St. Patrick’s Makunga Chess Club is aiming to represent Kenya at the East African Games in Morogoro, Tanzania, following an outstanding performance in Rift Valley chess competitions that saw the school’s girls’ team remain unbeaten against some of the region’s top schools.
Speaking after the team’s recent competitions, chess patron Daniel Wekesa said the school is now preparing players for the Rift Valley Open, where they hope to qualify for the Kenya National Chess Championships and eventually secure slots for the East African Games scheduled for August.
“Our goal is to qualify for the national championships and earn the opportunity to represent Kenya at the East African Games in Tanzania,” Wekesa said.
He revealed that the girls’ team won all seven of its matches during the regional tournament, defeating strong opponents including Kapsabet Girls, Moi Kabarak, Moi Girls Eldoret, St. Mark’s Girls, and St. Joseph’s Girls.
Wekesa also praised learner Ian Oloj, who earned a bronze certificate, adding that six girls and one boy from the school are in contention for selection to the Rift Valley team that will compete at the national championships.
According to Wekesa, St. Patrick’s School began its chess journey in 2012, with the recently established Makunga Chess Club accelerating player development through regular training sessions and participation in at least two competitive tournaments every month.
He said the club has also strengthened collaboration with other chess institutions, helping learners gain valuable competitive experience while raising the school’s profile in Kenyan chess.
Wekesa commended the Ministry of Education for supporting school sports by providing accommodation and meals during competitions. He welcomed plans to expand government support for school games, noting that national champions could receive full sponsorship to represent Kenya at the East African level.
He also thanked St. Patrick’s School Principal Moses Wabwire and the school’s Board of Management for their continued support of the chess programme.
“Our principal has consistently supported chess and other school projects. His encouragement has enabled our learners to compete and excel at regional tournaments,” Wekesa said.
The school now hopes its impressive performances in Rift Valley competitions will translate into national qualification and ultimately a place at the East African Games in Morogoro, Tanzania.
