- Kiambu’s Under-18 chess team was celebrated after winning multiple medals at regional championships in Uganda.
- Governor Kimani Wamatangi pledged increased investment in chess and other intellectual sports.
- The county plans to introduce chess programmes in ECDE centres and expand youth talent development initiatives.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing young sporting talent after hosting members of the Kiambu County Chess Association Under-18 team, which recently returned from regional chess championships in Kampala, Uganda, with an impressive haul of medals.
The young players, drawn from various schools across Kiambu County, were honoured during a special event attended by county officials, Members of the County Assembly, sports administrators, parents and representatives of the chess federation.
Governor Wamatangi hailed the team’s outstanding performance, describing their achievements as a source of pride for both the county and the nation.
“Our young people have demonstrated that Kiambu can compete and excel on the international stage. Their success is proof that with the right support and opportunities, our children can achieve greatness,” said Wamatangi.
The governor emphasized that chess is more than just a game, noting that it develops critical thinking, discipline, concentration and problem-solving skills among young learners.
He said investing in intellectual sports would help shape future leaders and innovators.
Expanding support for chess
Speaking during the ceremony, County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication Osman Korar praised the county government for consistently supporting youth development programmes.
He noted that Kiambu County has invested in various sporting disciplines, including football, boxing, basketball and chess.
Korar revealed that plans are underway to expand support for indoor sports and train more coaches and instructors to nurture talent across the county.
“We are targeting indoor games and working on a programme that will create trainers of trainers to ensure more young people can access quality coaching. The governor has always been supportive of youth development initiatives and we are confident chess will continue receiving the attention it deserves,” he said.
Members of the County Assembly also commended the young players and urged the county government to allocate more resources to chess development.
The Chairperson of the Youth and Sports Committee praised the governor for investing in sports infrastructure and talent development while calling for enhanced funding to support tournaments, equipment acquisition and player welfare.
Chess in ECDE centres
Governor Wamatangi challenged the perception that only mainstream sports deserve recognition, citing examples of individuals who have achieved international success through less conventional sporting disciplines.
He noted that intellectual games such as chess help keep young minds active and productive while steering them away from negative influences.
“When we encourage mind games among our youth, we are sharpening their thinking and inspiring them to dream bigger. These young people standing before us with trophies are a testimony that the future is bright,” he said.
The governor further announced plans to introduce chess programmes in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres across Kiambu County.
He proposed that chess instructors work directly with learners while teachers undergo training to ensure children begin benefiting from the game at an early age.
The county government, he said, will collaborate closely with the Kiambu County Chess Association and relevant federations to establish sustainable support structures, including sponsorships for tournaments, equipment, training and international exposure.
“We should reach a point where no talented child misses an opportunity because of financial constraints. We want to build a system that supports these young people and enables them to participate in local and international competitions without struggling for funding,” he stated.
Recognition and youth empowerment
Governor Wamatangi recalled a previous case where the county intervened to sponsor a talented young chess player whose family was unable to raise funds for an international tournament.
He said the county’s objective is to create a long-term framework that guarantees support for deserving young athletes.
As part of the celebration, the governor pledged personal support to the chess team and encouraged them to continue representing Kiambu and Kenya with distinction.
The event also highlighted the county’s broader efforts in youth empowerment, including support for sports clubs, training programmes for coaches and referees, ICT skills development and empowerment initiatives for youth groups and boda boda associations.
The event took an unexpected turn when representatives of the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) honoured Governor Wamatangi with the title of International Eminent Peace Ambassador.
The delegation, comprising representatives from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, South Africa and other African countries, praised the governor’s contribution to education and community development, particularly his investments in Early Childhood Development Education.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Ambassador Emmanuel said the governor’s work in advancing Sustainable Development Goal Four on quality education had attracted recognition across Africa.
“We have heard remarkable reports about your commitment to education and youth development. Your model for early childhood education is worthy of emulation not only in Kenya but across Africa,” he said.
Receiving the award, Governor Wamatangi expressed gratitude for the recognition and dedicated it to the people of Kiambu County.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in education, sports and youth empowerment as key pillars of development.
The celebration concluded with the presentation of gifts to the young chess champions, a group photograph with the governor and renewed calls for greater investment in intellectual sports as Kiambu seeks to position itself as a hub for sporting and academic excellence.
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The success of the Kiambu Under-18 chess team marks another milestone in the county’s growing reputation for nurturing talent and providing opportunities for young people to compete and excel on the global stage.
By Felix Wanderi
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