The Kenya Deaf Chess Team off for championship
The Kenya Deaf Chess Team departed last week for Spain to compete in the 20th ICCD World Deaf Championship, taking place from 6th to 15th May 2026.
This occasion marks a historic milestone, as it is Kenya’s first participation since the founding of the Deaf Chess Federation, which was established to champion and nurture the aspirations of deaf chess players across the country.
The team comprised of eight players who were selected during the Kenya National Deaf Chess Championship at Mount Kenya University and included Caroline Wangari, Caroline Agumba, Janet Atieno, Kevin Odhiambo, Philip Olilo, Erick Khamadi, Stephen Nyaga and Kidanga Salimini.
The team is captained by Hassan Daudi, President of Deaf Chess and Secretary for National PWD, and is accompanied by sign language interpreter Sylvia Muturi.
Team Kenya was Africa’s sole representative at the event which saw a total of 14 countries taking part.
Other news
The departure of the Deaf Chess Team closely follows the return of six visually impaired players from Montenegro, where they participated in the World IBCA Championship. These recent achievements represent a significant step forward since the launch of PWD chess programs in Kenya, broadening inclusivity and reinforcing chess as one of the most accessible and empowering sports in the country.
Looking ahead, the PWD chess calendar will culminate on 6th June, when players from various disability categories will gather to select Team Kenya for the 3rd World PWD Olympiad, scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in September 2026.
Links
20th ICCD World Deaf Championship official website.
The International Chess Committee for the Deaf website.
20th IBCA Team Championship 2026 – Team Kenya in action.
Article by Kenya Chess Masala.