Thirty-six chess players will be selected from the just-concluded 2026 National Youth and Cadet Chess Championship to join the national chess team that will represent Kenya at the Africa Youth Championships. Another 200 players have qualified to take part in the 2026 Chess National Youth and Cadet Championships play-offs.
The top 11 players have advanced to the playoffs, scheduled from April 10th to 15th, while all players scoring five points and above have earned spots to represent Kenya at the 17th Africa Youth Chess Championship, set for May 14th to 23rd, 2026, at the Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda.
Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday, Bernard Wanjala, President of Chess Kenya (CK), said the federation’s 2026 calendar is packed with activities, providing opportunities for many players to shine after the national event at Mang’u High School in Kiambu County, held over three days from April 3rd to 7th, 2026.
“Over 8,000 players took part in the national championships, and the top 11 players, who scored seven points and above, qualified for the playoffs,” Wanjala said.
“The tournament featured U-8, U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16, and U-18 sections in both Open and Girls’ categories, serving as a qualifying event for the African Youth Chess Championships,” he added.
Among the notable champions were four-time national champion Zuri Kaloki, who again won the girls’ U-16 category, and Angel Kagambi from Buruburu Girls’ School, who claimed the U-18 title.
The event was also attended by Susan Namangale, former president of the Malawi Chess Federation and now Zone 4.5 president, covering ten countries across Southern Africa.
“We are touring Kenya donating chess boards made from recycled plastics—200 boards were given to Kaluma Refugee Camp and another 200 to Kibra slums,” she said, adding that she could not resist the urge to stop by Mang’u High School and witness a historic 8,500 students competing in chess.