Chess Kenya (CK) has nominated Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School as Kenya’s representative to the Africa Schools Team Chess Championship 2026, scheduled to take place in Western Cape, South Africa, in July 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CK defended its decision, saying the nomination follows the school’s outstanding performance during the Kenya National Youth Chess Championship 2025, held at Kitale National Polytechnic from August 1 to 5, 2025.
“Following the Chief Arbiter’s report from the 2025 championship, Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School emerged as the best overall primary school in the competition. Considering the high level of competition at the event, this achievement is highly commendable,” read part of the statement.
The federation added that based on this performance, the school has been nominated to represent Kenya at the Africa Schools Team Chess Championship 2026.
The chess players from Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School who have been shortlisted based on merit and their performance at the national championship, and who will be considered for the South Africa tour, are:
Patricia Wairimu Waweru – Category: Under 10 Girls; Points Attained: 6.5; Position in Category: 13; Top 20 Points Earned: 8.
Trevor Kipngetich Waweru – Elo Rating: 1503; Category: Under 12 Boys; Points Attained: 8; Position in Category: 2; Top 20 Points Earned: 19.
Irwin Ndege Ndegwa – Elo Rating: 1427; Category: Under 12 Boys; Points Attained: 7; Position in Category: 10; Top 20 Points Earned: 11.
Davidson Mugo Waweru – Elo Rating: 1767; Category: Under 14 Boys; Points Attained: 6.5; Position in Category: 14; Top 20 Points Earned: 7.
Nathaniel Waithaka Itiru – Elo Rating: 1449; Category: Under 14 Boys; Points Attained: 6; Position in Category: 34.
Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School will carry the responsibility of flying Kenya’s flag at the continental level, with the possibility of progressing to global competitions if they perform well.
According to tournament regulations, participating players must have been born on or after January 1, 2012, but not later than December 31, 2018. Player selection prioritized performance at the national championship, inclusion of at least one girl, and representation from higher age categories, as Under 8 players are not considered.