Battle of wits as National Chess Championship enters Day Two at Mang'u High

Kenya’s love for chess is on full display at Mang’u High School, where over 7,000 players have gathered for the ongoing Kenya National Chess Championship, the largest tournament in the country’s history. Now on Day Two, the event continues to showcase fierce competition, high skill levels, and remarkable talent across all age categories.

Among the standout figures is former African champion Winnie Kaburo, who was on Sunday leading the girls under-11 category while representing Brookside International.

“I will say that I am very much confident and I can play with them all and still beat them,” Kaburo stated at the close of regionals games.

Kaburo’s confidence is backed by her performance in the tournament’s most crowded category under-11 which boasts a staggering 1,200 players out of the total 7,000. She is closely followed by newcomers Mbogo Melanie Wawira from Sayari School and Salma Nkatha Mwenda from Mountain View School.

The level of competition has been intense. By the close of Day 1, a staggering 68 players had maintained perfect scores, underlining the rising standards in Kenyan chess. The top 39 players all scored maximum points, proving just how competitive this year’s championship is.

With the competition heating up and the stakes high, the atmosphere at Mang’u High remains electric as Kenya’s brightest young minds continue to clash on the chessboard