- More than 800 learners competed for places at the Kenya National Schools Chess Championships.
- The Kitale Open Chess Tournament attracted experienced players from Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan.
- Officials credit the Ministry of Education’s support for the rapid growth of chess in Trans Nzoia.
More than 800 learners participated in the Trans Nzoia County Regional Chess Qualifiers held alongside the annual Kitale Open Chess Tournament at Kitale National Polytechnic.
The competition brought together learners from across the county to battle for qualification to the Kenya National Schools Chess Championships, which will be held at Alliance High School.
At the same time, the Kitale Open attracted about 60 experienced players from across Kenya as well as Uganda and South Sudan, giving local learners an opportunity to test their skills against stronger opponents.
Trans Nzoia Chess Association Chairman Eseme Etiang said hosting the two tournaments together has significantly improved the standard of chess in the county.
“The Kitale Open gives our students a rare opportunity to compete against experienced players. That exposure has greatly contributed to the impressive performance of schools from Trans Nzoia at national competitions,” he said.
Etiang said schools including St. Monica, St. Patrick’s, Kitale School, St. Bridget’s and St. Anthony’s have consistently excelled because learners regularly compete against experienced players.
He added that the growing number of participants reflects the increasing popularity of chess and the opportunities it provides learners to nurture their talents.
Ministry support boosts participation
Etiang credited the Ministry of Education’s decision to introduce chess in public schools with driving increased participation across the county.
“Previously, we struggled to promote chess in schools, but since the Ministry embraced the sport, our work has become much easier. Students are now enthusiastic about the game, with many even improvising chessboards and playing pieces where facilities are unavailable,” he said.
He added that several learners from Trans Nzoia had already been selected to represent the county at the Ministry of Education Games for primary and junior secondary schools in Nakuru.
Trans Nzoia Chess Association official Frederick Odhiambo praised the smooth organisation of the qualifiers, while chess coach Daniel Wekesa Muluoto of St. Patrick’s Makunga attributed the county’s success at national competitions to the dedication of coaches and officials.
Wekesa noted that St. Monica has won the Kenya National Schools Chess Championships for the past four years, describing the achievement as evidence of the county’s growing strength in the sport.
READ ALSO: Fresh govt jobs announced as AFC lists strict requirements for applicants
Officials expressed optimism that continued support from the Ministry of Education and rising participation will help produce more national champions and further strengthen Trans Nzoia’s reputation as one of Kenya’s leading chess counties.
By Osborne Manyengo
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
