Nairobi’s KBA School emerged as champions in the junior category at the 2021 Mombasa Open International Chess Championship held at the Mombasa Continental Resort. The school accumulated 21 points across boys’ and girls’ divisions, surpassing Makini School (16 points) and Mombasa Chess Academy (8 points) in the competition.
The tournament, which took place on October 10, 2021, drew over 150 junior players from institutions including Makini School, Light Academy, KBA School, Mombasa Chess Academy, Lighthouse Chess Club, and Eastlands Chess Club. Uganda’s Master Haruna Subuga dominated the senior category, reclaiming the title after earning seven points from seven rounds—matching his 2013 championship performance.
In the senior men’s competition, KCB Bank’s Joseph Methu and Equity Bank’s Mathew Kanageni tied for second with 6.5 points each. KCB’s Githinji Hinga, Austin Walela, Victor Ngani, and former champion Mehul Gohil shared third place with 5.5 points. Technical University of Kenya’s Cynthia Abondo won the women’s title with 6.5 points, while KCB’s Gloria Jumba and Lighthouse Chess Club’s Mercy Igando placed second with 5.5 points.
Equity Bank Chess Club topped the corporate team category with 26 points, followed by KCB Bank (24.5 points). Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology led the university divisions with 21.5 points, ahead of Daystar University (16 points) and Kabarak University (14 points). Kenya Chess Federation President Bernard Wanjala stated the event served as preparation for the national open championship scheduled for December 12-20 in Nairobi.
