Kericho schools shine at U17 African Chess Qualifiers on World Chess Day  

Kericho High School and Londiani Girls High School emerged the top boys’ and girls’ secondary schools respectively during the Kericho U17 African Chess Qualifiers held at Kericho High School, with winners advancing to the National Championships as the world marked World Chess Day.

The tournament attracted learners from Grade Two to secondary school across Kericho County, providing a platform for young players to showcase their talent and compete for qualification to the national event, which will determine Kenya’s team for the African U17 Chess Championship in Namibia.

In the primary school category, Upper Hill Academy emerged overall champions, followed by Kericho Academy in second place and Kericho Montessori in third.

John Ndumbi of Kericho Academy produced a flawless performance to emerge the tournament’s overall best player after scoring six points from a possible six, while Hanin Ismail of Kericho Montessori was named the best girl.

Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, Kericho Chess Club President and tournament organiser Shem Meso said the county qualifiers form part of the selection process for the National Championships scheduled for August 1 to 3, 2026, at Alliance Boys’ High School and Alliance Girls’ High School.

He said players who excel at the national competition will earn places in Team Kenya for the African U17 Chess Championship to be held in Namibia.

Meso noted that the growing number of learners participating in chess tournaments reflects the increasing popularity of the game in schools and the commitment by teachers and parents to nurture talent from an early age.

“Chess plays a vital role in boosting learners’ confidence and self-esteem, improving concentration, sharpening the mind and instilling patience and discipline, attributes that also contribute to improved academic performance,” said Meso.

He added that the game equips learners with valuable life skills, including strategic thinking, sound decision-making, hand-eye coordination and pattern recognition, enabling them to solve problems effectively both inside and outside the classroom.

Chief Arbiter Gladys Langat commended participants for displaying discipline, resilience and sportsmanship throughout the tournament, saying such competitions help identify and develop talented players capable of representing Kenya in regional and international championships.

Schools represented at the qualifiers included Kericho High School, Londiani Girls High School, Kericho Academy, Kericho Montessori, Kalya Academy, Upper Hill Academy, Santa Chiara, Londiani Christian Academy, Queen of Angels School, Cheborgai School and Kimarsian Senior School.

World Chess Day, marked annually on July 20, celebrates one of the world’s oldest strategy games and recognises its contribution to promoting critical thinking, fairness, inclusion, creativity and mutual respect while nurturing analytical and problem-solving skills among young people.

By Kibe Mburu