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Twenty-three players, four coaches and three associations were among the top performers honoured by Chess Kenya for their exemplary work in 2021 in a colourful event held at Stima Sports Club Nairobi on Sunday evening.

Martin Njoroge was crowned the best performing player overall in the men’s category with Joseph Methu and Candidate Master Ben Magana coming second and third respectively. Njoroge’s recognition came after he won the 2021 national championship besides representing Kenya at the World Amateurs Chess Championships in Greece (October 2021) and in Africa Individuals Chess Championships in Malawi (May 2021).

In the ladies’ category Woman Candidate Master Joyce Nyaruai was the toast of the year. She is currently Kenya’s highest-rated lady. In 2021, she was the top lady in Murang’a Open Chess Championship, Village Market Open, Nairobi Open, and Nakuru Open. She also represented Kenya at the World Amateurs Chess Championships in Greece (October 2021) as well as in Africa Individuals Chess Championships in Malawi (May 2021).

Upcoming generation 

Impressive Glenda Madelta was second and Woman Fide Master (WFM) Sasha Mongeli third. 

In the best performing players with disabilities, Sadam Ali Sheikh, Clement Miheso, and Alfred Simiyu won the top three prizes as Mercy Cherono, and Margaret Kinyua won top two places in the ladies living with disabilities.

In the upcoming generation, Robert Mcligeyo won the Under-18 Boys category ahead of Timothy Mwabu and CM Lwanga Aguda as highly-rated youngster Elizabeth Cassidy won the Under-18 top prize in the Ladies category followed by Yvonne Adego Mwashe and Mercy Ingado.

The best performing coaches in 2021 were National Instructor Moses Andiwoh who came out top followed by Fide Instructor James Kangaru, Tom Amwai and NI/FA Ronald Bolo.

The top event of the year went to Kenya National Chess Championships 2021 organised by Andrew Owili and Rhoda Olisa where the top prize was a car with the 2021Mombasa Open Chess Championship organised by Paul Ombui and Village Market Open Chess Championship 2021 organised by Brian Kidula coming close second and third respectively.