2026 Kisumu Open WCM Elizabeth Cassidy Maina triumphs
The 2026 Kisumu Open ended on a high note for youngster WCM Elizabeth Cassidy Maina when she won the Ladies Section in impressive style with six points out of six rounds and gained an impressive 69 Elo rating points. She took home KES 20,000.
Hot on her heels was 2025 Kenya National Ladies Champion WCM Jully Mutisya, who scored five points and won KES 12,000.
The event saw 26 ladies participate, part of the 2026 Kenya Grand Prix Circuit.
Open Section
Mark Wasswa Nyola of Uganda grabbed the title with a score of six points out of six rounds and went home with KES 40,000 for his efforts. His compatriot, FM Haruna Nsubuga, finished second with five points and won a cash prize of KES 20,000.
A total of 64 players took part in the event, which is part of the 2026 Kenya Grand Prix Circuit.
Junior Section
Adriel Walunywa of Kitale School won the Boys Section with 5.5 points, and Jayden Mwebi was second with 5.5 points as well, but with a lower tie-break. This section had 40 players.
Aaliyah Jasmine McKenzie of Mavens Chess Club won the Girls Section with a perfect score of six points, while Olive Neriah of Kitale School was second with five points. A total of 20 players took part in this section.
Game Corner
Event Details
Venue: Jalaram Academy, Kisumu.
Dates: 7th & 8th March 2026
Time Control: 90 minutes flat for the Open and the Ladies Section.
Number of rounds: Six rounds.
Junior Section: Boy & Girls with 25 minutes time control over six rounds.
Link
2026 Kisumu Open Chess Championship on lichess.org.