Kitale School emerged as the best primary school at the Trans Nzoia regional chess qualifiers, leading a strong field of competitors from across the region.
The winners will now advance to the highly anticipated national championships set to take place at Mang’u High School from April 1 to April 4.
Lamplighter Academy was named the best private school, while St. Monica’s Girls clinched the top position among girls’ secondary schools.
Boma Boys was crowned the best boys’ secondary school, and St. Patrick Makunga took the title of best mixed secondary school.
In the overall rankings, Kitale School secured the top position, followed closely by St. Monica’s Girls, underscoring their exceptional performance across multiple categories.
The event attracted more than 1,000 students from approximately 25 schools, marking one of the largest turnouts ever recorded in the region.
Participants included learners from primary, junior, and secondary levels, all competing for a chance to qualify for the national stage.
Regional chess coordinator Iseme Etyang described the competition as a major success, noting that it exceeded expectations in both organization and participation.
“Students who scored more than two points out of a possible six have earned the opportunity to represent the county at the national level, marking an important step in their competitive chess journey,” said Etyang.
Organizers attributed the rising popularity of chess to increased awareness and strong support from stakeholders, including the Chess Kenya Federation and the Ministry of Education.
The recognition of chess as an official co-curricular activity under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has been a significant milestone.
Chess federation president Bennett Wanjala emphasized the rapid expansion of the sport across the country, noting that increased participation and institutional support are driving its growth in schools and communities alike.
“Chess is no longer seen as just a game—it has become a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills among students, preparing them for both academic and real-world challenges,” he said.
He added: “We are seeing tremendous growth not just in Trans Nzoia, but also in other regions such as Nairobi and Kajiado, reflecting a nationwide surge in interest and participation in chess among students of all levels”
Officials highlighted the positive impact of chess on academic performance, emphasizing that students who actively engage in the game tend to develop stronger analytical thinking, improved concentration, and enhanced problem-solving abilities.
The treasurer of Chess Trans Nzoia Phoebe Mukwana noted that active participation in chess not only enhances concentration and analytical skills but also helps students develop patience, strategic thinking, and better decision-making abilities both in and out of the classroom.
“Students involved in chess tend to perform better academically because the game sharpens their thinking, strengthens their focus, and encourages disciplined problem-solving,” said Mukwana.
Organizers confirmed ongoing efforts to expand access to chess training in underserved regions.
They highlighted initiatives such as training over 100 new coaches in the past year to ensure that students from remote areas have the opportunity to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.
While participation among boys remains slightly higher—estimated at 60 percent compared to 40 percent for girls—officials noted that the gender gap is steadily narrowing as more girls embrace the sport.
