- Ten-year-old Shaniceez Ngendo has earned a place in Kenya’s team for the East Africa Chess Championships.
- The Karia Primary School pupil secured her slot after finishing fifth at the KPJSSA National Chess Championships.
- She will now represent Kenya in Morogoro, Tanzania, as she takes her promising chess career regional.
A 10-year-old chess player from Githunguri has secured a place in the Kenyan team for the East Africa Chess Championships after an impressive showing at the national school games.
Shaniceez Ngendo, a Grade Five pupil at Karia Primary School, finished fifth in the girls’ Under-10 category at the Ministry of Education KPJSSA National Chess Championships, earning six points in the highly competitive contest.
Her performance at the national championships has now opened the door to the regional stage, with Ngendo set to represent Kenya at the East Africa Chess Championships in Morogoro, Tanzania, from August 16, 2026.
The youngster’s achievement has brought attention to the growing pool of chess talent emerging from primary schools, where the game is increasingly becoming an important platform for learners to develop concentration, strategic thinking and competitive skills.
National performance earns Kenya slot
Ngendo’s qualification followed a determined campaign at the KPJSSA National Championships, where she competed against some of the country’s strongest young chess players in her age category.
Finishing among the top performers in the Under-10 girls’ category earned her recognition at national level and ultimately a place in the squad selected to represent Kenya at the regional championships.
Her coach, Joseph Mbugua, has played a key role in sharpening her skills, while her mother, Phidelis Nyakiumba, has provided the support needed to sustain her participation in competitive chess.
Ngendo’s progress was also recognised by Kiambu County Assembly Speaker Charles M. Thiong’o when she paid him a courtesy call accompanied by her mother and coach.
Thiong’o congratulated the young player on her national performance and pledged to support her as she pursues her ambitions in chess.
He also commended her family, school and coach for identifying and nurturing her abilities, noting that early investment in sporting talent could help produce future champions.
The Speaker said sports development remained important in Githunguri Sub-County and promised to support initiatives aimed at giving talented young people opportunities to compete and grow.
Regional challenge awaits
For Ngendo, however, the focus has now shifted from her impressive national championship campaign to the bigger challenge awaiting her in Tanzania.
Her selection to the Kenyan team marks a significant milestone in her young chess career and gives her an opportunity to compete against leading junior players from across East Africa.
Her journey also demonstrates how school competitions such as the KPJSSA National Chess Championships can provide a pathway for identifying promising young athletes and exposing them to national and international competition.
READ ALSO: KETHAWA moves to appeal court judgment on teachers in hardship, arid areas
As she prepares to join the Kenyan team for Morogoro, the Githunguri chess prodigy will be hoping to build on her fifth-place national finish and turn her regional debut into another milestone in what could become a promising chess career.
By Felix Wanderi
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.
