The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi has hailed Team Kenya after etching its name into the history books following a remarkable performance at the 2025 Africa Youth Chess Championship held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The team emerged as the overall top nation among 16 participating countries. Kenya claimed an unprecedented 10 medals with four gold, two silver and four bronze, marking the first time since the championship’s formation in 1976 that Kenya has dominated the continental youth chess event so decisively.

”This outstanding performance attests to the exceptional tactical skills, composure and consistency of Kenya’s formidable team against Africa’s top young chess gurus. Kenya’s dominant showing points to the positive impact in our strategic investment in promoting and supporting chess as a sport,” he said on.

”As a State Department, we are delighted that Kenya is stamping her continental and global dominance in other sporting disciplines as we strive to grow and develop talents across diverse sports. We are extremely proud of our young chess champions for flying Kenya’s flag high at the continental stage,” the PS added.

The historic medal haul was headlined by four outstanding gold-medal performances. Cyprian Mbaabu triumphed in the Under-16 Open, WCM Elizabeth Cassidy Maina captured gold in the Under-14 Girls, Nathaniel Manyeki topped the Under-10 Open, while Breetalizah Amanda delivered another gold for Kenya in the Under-10 Girls category.

N’gani elated

Speaking on the Saturday, December 13, 2025 triumph , head coach Victor N’gani: ”It is one of the proudest moments of my career as a chess player and coach, because Kenya, for the first time, emerged victorious. It was not close; we were the best county by a mile. This is a result of six years of consistent hard work by some very talented children. I must say that a lot of praise goes to the federation itself; it is one of the best-run federations in the country, and we have had a lot of support from the Ministry.”

Their victories showcased exceptional tactical skill, composure and consistency against Africa’s strongest young chess talents.

Kenya’s impressive showing was further strengthened by two silver medals, won by Davidson Waweru Mugo in the Under-14 Open and Winnie Kaburo in the Under-12 Girls, both narrowly missing out on gold after highly competitive rounds.

The team’s depth was evident in the four bronze medals earned by Gene Pence Mukwana in the Under-8 Open, Jayne Awuor in the Under-8 Girls, Danson Ryan Kimani in the Under-12 Open, and Fantalis Lucy Nduta in the Under-14 Girls category.

Preparation and gratitude

The outstanding results were credited to a two-week intensive residential training programme undertaken before the championship.
Head Coach Dr Victor Ng’ani, assisted by Coach Tom Amwai, whose technical preparation, game analysis and psychological conditioning played a vital role in readying the players for high-level competition, led the team’s training. Their leadership instilled discipline, confidence and a winning mentality that was evident throughout the tournament.

Chess Kenya expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, led by Cabinet Secretary Mvurya, Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, and the Department of Sports under Director Indakwa Jackson, for their continued support in nurturing young talent and facilitating Kenya’s participation at the continental level. The support provided was instrumental in enabling the players to represent the country with distinction.