The KCB Chess Team is gearing up to make a significant impact at the upcoming East Africa Chess Championship, scheduled for May 1–3, 2025, in Nakuru. With a legacy of excellence, the team is determined to showcase their prowess on home soil.

The tournament is set to feature over 100 players from six East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Somalia. Participants will compete in both open and ladies’ categories, with winners in each section receiving cash prizes and trophies.

KCB’s squad boasts a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents. Notably, Candidate Master Benjamin Magana leads the team, bringing extensive experience and strategic insight. FIDE Masters Martin Njoroge and Joyce Nyaruai, along with promising young talent Robert McLigeyo, are also part of the lineup. McLigeyo recently made headlines by clinching the 2024 Kenya National Chess Championship title, edging out his former coach, Joseph Methu, in a remarkable display of skill and determination .

Team Manager Isaac Babu expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, stating, “We are raring to participate in the East Africa Championship because we believe the plethora of talent within our squad hands the team a massive boost. We have been doing well in the league, so we expect to showcase the same desire and dominance at the competition. It also gives us an ideal platform to test ourselves against the best chess players from within the East African Region.”

With a rich history of success, including multiple Kenya National Chess League titles, the KCB Chess Team is poised to leave a lasting impression at the East Africa Chess Championship. Their participation not only highlights their individual talents but also underscores the growing prominence of chess in the region.

As the championship approaches, all eyes will be on Nakuru to witness the strategic brilliance and competitive spirit of the KCB Chess Team.