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

Renowned Kenyan chess siblings, Hawi and Zuri Kaloki, have departed to represent Kenya at the World Junior Chess Championship, which is set to begin tomorrow. Hawi claimed victory in the open section, while Zuri triumphed in the girls’ section at the Kenya National Junior Chess Championship held last year. The top prize of the tournament was the opportunity to fly the Kenyan flag at the World Junior Chess Championship.

In the open section, Hawi Barry Kaloki proved his strength by overcoming tough competition to secure the title. He is also the current Under-17 Kenya National Schools Champion. At the beginning of the year, with an impressive live rating of over 2034, Hawi held the highest live rating among Kenyan players. His consistent victories and outstanding performances on both the national and international circuits have established him as a rising star with the potential to become Kenya’s top-rated player.

In the girls’ section, Zuri Kaloki, Hawi’s equally talented sibling, dominated the junior girls’ category. She clinched the Kenya National Junior Chess Championship title, defeating established players such as former Under-18 champion and Olympian Mercy Ingado.

Join Chess Kenya in wishing the Kaloki siblings all the best as they take on the World Junior Chess Championship!

Regards 
Chess Kenya