Nakuru based players dominate as first junior chess tournament of the year concludes
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 01.02.26. | 19:59
Tournament organiser Dickson Gitari said he was impressed by the huge turn-out despite pupils being busy with school work
Nakuru based players dominated the first junior event of 2026 Chess Kenya calendar, sweeping most of the awards on offer in an event held at Radiant School on Saturday.
The tournament attracted a record 425 players from different parts of the country, with winners walking away with trophies and medals.
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Ken Muchela from Nakuru Chess Academy collected maximum points to win the boys under-7 event.
The girls’ winner in this category was Esther Hadassah from Chess Whitts Academy after she collected five points to emerge winner.
The African under-10 bronze medalist Jayne Awuor from Gilgil Hills Academy was the girls under-9 winner, having collected maximum points in her category.
This was the first local event for Awuor, who made history by winning bronze in her first international event last year in Zimbabwe.
Hope Wamahiga from Lord Egerton Academy was second with five points, while Princess Hadassah finished third also on five points.
The boys’ category was won by Jaden Akuka from Gilgil Hills Academy who collected six points.
Taiden Mbugua Macharia and Aiden Waweru Macharia both from Wu-Burn Academy Primary School finished second and third respectively after collecting five points each.
Briana Mary from Kipepeo was the winner of the under-11 category after collecting maximum points from wins in all matches.
In second place was Rinnah Ammelia who tied on five points with Wairema Macharia.
The boys under-11 category was won by Alvin Ndungu from St. Anthony Chess Club.
Ndungu collected six points.
Daniel Mutua Maingi from Nakuru Chess Academy was runners-up also on six points, while Wabwire Simiyu finished in third position after collecting five points.
Tournament organiser Dickson Gitari said he was impressed by the huge turn-out despite pupils being busy with school work.
“Normally, we do not get such numbers at the start of the term, since schools have just opened and they need time to settle before getting involved in extracurricular activities. We are delighted by the turn out and it shows how the sport has grown especially in Nakuru,” he said.
Gitari also thanked their sponsors Trace My Car, who donated Kshs100,000 towards the purchase of trophies.
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