Chess Kenya is proud to announce the official team representing the country at the upcoming 2025 Africa Individual Chess Championship, set to take place from May 12th to 22nd. The prestigious tournament, which attracts top talent from across the continent, will feature three Kenyan players determined to make their mark on the international stage.

Leading the team are National Champions Robert Macligeyo and Sasha Mongeli, who earned their spots after triumphing at the highly competitive 2024 National Chess Championships held last December. Their victories not only solidified their positions as the top male and female players in the country but also granted them the honor of representing Kenya in international competition. Both players are fully sponsored by Chess Kenya.

Joining them is Kimani Kimingi, a rising star and national team player, making his international debut at this high-level event. Although self-sponsored, Kimingi has demonstrated remarkable consistency in local tournaments and now faces the ultimate test—going head-to-head with the continent’s best in the Africa Individual Championship.

The 2025 edition promises to be one of the most thrilling yet, offering World Cup qualification slots, lucrative cash prizes, and coveted international titles. Winners of the Open and Ladies sections will earn the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM) titles respectively, while other top performers will have opportunities to claim titles such as International Master (IM), FIDE Master (FM), and their female equivalents.

The stakes are high, and so is the excitement. As our Kenyan representatives prepare to face off against Africa’s finest, we call on all chess lovers and patriots to rally behind them.

Let’s wish Robert, Sasha, and Kimani the very best as they carry the national flag with pride!

Chess Kenya is pleased to announce the departure of the Kenyan contingent for the 2025 World Schools Chess Championship, which is scheduled to take place in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia, from March 19 to March 29, 2025.

The contingent comprises 24 talented players who excelled in the highly competitive Kenya National Schools Chess Championship 2024, held in August 2024 at Nakuru High School. These players represent the country’s best young chess talents across various age categories.

The players

No. Name Club/City Category
1. Gene, Pence Barasa Nova Pioneer Tatu City champion Under 7

2. Ariela, Telo Kinderstart School, Nairobi Champion Under 7

3. Oluchiri, Jadarudo Achieng Providence Academy, Nairobi Champion  Under 9

4. Nathaniel Manyeki Muchoki Brookside International School, Nairobi  Champion Under 9
     
5. Osidiana, Eli Riara Springs champion Under 11

6. Kaburo, Winnie Brookside International School, Nairobi champion Under 11

7. Simiyu, Jadon Moi Primary School Kabarak Champion Under 13

8. Obonyo, Abigail Ruaraka Academy champion Under 13
     
9. Mathenge, Gichuga Kagumo High School, Nyeri County champion Under 15

10. Kaloki, Zuri Brookside International School, Nairobi champion  Under 15

11. Jerry Duplantis Simiyu St. Patrick’s Iten Runners up Under 17

12. Muturi, Erica Mumbi Kianda School, Nairobi champion Under 17

To reflect the face of Kenya,special slots were given as affirmative to accommodate regions that were not well, represented. While it it was not possible to include all regions, efforts were made to pick players who excelled and at the same time come from regions not well represented. Upper category was given major consideration since they are exiting the age limit.

1. Waweru, Trevor Kipngetich Moi Nyeri Complex School  runners up Under 11-Central region

2. Makanga, Annabel Shah Lalji Nangpar Academy, Nakuru Under 11-Nakuru region

3. Abel, Taji Kimani  Seedlings Junior School, Nairobi  runners up Under 13-Nairobi Region

4. Patricia, Nafuna St.Monica's Girls High School, Kitale Under 15-Trans Nzoia Region

5. Gathigia, Angel Buru-Buru Girl’s High School, Nairobi runners up Under 15-Nairobi Region

6. Elizabeth Cassidy Maina Kitale Progressive School Under 15- Highest rated player Elite Academy 

7. Ava Nyaboke  St. Anne’s Primary School, Mumias Under 15- Western Region/ Africa Champion

8. Fantalis, Lucy Nduta Brookmont International School, Embu runners up Under 13 Eastern Region

9. Jamie, Obora Kanango Mombasa Baptist High School Under 17-Coast region

10. Ishimwe, Marc-Antoine Premier Academy, Nairobi Best Under 9/Elite Academy 

11. Lwanga, Odongo Consolata School, Nairobi Under 17-Elite Academy 

12. Kuka, Kyle St. Bakhita School, Nairobi runners up Under 15-Elite Academy 
             
Coaches and Officials:

The team will be accompanied by 10 officials, including chaperones, coaches, a team doctor, and Chess Kenya officials. The head coach is CM Ben Magana, who will be joined by GM Mikhail Ivanov from Elite Academy, based in Serbia. Chess Kenya has also included county officials to build capacity and foster exposure in their respective regions.

 1. Benjamin Magana – Head Coach
 2. Ann Kung’u – Kiambu County Official/Chaperone
 3. Christian Nderi – Coach
 4. Meshack Ombima – Trans Nzoia County Official/Chaperone
 5. Emily Atieno – Female Chaperone (Teacher KBA )
 6. Jackson Kalema – Kilifi County Official/Chaperone
 7. Hillary Sagwa – Team Doctor
 8. Rodah Olisah – Safeguarding Officer
 9. Andrew Owili – Team Manager
 10. GM Mikhail Ivanov – Coach
 11. Benard Wanjala – Head of Delegation

Due to visa delays, the delegation will travel in two groups. The first group departed on March 18, and the second group is expected to leave on March 19.

The team is sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports. The sponsorship covers the cost of flights, accommodation, and generous allowances for the players during their participation in this prestigious global event.

Chess Kenya extends its best wishes to the players as they represent Kenya at the 2025 World Schools Chess Championship. We are confident that they will perform admirably and continue to shine on the global stage.

Regards 
Chess Kenya