Humble Beginnings to National Championships

“Do not despise a small beginning.” Zechariah 4:10

It was a humble beginning when in 2015, we initiated chess in the Mukuru slum. I remember vividly the first board we used to learn chess with my colleague, we made it from cardboard, and we drew the images of chess pieces on pieces of paper.

Just like a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) chess has grown in Mukuru and has extended its branches to Kibra. In addition, it has given us the best platform as a ministry to affect the lives of the participants and their friends by restoring hope and transforming their lives. Our players, the "tactical genius team” have shown high levels of discipline, tactics, and skill to play chess. Through this, more than 100 players have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior, 2 received relocation support to estates away from the slums, while others have shown excellent academic performances in both primary and secondary schools thus enabling them to join good secondary schools and universities. Some have represented Kenya in international tournaments. These are just a few of the benefits of offering chess in Mukuru. Currently, we have more than 800 kids who are playing chess both in schools and community centers.

Chess Kenya had given us a wide berth and I am thankful to God that his timing is always the best. When I approached the chairman, he gave me a listening ear and he assured us of his support. This month, he brought some visitors from FIDE (world chess governing body) led by the managing director, Mrs. Reizniece-Ozola and African Chess Confederation president, Mr. Lewis Ncube and Kenya Chess Federation president, Mr. Benard Wanjala. The FIDE president who was also supposed to attend was forced to fly back home after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They visited some of our partner schools and spoke with our players and coaches. We are grateful for their visit and hopeful that they will support us to fulfill our vision of growing chess in schools (one board for two players).

Our players participated in the Nairobi Regional Junior Chess Championship. Out of 65 players (55from Mukuru and 10 from Kibra), 60 qualified to represent us in the Kenya National Youth Chess Championship In Mombasa, April 1-6. Furthermore, I coordinated our players who are in high schools to play in their regions. Sarah Momanyi was the champion in U16 girl's category in Kiambu Regional qualifiers, Kennedy Omwanza was the first runner-up in Kisii Regional qualifiers and others like Denis Kaniaru, Pasaka Junior and my daughter Paulete Angel, also qualified to the nationals. We will start our training sessions on March 7th, in the afternoons because we will be running the Vocational Bible Study in the morning. We are optimistic that several of our players will qualify to represent Kenya in the International Chess Championship.

We appreciate SOI for their unwavering support that has enabled us to walk alongside these players. We look forward to greater days as we expand our territory to reach out for more souls. Matthew 28:19-20 is our great commission.

Thank you.

Jose phat, Sports Outreach Kenya, Chess Coach