Beyond the Board: Benjamin Magana’s Thirty-Year Reign in Kenyan Chess

A towering figure in Kenyan chess, his humility is as striking as his passion for nurturing the next generation.

His dedication to passing on his knowledge and skills is not just admirable but also inspiring, giving hope for the future of Kenyan chess. 

The eight-time World Olympiad has graced the chess scene for thirty years now, making him one of the most consistent and respected players in the country.

His journey began in the mid-1980s, during his primary school years, in class four to be precise, when his late brother Owino introduced him to the game.

“The foundation that I got from my late brother has played a vital role in my chess journey. He planted the seed in me, and from that moment, chess became an integral part of my life,” Magana says.

"Over time, Magana rose through the ranks, etching his name among the top chess players in school and the league. He fondly recalls how he became the talk of school at the Strathmore Secondary School when he won the Strathmore Chess Championship, just a form one.

"While this was not taken so well among the senior class students, it was a turning point for Magana, and the desire to keep on winning became even stronger. He bagged the championship for three years running,” he added.

From Strathmore, Magana joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, juggling studies, chess, and rugby.

Even though his rugby dreams later died, he carried on with his chess passion, earning him a slot at the KCB Chess Club during the 1999/2000 Kenya Chess Premier League season.

The same year, he received his maiden call to the national chess team, the first of many caps he would earn for the country. His exposure to international competition sets Magana apart.

“Being on the international stages and competing against some of the best players globally always gives you a different perspective of the game. These experiences sharpen your skills and broaden your understanding of the game, making you a better competitor both locally and internationally. I have been to several countries across the world: Hungary, Burundi, Germany, India, Georgia, Norway, Namibia, Turkey, Mozambique, Algeria, Italy, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Egypt, and Nigeria. Those are the ones I remember. So, 16 and counting.”

Locally, Magana is a multiple-time Kenya National Chess Champion, winning the prestigious title in 2006, 2013, and 2017. Most recently, he has dominated the Kisumu Championship in 2022 and 2023.

His victory tally spans far beyond these highlights, with his success in countless tournaments cementing his place among Kenya’s chess elite.

Despite his global travels, Magana has remained deeply rooted in his association with KCB, a relationship that has spanned over two decades. The bank has been instrumental in supporting his chess career, providing resources and opportunities that have allowed him to thrive. "KCB is the single biggest factor responsible for my success," Magana proudly admits. Magana has over five Kenya Chess Premier League titles with the KCB Chess Team.

Though, he does not fail to acknowledge how the chess field has grown over time. “When we started, all we had was the chess pieces and the chessboard. You had to be dedicated to learning how to play the game. Right now, there is a heavy presence of computers in chess. All chess books can be accessed online. Everyone has to embrace the change and work with computers and powerful phones.”

“Magana is one of those players whose longevity is to be admired. I have seen him conquer the heights and remain at the top for over two decades, which is not an easy feat. Right now, as a licensed Fide Instructor, I am happy that he will play a key role in securing the future of chess by nurturing the younger generation.” KCB Chess Team Manager Isaac Babu.

Away from the chessboard, Magana leads a multifaceted life. He is a mechanical engineer by profession, a chess coach, and a dairy farmer. These roles reflect his diverse interests and skills, but chess remains his passion. As a coach, Magana has contributed significantly to the development of chess in Kenya. Since 2018, he has nurtured over 10 junior champions, including 13-year-old Elizabeth Cassidy, a rising star in the KCB Chess Team. In his role as Kenya’s National Coach, Magana continues to shape the future of the sport, guiding the next generation of chess players.

In his personal life, Magana enjoys simple yet enriching activities like playing Scrabble, exercising, and reading. The Bible is a key source of inspiration for him. These hobbies provide balance to the high-level focus required for chess, offering both mental and physical relaxation.