Nine-time Kenya Chess Premier League champions KCB have departed for Botswana to compete in the 2026 African Individual Chess Championship, set to take place from 18 to 27 June 2026 at Cresta Lodge in Jwaneng.
The championship is one of Africa's most prestigious chess tournaments, bringing together the continent's finest players to battle for honours in the Open and Women's categories over nine rounds under the Swiss-system format.
KCB will field a strong nine-player squad comprising Joseph Methu, Woman FIDE Master Joyce Nyaruai, Candidate Master Ian Mutuge, Hugh Misiko, Woman FIDE Master Elizabeth Cassidy, Hawi Kaloki, Candidate Master Emmanuel Egesa, Woman Candidate Master Bella Nashipae, and FIDE Master Jadon Simiyu. The team will be guided by coaches Isaac Babu and Vincent Owuor.
The team was flagged off by KCB Director of Credit and Team Patron Bernard Okello, in the presence of KCB Chess Chairman and KCB Foundation Programme Manager Bernard Barasa, who wished the team success ahead of the continental assignment.
“We are proud of the preparation and discipline the players have shown. This championship presents a major opportunity for growth, and the team understands what is required to compete at this level,” said KCB Bank Director Credit and Team Patron Bernard Okello.
