KCB chess team is targeting to impress and leave a mark at this year’s East Africa Chess Championship scheduled May 1 – 3, 2025 in Nakuru .
100 players from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda and Somalia are expected to grace the tournament where the winners in both open and ladies categories will walk away with section cash prizes and trophies.
Speaking ahead of the competition, KCB Chess Team Coach Benjamin Magana said:
“This is undoubtedly one of the biggest competitions in the region. We need to be at our absolute best to compete against some of the best players from around the region. Having recently won in Uganda, I expect my players to continue with their great run of form this weekend.”
KCB will a parade a strong team of 9 players at the championship. The players include: Ricky Sang, Joseph Methu, Joyce Nyaruai, Brian Irungu, Philip Singe, Martin Njoroge, Robert Felix Boera, Hugh Misiko, and Vincent Owuor.
Isaac Babu will be the team’s manager.
KCB will be expecting to carry their imperious domestic form to the regional tourney.
Recently, FIDE master Joyce Nyaruai and Martin Njoroge won the open and ladies section respectively in the 2nd edition of the SOM (Sports Outreach Ministries) Easter Chess Open championship that took place in Uganda.
“I enjoy playing Chess a lot. This sport gives me a lot of fulfillment so, everytime I step out to represent KCB or Kenya, I give it my all. As you can see, Chess is gradually growing in the country therefore when we get platforms to play, we have to position Kenya as a hub for Chess excellence. I look forward to the competition and I can not wait to bring the title home,” noted FIDE Master Joyce Nyaruai.
After the East Africa Chess Championship in Nakuru, KCB will shift focus to the Kiambu Open scheduled May 10 -11, 2025 at Rainbow Resort, Ruiru.
