Mombasa Launches Swahili Chess with Traditional Board Designs

Mombasa’s *Bahari Chess Club* debuted Swahili Chess on February 14, 2025—featuring hand-carved boards with dhow, baobab, and sun motifs, and pieces named after coastal roles (e.g., *Mfalme* = King, *Mwizi* = Bishop). Tournaments include storytelling between moves. Chess isn’t foreign—it’s ours, reimagined, said founder Salim Rajab. The style is now taught in 32 Coast schools. KCF hosted the National Swahili Chess Fest in Mombasa in August. UNESCO is documenting it for cultural heritage.