International Chess Day is celebrated annually on July 20, the day the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded in 1924. The idea to celebrate the day was proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1966 and it has been celebrated ever since.
Speaking at Kahuho Uhuru High School during the Chess Kenya Kiambu Regional Chess qualifiers, Chess Kenya Federation President Bernard Wanjala stated that chess is an all-inclusive sport that fosters the development of critical life skills that are necessary for overcoming real-life challenges with confidence.
“Because of the nature of the sport, which encourages quick thinking and problem-solving capabilities, the Chess in Schools programme was introduced and it has been a huge driving force in the growth of the sport in Kenya,” Wanjala said.
“The sport has been key in boosting the mental health of students who take part in it as it enhances critical thinking, fosters intellectual growth, fosters strategic brilliance, fosters friendships and enhances responsible decision-making skills by teaching the students values like patience, concentration, perseverance and good sportsmanship,” he added.
He noted that the Kenya National Schools Chess Championship would take place from August 12–16 at Kabarak University in Nakuru, with the regional qualifiers being held in this month from July 20–30 in various regions countrywide.
“We recently concluded the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) International Conference in June, where numerous education stakeholders were invited and chess was one of the most discussed sports as part of content to be introduced in the new competency-based curriculum,” said Wanjala.
Director, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Dr. Lydiah Mucheru acknowledged that chess had been made a subject in grades 10 and above and called upon KAS, the Teachers Service Commission and the Ministry of Education to assist in the preparation of teachers in regards to the new development.
“Chess is a constructive sport that can help young people utilise their time, especially when they are free. The game can be played anywhere as you only require a chess board and its pieces,” Mucheru said.
“It also positively exposes them to the outside world, helping them avoid the influence of drugs and alcohol that are destroying the lives of our youth and I therefore urge administrators to take the sport seriously by supporting the students who play and finding sponsors to help in funding the activity,” she added.
Currently, the federation has introduced the game in forty primary schools, twenty-nine secondary schools and three universities within the county. The federation is also associated with cooperative societies that give sponsorships to chess players since it is an income-generating indoor sport.
“We have plans to hosting chess in schools’ seminar later in the year and in this regard, we are currently holding discussions with KAS as we also call on other sponsors. More details will be communicated once the discussions are concluded,” said Wanjala.
By Hellen Lunalo
