The KCB Chess Team was crowned the Best Corporate Team at the recently concluded East Africa Chess Championship held in Nakuru County, Kenya.
In the open section, KCB’s Brian Irungu delivered a strong performance to finish second with five points. The tournament was won by James Madol of South Sudan, who edged ahead with an impressive 5.5 points.
Speaking after the team’s victory, KCB’s Martin Njoroge said: “I am elated having bagged the corporate category with my team. We have an incredible pool of talent and even though we missed some players, we were able to bring the trophy home. After this win. We now shift our focus to the Kiambu Open before the league resumes the week after.”
Another KCB player Boera Felix finished sixth with four points while FIDE Master Joyce Nyaruai, who opted to play in the open section, emerged 12th, showcasing the team’s incredible talent.
“I have always played in the ladies’ category but this tournament, I decided to participate in the open section to compete against some of the best talent in the region,” FIDE Master Joyce Nyaruai. “The competition was indeed tough but I am happy because I was able to finish at a good place. We look forward to more of such tournaments in the future.”
Other players who competed at the event included Joseph Methu, Hugh Misiko, Ricky Sang, Martin Njoroge, and Philip Singe. Candidate Master Benjamin Njoroge and local champion Robert Mcligeyo were not part of the squad.
The team will participate at the Kiambu Open Chess tournament that will be held at the Rainbow Resort on May 10-11, 2024 before the league resumes the weekend after in Kisumu.
KCB Bank footprint in sports support in the country is expansive and cuts across various sports disciplines. The bank has its sports brand assets that include the KCB Women Volleyball Club, KCB Football Club and KCB Rugby Club besides other sports including chess, athletics, and golf. The long-standing tradition of sponsoring major sporting events in the country has seen the bank pump millions of shillings in sponsorships over the years.
