High expectations as Africa Chess competition kicks off in Mombasa

KCB's Hugh Misiko (left) and Chol Mach Nhial shake hands after a Kenya National Chess League match in Kisumu County on May 18, 2025. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

School players from 11 African countries are in Kenya to compete for slots to participate in next year's World Schools Individual Chess Championships.

The event, dubbed the 2025 African Schools Individual Chess Championship, which kicked off on Thursday at Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa, will end on Thursday next week.

Girls and boys aged from seven to 17 years are competing in this year's championship. The participants are drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Ghana and Angola.

The event has been organised under the auspices of the Chess Kenya Federation (CKF), African Chess Confederation (ACC), and all participating African federations are affiliated to the World Chess Federation (FIDE).

"We have trophies for first place in each category (Open and Girls) and medals for second and third place. Winners qualify to represent Africa at the 2026 World Schools Individual Chess Championship. FIDE titles will also be awarded based on performance," said Rose Nafula Chemiat, a leading Kenyan chess trainer who is one of the conveners of the tournament.

She said top-performing schools from across Kenya are taking part in the championship and represent regions through the Chess Kenya Federation.

According to Chemiat, Kenya is becoming a regional chess hub, and its participation as host underscores the country's growing influence in African chess.

"As hosts, the championship positions Kenya as a growing force in African chess development. It's a rare chance to showcase youth talent in mental sport across Africa and one of Africa's largest youth chess competitions," Chemiat said.

The championship also fosters cross-cultural sportsmanship and academic excellence and provides a platform to showcase rising talent and celebrate intellectual sport.

The tournament features daily round pairings, country-by-country performance, individual game results and final standings by category.