Chess Kenya has officially formed its inaugural national chess team for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), selecting four players during the fourth edition of the Kenya National Chess Championships held over the weekend at the Chess Kenya Secretariat in Nairobi.
In a statement released Monday, the federation highlighted its commitment to resilience, inclusivity, and competitive excellence, noting that the event brought together 18 participants from three key disability categories: Physically Handicapped (PH), Hearing Impaired (HI), and Visually Impaired (VI).
Due to limited entries within individual categories, the Organizing Committee, following FIDE guidelines and best practices, merged all players into a single Open Section, ensuring a fair and competitive tournament structure.
The championship also served as the official qualifier for Kenya’s national PWD chess team, in accordance with guidelines from the Olympiad organizers. The selected players are:
- Philip Olilo Odongo – Hearing Impaired (Male)
- Janet Atieno – Hearing Impaired (Female)
- Alex Kipkoech – Physically Handicapped
- Otieno Ronny – Visually Impaired
Chess Kenya emphasized that it remains committed to maintaining high standards as it continues to professionalize chess across the country and promote the game as a sport for all.
“Our approach has ensured fair play, enhanced competitiveness, and allowed for a 7-round Swiss System format that upheld the integrity and international standards of tournament chess,” the federation said.
Although Kenya is not yet listed among invited nations for the upcoming World Chess Olympiad for Persons with Disabilities, the federation’s president is currently engaging with FIDE and other organizers to secure participation for the country.