Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to investing in youth talent development after hosting members of the Kiambu County Chess Association Under-18 team who recently excelled at regional chess championships held in Kampala, Uganda.
The young players, representing various schools across Kiambu County, returned home with multiple medals after competing against top participants from several countries. Their achievements were celebrated during a special recognition ceremony attended by county leaders, sports officials, parents, and members of the chess fraternity.
Congratulating the students, Governor Wamatangi described their success as a major milestone for Kiambu and an indication that the county’s youth can compete effectively on the international stage.
“The achievements of these young players make us proud as a county. Their dedication and discipline demonstrate the immense potential that exists among our youth,” said the governor.
He emphasized the importance of chess as a tool for intellectual growth, noting that the game sharpens critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills among learners.
County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication, Osman Korar, praised the governor’s continued support for sports development, saying the county was expanding its focus beyond traditional sporting disciplines.
According to Korar, the county has already supported football, boxing, basketball, and other sports, with plans underway to strengthen chess programmes through coaching, equipment provision, and structured training initiatives.
He revealed that discussions were ongoing to establish a network of trainers who would nurture young talent across the county and help grow the sport at grassroots level.
Members of the County Assembly present at the event also commended the young champions and urged the county government to dedicate more resources to chess development. They acknowledged the governor’s efforts in promoting sports and called for increased funding to support competitions, training programmes, and equipment acquisition.
In his address, Governor Wamatangi challenged the perception that only mainstream sports deserve attention, noting that intellectual games can create opportunities for young people while opening doors to international recognition and success.
He said chess provides a productive avenue for youth engagement by enhancing concentration, discipline, and decision-making skills.
“When young people engage in mind games such as chess, they develop valuable life skills that prepare them for leadership and success in the future,” he said.
The governor further announced plans to introduce chess programmes in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres across the county. He proposed a model where chess instructors would directly engage learners while teachers undergo specialized training to facilitate the programme.
He said the county government would work closely with chess associations and stakeholders to establish long-term support mechanisms, including sponsorships for tournaments, training opportunities, equipment, and international exposure.
Governor Wamatangi stressed the need to ensure that talented children are not denied opportunities due to financial challenges, citing previous instances where the county had stepped in to support gifted learners who lacked resources to participate in international competitions.
He pledged continued support for the chess community and encouraged stakeholders to develop proposals that would enable the county to provide meaningful and sustainable assistance.
The event also showcased the county’s broader youth empowerment agenda, which includes support for sports development, ICT training programmes, coaching initiatives, and economic empowerment projects targeting young people.
During the ceremony, Governor Wamatangi received additional recognition when representatives of the International Association of World Peace Advocates conferred upon him the title of International Eminent Peace Ambassador.
The delegation, comprising representatives from several African countries, praised the governor for his contribution to education and youth development, particularly his efforts in strengthening Early Childhood Development Education programmes in Kiambu County.
Speaking during the presentation, Ambassador Emmanuel of the International Association of World Peace Advocates said the governor’s initiatives had attracted admiration beyond Kenya’s borders and served as a model for other leaders across Africa.
Accepting the honour, Governor Wamatangi thanked the organization and dedicated the award to the people of Kiambu, reaffirming his commitment to education, youth empowerment, and community development.
The celebration concluded with the presentation of gifts to the young chess players, a group photo session, and renewed calls for increased investment in intellectual sports to help nurture the next generation of leaders and champions.
The success of the Kiambu Under-18 chess team has further strengthened the county’s reputation as a growing centre for talent development, with leaders expressing confidence that more young people will achieve international success through continued support and mentorship.
