Kenya set to host Africa schools event next month

Students in action at the national chess championships in Mangu. [Courtesy]

Smarting from a successful national schools' chess extravaganza, focus now shifts to Kenya hosting the prestigious 2025 African Schools Individual Chess Championships (ASICC) in Mombasa next month.

It is all systems go for the battle on the boards as co-host Chess Kenya Federation (CKF) prepares to send one of the largest contingents ever. Hundreds qualified to the coastal meet from the April 4-8 Kenya National Chess Championship held at Mang'u High.

More children will showcase their best in chess in Mombasa as more than 30 African countries are expected to participate. Winners in the odd age-based categories from Under-7 to Under-17, will represent Africa at the World Schools Chess Championship.

At the national selection tournament in Mang'u, 7,130 players participated-highlighting the growing popularity and competitiveness of chess in Kenya.

Further, a record 635 girls and 1,365 boys hit the qualifying 5.5 points cutoff necessary to join the cream of African players aged under 17 years ready to checkmate each other in the one-week parley in Mombasa.

CKF President Bernard Wanjala hopes majority local qualifiers will register for the May 22-29 event.

"We are delighted to welcome Africa's finest chess players from across schools to compete. We expect stiff competition," Wanjala said.