As we continue to celebrate the big honour brought to Chess by Nathaniel Manyeki, I want to extend the celebration to all other medalist who have brought great honour to our country. Nathaniel merged 2nd runner-up award in the Most Promising Personality of the Year 2023 category at the Sports Personality of the Year Award, Kenya (SOYA Awards). The reigning under 8 Africa Youth Champion, Nathaniel, showcased his exceptional talent by achieving a perfect score at the Africa Youth Chess Championship held last year in Egypt.

The biggest honour of any citizen is a privilege to represent his or her country in a sporting event. Every athlete dream is to reach the biggest stage of the competition. It starts from wining and learning from peers and friend, move to regional game and later claim national titles. To achieve this, players work extremely hard and sacrifice a lot to achieve excellence supported by federation, coaches and parents.

Some years back, The Government of Kenya introduced the reward scheme for athletes who bring glory to our great nation .The winner of Continental event was entitled for Ksh. 100,000(About Usd 1000) and World stage Ksh. 300,000(About USD 3,000). Since 2017, I have countless medals Chess players have won and none has been awarded despite of our follow up. Behind the curtain, we have been having discussion with leadership of sports Ministry.

With new leadership of Kenya Kwanza government and under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Amb. Ababu Namwamba, He has taken keen interest on this matter and put the interest of athletes, whom he commonly refers as a goose that lays a golden egg. Under the context of Talanta Hela initiatives aimed to reward players who bring great honour to the country while they make a decent living, we have seen great improvement. He has come up with revised scheme that enhances the reward to athletes who represent our country in international events. The revised scheme covers enhanced allowance, Enhanced Cash reward to all medal winners, Medical cover, Pension and housing program soon to be launched by his Excellence President William Ruto. The reward covers individuals and team events with scale in each level from regional to world stages. Going forward, we are going to have huge stakes as you represent Kenya in international event. Its now the best time to invest in your skill level and take advantage availed by the transformative Prize incentives offered by the federation and the government.

In this regard, the following have been successfully vetted to receive pending Cash awards for events they won in categories listed above. The funds to be disbursed any time to your respective Bank account through Bank details provided to Chess Kenya in Past events.

I take this opportunity to thank all for your patience and congratulate you for this lifetime achievement recorded in Various event. Chess Kenya will continue working with The ministry of sports to ensure your welfare is well taken care of and enjoy all benefits all Kenyan athletes are entitled.