Youngsters Kigen, Aaliyah shine in school Chess Championships
Darien Kigen Rotich and Aaliyah Jasmine won the boys and girls under-7 open categories respectively as the 2023 Kenya National Schools chess championships concluded at Saint Wellspring School in Gilgil at the weekend.
The highly charged five-day tournament attracted clubs from various regions in the country with players showcasing exceptional talents to the satisfaction of fans.
The final round was a culmination of weeks of preparation and dedication with top Players leaving nothing to chance to secure their places in the Nationals to be held later this year.
The event attracted over 2200 players. Back to the boys under-7, Kigen prevailed over his opponents and was pursued by Marc Anoitine Ishimwe of Premiere Academy in Nairobi and Andy Zayue Wright of Mirema School with both players registering seven points apiece.
The girls’ category was equally closely contested and whilst Aaliyah led with eight points, Naomi Wamwenje Of Waridi Chjess Academy and Patricia Waeru of Moi Nyeri Complex Primary followed closely with seven points each.
Makini School of Nairobi was voted the best Primary School with b54 points while KBA School won the top accolades in the girls with a total of 46 points to his name.
St. Patrick’s High School Iten, an institution which is also famous for producing top athletes, was the best secondary school while the best mixed secondary school was Makini School in Nairobi.
