who will be crowned the 2025 Kenya National Ladies Chess Champion?
Report by Wambugu Wandina.
Dates – 26th–31st December
Venue – Chess Kenya Offices
Format : Round Robin
Eleven of Kenya’s strongest queens of the board are set for an extraordinary battle – 2025 Kenya National Chess Championship – Ladies Section.
A brand-new car awaits the champion, and the Top five will earn their place on Team Kenya for the 46th World Chess Olympiad 2026 in Uzbekistan.
Here are the gladiators ,the finest in Kenyan women’s chess.
1️⃣ WFM Joyce Nyaruai (Rated 1889 – Highest Rated)
2017 & 2022 Kenya National Ladies Champion, known for her deep calculation and calm under pressure, Joyce remains one of the most consistent female players in the country.
She enters as the highest rated — the queen many believe might reclaim her crown.
2️⃣ WCM Elizabeth Cassidy (Rated 1782 – National Junior Champion)
The reigning National Junior Girls Champion and a rising powerhouse. Her maturity on the board belies her age, with positional play far beyond junior level.
She is stepping into the senior lions’ den ready to shock the established order.
3️⃣ Jumba Gloria (Rated 1789 – Rank 1 Grand Prix)
Six times Chess Olympiad player has represented Kenya on the world stage. Strategic, composed, and deadly in equal measure. She topped the qualifiers and enters this Championship as a major title threat.
4️⃣ WCM Jully Mutisya (Rated 1864 – Rank 2 Grand Prix)
A fierce competitor with a sharp tactical style. Jully has been one of Kenya’s most improved and consistent performers. Expect uncompromising fighting chess every round.
5️⃣ WFM Sasha Mongeli (Rated 1962 – Grand Prix Rank 3)
Two time & Defending Kenya National Champion & Kenya’s most decorated female player. Her experience, speed, and precision make her one of the favorites for the title. Whenever Sasha sits at the board, fireworks follow.
6️⃣ WCM Bella Nashipae (Rated 1872 – Rank 4 Grand Prix)
Calm, methodical, and always dangerous in longer formats. Bella’s endgame technique has won her countless tough battles. A silent assassin ready to strike.
7️⃣ Ether Karanja (Rated 1633 – Rank 5 Qualifier)
A resilient fighter known for turning difficult positions into victories & representing the Chess Kenya Arbiters Commission. Ether’s steady rise has earned her well-deserved respect. She will not be intimidated by higher-rated opponents.
8️⃣ Nicole Albright (Rated 1744 – Rank 6 Grand Prix)
One of Kenya’s most promising ladies in competitive chess. Nicole’s dynamic style and rapid development make her unpredictable and exciting.
9️⃣ Kaloki Zuri (Rated 1848 – Rank 7 Grand Prix)
WFM in waiting & a fearless competitor with a sharp tactical eye. Zuri is known for decisive attacking games that leave no doubt on the board. She is one of the dark horses who could reshape the standings.
🔟 Kimani Wanjiru (Rated 1708 – Rank 8 Grand Prix Circuit)
Consistent, composed, and strategically disciplined. Wanjiru’s style is perfectly suited for a long Round Robin event. A potential giant-slayer in this field.
1️⃣1️⃣ Madelta Glenda (Rated 1729 – Rank 9 Grand Prix)
2021 World Amateur U1700 World Champion, Madelta is charismatic, confident, and a natural competitor. Madelta brings fighting spirit into every game she plays. Do not underestimate her ability to disrupt the top seeds.
What’s at stake?
1. A brand-new car for the champion
2. Top 5 slots for Team Kenya at the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan, 2026
3. Amazing Awards for all the eleven players participating in the Championship.
Wambugu Wandina
Wambugu Wandina is a renown Kenyan FIDE Arbiter and active chess player with a strong passion for modern chess transmission technologies, particularly through DGT boards and Id Chess broadcasting solutions. He also enjoy writing and telling compelling chess stories, using every platform available to help grow and promote the game.
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Article by Kenya Chess Masala.