The White Swan School in Embu County is celebrating a major milestone after one of its participating students, Justin Ngumo, qualified for an international chess event during the 2026 Kenya National Youth and Cadets Chess Championships (KNYCC) held at Mang’u High School.
Ngumo delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 5 points out of a possible 8 games to secure a coveted spot at the upcoming international chess tournament in Kampala, Uganda, from May 14 to 23.
His achievement makes him the school’s latest international chess champion, a feat that has sparked pride among students, parents, and the wider community.
The national competition brought together top young chess players from across the country, with participants earning one point for a win, half a point for a draw, and zero for a loss. Only players who scored at least 5 points qualified for the international event.
Close behind Ngumo were Tyler Dylone and Manuel Ray Odhiambo from the same school, who each scored 4 points, narrowly missing qualification by a single point.
Other participants from the school also posted commendable results, highlighting the institution’s growing strength in the sport.
In total, The White Swan School fielded eight players at the national championships, all of whom had qualified through earlier stages.
Their collective performance reflects a strong culture of discipline, strategic thinking, and resilience.
School representatives attributed the success to consistent preparation and support from coaches, parents, and school leadership.
They noted that chess, as a mental sport, demands not only technical skill but also psychological endurance and the ability to learn from setbacks.
“With proper mental, physical, and psychological preparation, our players have shown great growth. This achievement is a testament to their commitment and courage,” School’s director Patrick Njamiu noted.
As Ngumo prepares to represent Kenya on the international stage, the school has appealed to well-wishers and stakeholders for support to facilitate participation in the Kampala tournament.
The team expressed optimism that the exposure will further nurture talent and elevate the school’s profile in competitive chess.
The school community credited their success to teamwork, determination, and faith, celebrating the milestone under their motto: “We bloom in Grace.”
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