The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is pushing for a stronger voice in the governance of chess in Kenya — a move that could reshape how the fast-growing mind sport is managed in schools.
In a formal notice issued to the Chess Kenya Federation (CKF) on December 8, 2025, KUPPET Elgeyo- Marakwet Branch Executive Secretary Paul Biwott Kibor, proposed an amendment to the federation’s constitution seeking the creation of a new senior position: National Federation Education Secretary / Executive Officer.
The union argues that the rapid mainstreaming of chess within Kenya’s education system demands representation from stakeholders directly involved in teaching and school administration.
Under the proposal, the new office would become CKF’s official bridge to schools, the Ministry of Education, and teachers across the country. The holder of the post would coordinate the integration of chess into the school sports calendar, oversee training of teacher-coaches, organise scholastic tournaments, and ensure compliance with education-sector regulations.
ALSO READ;
We are exporting national desperation in the name of overseas jobs
KUPPET maintains that an education-linked post within CKF would guarantee structured development of school chess programmes while promoting accountability and policy alignment.
KUPPET’s push comes barely a week after the Ministry of Education officially included chess in the 2026 co-curricular sports calendar. Beginning Term Two, chess will feature as a competitive discipline for both primary and junior schools, a landmark step for a game long confined to clubs, private academies and weekend tournaments.
With thousands of schools expected to field teams, stakeholders say the sport now requires stronger coordination mechanisms to manage competitions, logistics, and talent development at scale.
Chess has been expanding rapidly in Kenya. The recent National School Chess Championship attracted thousands of learners from hundreds of institutions, placing it among the continent’s largest youth chess events.
Even the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has rolled out chess training within its educational programmes, acknowledging its value in building discipline and strategic thinking.
ALSO READ;
Learners with Disabilities hardest hit by poor school infrastructure, NGEC report reveals
Supporters argue that chess enhances critical reasoning, problem-solving and concentration, abilities beneficial to academic and personal growth.
If CKF approves the new Education Secretary post, schools and teachers will gain a formal voice within the federation’s top leadership. The move could streamline communication between CKF and education authorities, reduce fragmentation in school competitions, and accelerate chess’s institutionalisation as a mainstream sport.
However, the proposal may also spark debate among traditional chess stakeholders about representation and the federation’s evolving identity.
What is clear is that as chess steps into Kenya’s formal education system, its governance is entering a decisive new chapter.
By Philip Koech
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
