By F, KNA
Five children from Murang’a County are set to join Team Kenya for the Africa Youth Chess Championship scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe from December 7th.
The young players, aged between four and thirteen years, will be among the 76 participants representing the country in one of the continent’s top junior chess tournaments.
Qualifiers earned their slots after successfully competing in the African Youth Championships held in Georgia earlier this year, a performance that placed Murang’a on the national chess map and strengthened its reputation for nurturing emerging talent.
During the flag-off ceremony held in Murang’a town, coaches and parents expressed confidence that the young champions were well-prepared and motivated to bring medals home.
Murang’a County Chess Association chairperson and coach Caroline Wambui, said the team has undergone rigorous training covering various aspects of competitive chess, including mental endurance and tactical skill.
“These children have been prepared thoroughly and we have no doubt they will emerge victorious,” Wambui said.
“Chess requires patience, concentration, strategy, and a lot of brain energy as one contemplates their next move so we have trained them on both the technical and psychological fronts, and I believe they are ready to shine,” she explained.
She added that the growing interest in chess within Murang’a County was a sign that more parents and schools were embracing the sport as a key component of holistic education.
Her sentiments were echoed by fellow coach Joyce Waithera, who praised the discipline and commitment shown by the five players.
She noted that the ability of children as young as four to grasp complex chess concepts demonstrated the importance of early mentorship.
“We are proud of how far they have come,” Waithera said. “When a child develops interest early and receives the right support, the results are incredible. These kids think fast, plan several moves ahead, and are fearless when facing opponents. Those are the qualities of future champions,” Waithera said.
Parents were encouraged to nurture talents in line with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes the development of practical skills alongside academic knowledge.
Peter Githinji, father to one of the finalists, urged parents to pay attention to their children’s abilities, saying talent can grow into a life-changing opportunity if well supported.
“My son showed interest in chess while he was in Grade Three,” he said adding, “Now he is in Grade Six, and he is going places. He has made me proud. CBC requires that we also focus on extracurricular activities, and chess has proven to be one of the best platforms for developing discipline and critical thinking.”
He called on parents to embrace the evolving education landscape where sports, arts, and other talents are increasingly recognized as pathways to future careers.
Joyce Mwangi, on behalf of the county government noted that despite being inexpensive chess still requires logistical support, training materials, and travel facilitation for young players participating in international competitions all of which had been catered for by the county government.
“We want Murang’a to become a chess powerhouse, and with dedicated children like these, we are already on the right path,” she said.
“As a County we hope our young stars will make their mark in Zimbabwe and return home not only with medals but with experiences that will shape their journey in the world of chess and we wish them the very best,” Mwangi said.
The Africa Youth Chess Championship is expected to attract hundreds of players from across the continent, creating a platform for cultural exchange, competition, and continental ranking advancement.
