When talking about household names in the Kenyan chess community, one name stands tall: Candidate Master (CM) Benjamin Magana.
A towering figure both in stature and in his contribution to the game, Magana is a chess virtuoso whose journey has spanned over three decades.
His influence, however, goes beyond the chessboard as he continues to dedicate his time and expertise to nurturing Kenya’s next generation of chess talent.
Magana’s story began humbly in the mid-1980s, during his primary school years. Introduced to the game by his late brother Owino, he quickly fell in love with chess. “The foundation that I got from my late brother has played a vital role in my chess journey.
He planted the seed in me, and from that moment, chess became an integral part of my life,” Magana reflects. This seed would grow into a lifelong passion that would take him to international arenas and make him one of Kenya’s most decorated players.
At Strathmore Secondary School, Magana’s prowess on the chessboard began to take shape. In Form One, he stunned his schoolmates by winning the Strathmore Chess Championship. This victory set the tone for his high school chess career, as he went on to claim the title for three consecutive years.
This early success propelled him to the top of Kenya’s chess ranks, and by the time he joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Magana had already become a notable figure in local chess circles.
His university years were a delicate balancing act. Alongside his studies in mechanical engineering, Magana pursued both chess and rugby with passion. While his rugby dreams eventually took a back seat, his love for chess flourished.
In 1999, Magana joined the KCB Chess Club, a team that would become his second home for over two decades. That same year, he earned his first call-up to the Kenyan national chess team, marking the beginning of a stellar international career.
Representing Kenya in numerous World Chess Olympiads, Magana’s international experience spans 16 countries, including chess powerhouses like Hungary, Germany, and India.
“Being on the international stage and competing against some of the best players globally always gives you a different perspective of the game,” Magana says. “These experiences sharpen your skills and broaden your understanding of the game, making you a better competitor both locally and internationally.”
Magana’s local success is equally impressive. A multiple-time Kenya National Chess Champion, he claimed the title in 2006, 2013, and 2017, with recent dominance in Kisumu in 2022 and 2023.
His trophy cabinet is brimming with accolades from countless tournaments, cementing his place as one of Kenya’s greatest chess masters.
Despite his many achievements, Magana remains humble, crediting much of his success to KCB, which has been instrumental in supporting his chess career. “KCB is the single biggest factor responsible for my success,” he admits, having won over five Kenya Chess Premier League titles with the KCB Chess Team.
Beyond his personal achievements, Magana is passionate about the future of chess in Kenya. A licensed FIDE Instructor, he has dedicated himself to coaching young players, shaping the next generation of grandmasters. Since 2018, Magana has nurtured over 10 junior champions, including rising star Elizabeth Cassidy, who at just 13 years old, is already a key player for the KCB Chess Team.
As Kenya’s National Coach, Magana continues to mentor young talent, ensuring that his legacy lives on through those he teaches.
KCB Chess Team Manager Isaac Babu lauds Magana’s longevity and contributions: “Magana is one of those players whose longevity is to be admired. I have seen him conquer the heights and remain at the top for over two decades, which is not an easy feat. Right now, as a licensed FIDE Instructor, I am happy that he will play a key role in securing the future of chess by nurturing the younger generation.”
Outside of chess, Magana leads a multifaceted life. A mechanical engineer by profession, he is also a dairy farmer and a dedicated chess coach.
His diverse interests reflect a man who values balance, and when he’s not immersed in the complexities of chess, Magana enjoys playing Scrabble, exercising, and reading the Bible, which he says is a key source of inspiration.
As Benjamin Magana continues to dominate the chess scene while mentoring young talent, his legacy is already secure.
He is not only a chess master but also a teacher, a mentor, and a pioneer in Kenyan chess. His journey, which began with a simple game introduced by his brother, has become a beacon of hope for the future of chess in Kenya.
Through his dedication, passion, and humility, Magana continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of grandmasters, ensuring that Kenyan chess remains in safe hands.
