Kenya’s visually impaired chess team has traveled to Montenegro for the 20th IBCA Team Championship 2026, further establishing the nation’s expanding footprint in adaptive chess. The contingent includes four players and two officials who have gained valuable experience through domestic competitions and recent involvement at the PWD Olympiad in Kazakhstan.
Standout performers include Ronny Ongadi Otieno and Clinton Muriithi Munene, both acclaimed for their steady results in home and international visually impaired chess events. They are accompanied by Wycliffe Nganga Ndiki and Stephen Mboya Onyango, forming the complete Kenyan playing team.
Harrison Mugi Nyaga serves as delegation head, with Meroline Achieng Odhiambo accompanying as official. Both have been pivotal in training initiatives in Thika and Kisumu, notably at Kibos School for the Blind. Chess Kenya currently possesses 54 Braille chess boards, enhancing training and competition opportunities for visually impaired athletes across various institutions.
Nyaga, who is also a member of the IBCA Board, has significantly contributed to the progress of visually impaired chess. Financial support for the journey included contributions from Dr. Jorgen Magnusson, whose sponsorship covered travel and expenses prior to his recent death.
Chess Kenya managed the remaining arrangements, guaranteeing the team was completely prepared for the Montenegro championship. The delegation brings high hopes based on years of organized training and increasing international recognition in adaptive chess. They seek to build on their Kazakhstan experience and enhance Kenya’s standing in visually impaired chess worldwide.
The article Kenya’s visually impaired chess team departs for Montenegro IBCA championship 2026 was initially published by Radio47.