20/08/2026
Kenya Chess Teams Deliver Double Gold at FEASSA Games in Tanzania
Kenya has struck gold in both the boys’ and girls’ chess competitions at the ongoing Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSA) Games in Morogoro, Tanzania.
The Kenyan teams defied the odds, overcoming stronger-rated opponents and more internationally experienced sides to dominate the chess competition.
In the boys’ Open section, the Kenya–Uganda rivalry provided the tournament’s biggest storyline.
St. Henry’s College Kitovu, the pre-tournament rating favourites made a strong start by defeating Kenya 1 by 3½–½ in the opening round. The Ugandan side went on to win most of its matches, with the exception of draws against fellow Ugandan representatives Wampewo Ntake.
However, Kenya 1 responded impressively. Despite entering the tournament with a team average rating of 1654, compared with 1815 for St. Henry’s and 1690 for Wampewo Ntake, the Kenyan side produced crucial results against both Ugandan teams.
Kenya 1 defeated Wampewo Ntake 2½–1½ and then held St. Henry’s to a dramatic draw in the decisive final encounter, securing the gold medal.
After 10 rounds, Kenya 1 finished top with 25 match points and 30½ board points. St. Henry’s College Kitovu took silver with 24 match points and 28 board points, while Wampewo Ntake finished third with 20 match points and 27½ board points. Kenya 2 placed fourth with 12 match points and 17½ board points.
The final round produced further drama, with Kenya 1 closing its campaign with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mongola from Tanzania .
Several players stood out during the competition.Wampewo Ntake’s Jonathan Ndawula, rated 1578, produced an outstanding performance, scoring 8 points from 10 games. St. Henry’s top board Osborn Tulinaye, rated 1929, was equally impressive, scoring 8 points from 9 games.
Kenya was equally dominant in the girls’ competition, winning gold and bronze and leaving their opponents to battle for silver.The Kenyan team, which entered as the rating favourite, lived up to expectations by winning all its matches and collecting three of the available board prizes.
The final match between Wampewo Ntake and Kenya 2 determined the bronze medal position. Kenya 2 secured a hard-fought victory over Wampewo, earning the bronze medal and completing Kenya’s double podium finish.
WFM Elizabeth Cassidy a sweep of 3/4 golds in board medals finished with maximum 10/10, followed by Fantalis Nduta 9.5/10 and Shukri Shakira 9/10. The other gold went to Juliet Arinaitwe of Uganda.
The Kenya team morel was high with presence of President of ACC, Mr. Benard Wanjala and President of Chess Kenya Mr. Andrew Owili.
The FEASSA Games bring together secondary-school athletes from across East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.
Chess was introduced as a competitive discipline at the Games last year in Kakamega, Kenya. The inaugural edition also attracted the attention of international school chess leadership, with International School Chess Federation President Timur Tulov gracing the event in Kenya.
Kenya’s double gold in Morogoro marks another significant milestone for school chess in the region and underlines the growing competitiveness of chess at the East African secondary-school level.
Regards
Chess Kenya
