Kenya Chess Premier League leaders, KCB, are gearing up for a strong performance at the forthcoming Mombasa Open Chess Championship, scheduled to take place from October 20th to 22nd at the Mombasa Beach Hotel.

The tournament, a focal point for top regional chess players, promises intense competition and alluring prize purses across various categories.

In the open section of the tournament, the overall victor will be awarded a substantial prize of Sh50,000, with Sh20,000 reserved for the lady winner and a coveted trophy for the junior champion.


KCB’s Gloria Jumba (R) makes in action against Knights Chess Club Obonyo Abigael (L) during the Kenya National Chess league at KCB Sports Club Ruaraka on October 8, 2023. PHOTO/COURTESY

The KCB Chess Team, spearheaded by Candidate Master Benjamin Magana, will also feature the notable FIDE Masters Martin Njoroge and Joyce Nyaruai, alongside prominent chess players Bernard Nguku and the promising teenage sensation, Robert McLigeyo, among other talented individuals.

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Addressing the media during a rigorous training session held at the KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka, Team Manager Isaac Babu expressed the team's high hopes for the Mombasa Open.

"We are raring to participate in the Mombasa Open 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," Babu remarked. 

The competition will extend generous rewards to its participants.

The second-best player in the open section will receive a prize of Sh30,000, while the second-best player in the ladies' section will be awarded Sh15,000.

Junior participants, while not forgotten, will have the opportunity to clinch a silver medal, commemorating their skills in a competition that has thus far drawn 59 players.


KCB’s Martin Njoroge (L) recording his moves against Nakuru Chess Club Muchiri Thuku (R) during the Kenya National Chess league at KCB Sports Club Ruaraka on October 8, 2023.  PHOTO/COURTESY

KCB Chess Team currently stands as the frontrunner in the Kenya National Chess Premier League, leaving competitors such as Equity Chess Club, Nairobi Chess Club, and Nairobi Chess Academy and Club trailing behind in the ranking crosstable.

The team's impressive display in the current season places them in contention for yet another league title.

As anticipation builds, the KCB Chess Team will set off for Mombasa on Wednesday evening, confidently aiming for a stellar performance at the highly-anticipated Mombasa Open Chess Championship.