2026 Kenya Colleges & Universities Chess Championship
The 2026 Kenya Colleges & Universities Chess Championship concluded yesterday on a high note, with Ezekiel Karani emerging victorious in the Open Category and Mercy Ingado clinching the Ladies Category title.
As this was the third edition of the event, both winners have earned the honor of representing Kenya at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Sri Lanka later this year.
The championship began with an eight-round Swiss tournament, held from 13th to 15th March 2026, to determine the top sixteen players advancing to the Knock-Out Stage. The competition was intense, with a large pool of talented students eager for the chance to represent their country.
Rocky Muchiri of Maseno University dominated the Open Category, scoring seven points out of eight rounds and outperforming a competitive field of 88 players. He was awarded a cash prize of KES 15,000 and a trophy in recognition of his achievement.
Tracy Korir of Daystar University excelled in the Swiss event’s first phase, securing 7.5 points out of 8 rounds. She received KES 10,000 and a trophy in a competition that featured 30 participants.
In the finals of the Knock-Out Stage, Ezekiel Karani overcame a stubborn Timothy Mwabu to win the overall title with one win and one draw. Mercy Ingado, on the other hand, defeated Juliet Njoki with a score of two wins and clinched the top prize.
Maseno University won the prize for the best team in the Open Category, while Daystar University won in the Ladies Category.
Game Corner
In the first game the Black King goes on a tour of the chessboard!
Knock-Out Stage
Photo Album
Event Details
Venue – Kenya Academy of Sports , Kasarani for the first phase to select the top 16 players in each category.
Venue – Clarion Hotel, Nairobi and Chess Kenya Offices at Jubilee Building, Nairobi for the Knock Out Stage.
Dates – 13th – 15th March 2026 for the first phase and then 27th to 29th March 2026 for the Knock Out Stage.
Formats – 90 minutes plus 30 seconds, & Blitz.
Links
3rd Kenya Colleges And University Chess Championships 2026 on chess-results.com.
Play-Offs for 3rd Kenya Colleges & Universities Championship on chess-results.com.
3rd Kenya Universities & Colleges Chess Championship 2026 Live Broadcast Links.
3rd Kenya Universities & Colleges Chess Championship 2026 – Play-Offs on lichess.org.
Photo Album from 3rd Kenya Universities & Colleges Chess Championship.
