Kitale School emerged as the best primary school at the Trans Nzoia regional chess qualifiers, leading a strong field of competitors across the region that will feature in the national event to be held at Mang’u High School.
Lamplighter Academy was named the best private school, St. Monica’s Girls clinched the top position among girls’ secondary schools, and Boma Boys was crowned the best boys’ secondary school, while St. Patrick Makunga took the title of best mixed secondary school.
In the overall rankings, Kitale School secured the top position, followed closely by St. Monica’s Girls, highlighting their outstanding performance across categories.
The event, which brought together more than 1,000 students from approximately 25 schools, marked one of the largest turnouts ever recorded in the region.
ALSO READ:
MP Salasya expands bursaries and career guidance to keep Mumias East learners in school
Participants included learners from primary, junior, and secondary schools, all competing for a chance to qualify for the national championships set to take place in Mangu from April 1 to April 4.
Speaking during the event, regional chess coordinator Iseme Etyang described the competition as a major success despite the unexpectedly large number of participants.
He noted that students who scored more than two points out of a possible six would earn the opportunity to represent the county at the national level.
Organizers praised the growing popularity of chess, attributing it to increased awareness and support from stakeholders, including the Chess Kenya Federation and the Ministry of Education.
The recent recognition of chess as an official co-curricular activity under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was highlighted as a key milestone.
The president of the chess federation, Bennett Wanjala, emphasised that the sport is rapidly expanding across the country. He noted that regions such as Nairobi and Kajiado have also recorded high participation numbers, reflecting a nationwide surge in interest.
“Chess is no longer seen as just a game—it is a tool for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students,” he said.
Officials also underscored the role of chess in academic performance, particularly among students pursuing STEM pathways.
ALSO READ:
MP Salasya expands bursaries and career guidance to keep Mumias East learners in school
According to Phoebe Mukwana, treasurer of Chess Trans Nzoia, students who actively participate in chess tend to demonstrate improved concentration and analytical skills in the classroom.
The competition also showcased inclusivity, with students travelling from remote areas such as Endebess and Munyaka to participate. Organizers confirmed that efforts are ongoing to expand access to chess training in underserved regions, including the training of over 100 coaches last year alone.
While participation among boys remains slightly higher, with an estimated ratio of 60 percent boys to 40 percent girls, officials noted that the gap is gradually narrowing as more girls take up the game.
By Osborne Benn
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
