Kenya is proudly represented by three teams in the 4th Intercontinental Chess Championship for Prisons, an online event that began today and will conclude on October 10.

The teams are competing in three categories: the Open Section, the Women’s Section, and the Youth Section, showcasing Kenya’s commitment to inclusivity in this international event.

This tournament is part of a broader initiative to use chess as a rehabilitation tool, benefiting the mental well-being and personal development of incarcerated individuals.

This effort is made possible through a partnership between Chess Kenya and The Gift of Chess, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing chess into underserved communities, including prisons.

The Kenyan teams’ participation highlights the value of chess as a transformative activity, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and social reintegration. Rodah Olisa, Gender and Special Needs Secretary, and Phyllis Ngigi, Global Outreach Director at The Gift of Chess, are 

leading the organizational efforts, alongside various prison officials. FA David Lekopien is overseeing the event as the Site Arbiter, ensuring fair play and adherence to rules.

The championship involves prisons from around the world, each with a shared goal of improving inmates’ mental health and preparing them for life post-incarceration.

Kenya’s participation aligns with the objectives of the Chess for Freedom program, which operates under the FIDE Social Commission, a global initiative that has successfully introduced chess in several Kenyan correctional facilities. 

This program aims to enhance prisoners’ cognitive skills, encourage positive mental engagement, and foster a sense of community through chess.

By participating in this championship, Kenya continues to demonstrate its dedication to using chess as a means of rehabilitation, underscoring the social and rehabilitative potential of the game for inmates and promoting a culture of constructive change within its prison system.

As Africa Games kick off in Accra Ghana, Robert Macligeyo and Sasha Mongeli carry our national flag. From March 8th to 23rd, they'll be showcasing their strategic skills on the chessboard at Alisa Hotel alongside 22 other federations. Join us in wishing them the best as they embark on this prestigious journey!