Nakuru’s young chess talents stole the spotlight at Radiant School on Saturday, dominating the opening junior event of the 2026 Chess Kenya calendar and turning the tournament into a showcase of emerging brilliance. A record 425 players from across the country descended on the venue, and by the final round, Nakuru-based competitors had swept a host of trophies and medals.
Standout Performances and Rising Stars
In the Under-7 boys section, Ken Muchela of Nakuru Chess Academy was flawless, collecting maximum points to claim top honours. The girls’ title in the same age group went to Esther Hadassah of Chess Whitts Academy, who finished on five points to take the crown.
A headline-grabber was Jayne Awuor of Gilgil Hills Academy — the African Under-10 bronze medallist — who made a triumphant local debut by winning the Under-9 girls category with a perfect score. Her international pedigree, earned in Zimbabwe last year, translated seamlessly to the national stage.
Tight Races and Local Dominance
The Under-9 boys crown belonged to Jaden Akuka (Gilgil Hills Academy) with six points, while Taiden Mbugua Macharia and Aiden Waweru Macharia of Wu-Burn Academy shared the minor placings on five points each. In the Under-11 girls bracket, Briana Mary of Kipepeo swept every match to finish unbeaten, with Rinnah Ammelia and Wairema Macharia close behind on five points.
The Under-11 boys title went to Alvin Ndungu of St. Anthony Chess Club, who amassed six points. Nakuru Chess Academy’s Daniel Mutua Maingi was a narrow runner-up on six points, while Wabwire Simiyu completed the podium with five.
Organisers Praise Turnout and Growth
Tournament organiser Dickson Gitari expressed delight at the turnout, noting the unusual timing at the start of the school term. “Normally, we do not get such numbers at the start of the term, since schools have just opened and they need time to settle before getting involved in extracurricular activities,” he said. “We are delighted by the turnout, and it shows how the sport has grown, especially in Nakuru.”
Sponsors and Support
Gitari also extended gratitude to sponsors Trace My Car, whose Kshs 100,000 donation helped fund the trophies that crowned the day’s champions. Their backing underlined the growing community and corporate support for youth chess across the region.
What This Means for Nakuru Chess
The weekend’s results underline Nakuru’s emergence as a chess hotbed, with local academies producing disciplined, tournament-ready youngsters. As the Chess Kenya season unfolds, these rising stars will carry momentum and expectation — and the national circuit will be watching closely as Nakuru’s juniors aim to convert local dominance into national glory.
