No major upsets as Kenya National Chess Championships gets underway
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 06.04.25. | 18:15
Former African champion Winnie Kaburo representing Brookside International leads in the girls under-11 category
Amini Muhani from Maasai Primary School, Cheruto Wanjiru Waikwa of Diamond Junior School, Nyali’s Tamara Kemunto all tied at maximum points on the first day of the Kenya National Chess Championships at Mangu High School.
The three won all their matches on the first day, building great momentum going into the competition.
In the boys category, Silvester Juma, a homeschooled prodigy leads the pack also on maximum points.
Hot on his heels are Hitansh Galaiya and Ondieki Melki with a total of 26 players on full points.
In the girls under-9 category Mary Njeri from Tenri Primary School emerged as the queen of the castle oncategory, with Ayra Mushila from Light International and Neriah Achieng Onyango of Forest Road International close behind.
The top 39 players all scored maximum points proving just how competitive this year’s competition is.
Marc Antoine Ishimwe Ndagijimana of Premier Academy, who just returned from Serbia to take part in the World Schools Chess Championships, was at the of the boys under-9 category followed by Austine Mukola Makau and Leon Kigeni.
A staggering 68 players were on a perfect score after day one.
Former African champion Winnie Kaburo representing Brookside International leads in the girls under-11 category.
New comer Mbogo Melanie Wawira from Sayari School and Salma Nkatha Mwenda from Mountain View School follow closely.
Collins Justin of Mudasa Academy Dyllan Kamaku Waweru Juja St. Peters and Fabian Murimi of St. Matthews lead 129 other players in the boys under-11 category.
Unrated Chivon Aniela of NJs Christian School stunned the field by taking the lead in the girls under-13 category in a group boasting 13 rated players.
She is followed closely by Mugo Elsie Mwihaki (Thika Road Christian) and Nyobala Aloo (Kisumu Senior, rated 1497).
With 24 rated players, the competition is cut-throat in the boys under-13 category.
Ndua Nathaniel (The KBA School, rated 1404) took the top spot, trailed by Adrian Kariuki Wahome (Sukari Presbyterian) and Ari Myles (Moi Primary Kabarak).
Zuri Kaloki (Brookside International, rated 1819) remains at the top of the pack in the girls under-15 category while unrated Adrian Ongeri leads the boys category.
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