The Kenya Chess Federation (KCF) has donated 100 pieces of chess boards to Busia County with a view to introducing the sporting activity in schools.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the items to Busia Chief Officer for Sports on Sunday, Western Chess Coordinator Situma Makokha said that the move is to demystify the notion that Chess is expensive and therefore meant for the rich people living in big towns like Nairobi.
“We are here to walk the chess journey with Busia students and residents at large,” he said, adding that most people know about the game but do not engage in it.
Makokha added that the items will be given to schools including St. Thomas Aquinas in Madende, Joe Destiny, St. James Model, and Resonate Elite, among others.
He encouraged the residents to embrace chess as the sport will enable them to earn a living, adding that most of the prizes have been won by Ugandans who cross over to compete, especially in Bungoma.
“We have been organizing games, among them the Nairobi Open, Mombasa Open, Bungoma Open, and Kitale Open, and people have been scooping millions of shillings and other items like vehicles.
Busia County Chief Officer for Sports Saviour Panyako said the County is ready to work with the Chess Kenya Federation National Board and incorporate chess in schools in Kenya Intercounty Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) games.
“We shall ensure that Busia schools embrace and play chess come August this year,” he said, adding that the sporting activity does not require a lot of space.
By Salome Alwanda
