Samara Zawadi from Msingi School, Kisumu in action during the National Youth Chess Championships in Eldoret.[Washington Onyango,Standard]
Chess Kenya decentralized hosting of National Championship that was originally a Nairobi affair to other regions as a way of reaching out to grassroots talents.
The move also aimed to promote regional integration and appreciation of our national diversity through sports.
This has seen several regions host, such as Friends School, Kaimosi girls (Western Region, 2018); Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls jointly with Ruthagathi Boys (Central region, 2019); Khadija High school (Coast Region, 2021) and Moi Girls High school (Uasin Gishu, 2022).
Kisii region is the latest host and its expected to bring together over 5000 people comprising participants, hundreds of chess referees(Arbiters), Chess Coaches, Parents and teachers accompanying the participants to Kisii town.
Spot check on various amenities such as hotels and popular airbnbs show majority are fully booked for the duration of the tournament. Among invited guest to grace the event includes CS Ababu Namwamba,Kisii County Governor His Exellence Simba Arati and Kisii Educational Director.