Kiambu County Assembly Speaker Charles Thiong’o has pledged to support a 10-year-old chess player from Githunguri who will represent Kenya at the forthcoming East Africa Chess Championships in Tanzania.
Thiong’o made the commitment after meeting Shaniceez Ngendo, a Grade Five pupil at Karia Primary School, who paid him a courtesy call at the County Assembly of Kiambu ahead of her international assignment.
Ngendo was accompanied by her mother, Phidelis Nyakiumba, and coach Joseph Mbugua.
The young chess player secured fifth position in the girls’ Under-10 category at the Ministry of Education KPJSSA National Chess Championships, collecting six points in a strong field of competitors.
Her performance earned her a place in the Kenyan team for the East Africa Chess Championships, which are scheduled to be held in Morogoro, Tanzania, from August 16.
Thiong’o congratulated the youngster on her impressive performance, saying her achievement was a demonstration of the potential among children in Githunguri and Kiambu County when their talents are identified and nurtured early.
He pledged to stand behind Ngendo as she pursues her chess ambitions and prepares to compete on the regional stage.
The Speaker also praised Nyakiumba, Karia Primary School and coach Mbugua for the support they have given the youngster, saying such partnerships are critical in helping children translate their abilities into competitive success.
“Her achievement is a clear indication that our young people have enormous potential. What they need is the right environment, encouragement and support to develop their talents,” Thiong’o said.
He said he would continue championing sports development in Githunguri Sub-County, arguing that sporting activities provide an important avenue for identifying and developing talent among young people.
Thiong’o, a sports enthusiast and former football player, said his personal experience in sports had strengthened his belief in the ability of sporting activities to shape discipline, confidence and leadership among young people.
Ngendo’s selection for the Kenyan team comes as chess continues to attract growing interest among school-going children, with schools increasingly providing platforms for learners to compete at county, national and regional levels.
For the Grade Five pupil, the Tanzania championships will provide an opportunity to test her skills against some of the best young chess players in East Africa.
Her journey from the school chessboard in Githunguri to the national championships and now the regional stage has also highlighted the importance of sustained support from parents, schools, coaches and community leaders in nurturing emerging sporting talent.
With her place in the Kenyan team secured, attention now turns to Morogoro, where Ngendo will carry the hopes of her school, Githunguri and Kenya when the regional championships get underway on August 16.
