Murang’a: When Chess was introduced to Mr. Josephat Kariuki Kimani while he was a second-year student at Kenyatta University, he did not realize its’ potential impact to transform the economic fortunes of a generation and entire community. Kimani says he learnt to play Chess from a British soldier who was at the time based at Kahawa Barracks and had volunteered to train students at the neighbouring campus over the weekends for free.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kimani’s journey with chess has been a transformative one. After his graduation from KU, he was in 2014 posted to Brethren Day Secondary School in Laikipia County. Initially, his efforts to introduce chess to students met with little interest. However, in 2020, Kimani was transferred to Tigithi Boys Secondary School near Nanyuki Town, where he found a chess board and endeavored to offer chess training. Yet again, he faced challenges as the principal was not supportive, leading to the students’ lack of participation in regional tournaments.
Undeterred, Kimani sought a transfer to Murang’a County, hoping to be posted to elite schools where chess was embraced. However, he was assigned to Kamune Day Secondary, a school where chess was an unfamiliar concept. At Kamune Day, Kimani introduced chess to students with persistence and passion, similar to how the British soldier had pursued him during his university days. His dedication paid off as students began to show interest, and in 2023, he introduced both music and chess at the school.
Kimani’s efforts bore fruit, and in 2024, his students reached the regional school competitions level. As the Founder/Director of Chess Masters Club based in Kamacharia Division, Mathoiya sub county in Murang’a, Kimani applies the same relentless pursuit to any student showing interest in chess. The club trains individuals from grade one to adults, offering both intellectual and competitive training.
Despite financial constraints preventing some students from participating in international tournaments, Kimani remains committed to providing opportunities for young chess enthusiasts. He has been instrumental in lobbying for chess to be included in schools’ co-curriculum activities, ensuring that talented learners from disadvantaged backgrounds are not excluded from the game.
Kimani’s dedication extends beyond chess training as he also addresses social challenges in the community. By providing free training sessions during school holidays and organizing events like the ‘Murang’a Chess Mashinani’ initiative, he aims to curb idleness and reduce vices such as alcohol and drug abuse among the youth.
The impact of Kimani’s work is evident as many of his trainees have excelled academically and pursued higher education. Chess has not only improved their critical thinking skills but also provided them with a constructive way to spend their free time. With chess now recognized as a competing discipline in schools, Kimani’s dream of enabling every child to participate in chess is being realized, further empowering the youth of Murang’a County.
