In a journey that transcends borders and circumstance ten young players from Kakuma Refugee Camp are competing in the East Africa Under-21 Chess Championship in Kisumu from November 7 to 9, 2025.
Sponsored by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Chess Kenya, their participation is far more than a sporting opportunity, it’s a celebration of courage, resilience, and the unifying power of chess.
For most of these young players, life has been confined within the boundaries of the camp. Many were born in Kakuma, a place that has offered safety but limited exposure to the outside world. Yet, across 64 black-and-white squares, they have discovered a new kind of freedom, a place where talent and determination matter more than background or status.
Competing in Kisumu allows them to meet some of the best young players from across East Africa, to test their skills, share ideas, and most importantly, to feel part of something bigger than the camp itself.
Every move they make on the chessboard tells a powerful story: refugee status is not a barrier, it is a beginning.
The year 2025 has been declared the FIDE Year of Social Chess, a global celebration of chess as a tool for positive change and community development. Around the world, FIDE is supporting programs that use the game to empower the underprivileged, bridge social divides, and promote education and equality.
In Kenya, the vision of the Year of Social Chess is brought to life through the Chess in Refugee Camps Program, a partnership between FIDE, UNHCR, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Gift of Chess and Chess Kenya. DGT joined the partnership with a donation of 100 clocks. The initiative aims to use chess not only to teach strategy and focus but also to build confidence, critical thinking, and resilience among refugee children.
Anastasia Sorokina, FIDE’s Social Projects Manager, emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative:
“Chess has the power to change lives. In Kakuma, we have seen young people grow in confidence, discipline, and hope through the game. Their journey to Kisumu is proof that opportunity can unlock incredible potential. FIDE is proud to stand with these players as they represent not just a camp, but a spirit of strength and possibility.”
The Kisumu tournament marks the third major outing for the Kakuma team this year, following their participation in the Kenya National Schools Chess Championship in Kiambu and the Kenya National Youth Championship in Kitale. Each event has expanded their horizons, giving them new experiences, friendships, and confidence in their own potential.
Benard Wanjala, President of Chess Kenya, expressed pride in how far the refugee chess program has come:
“What began as a small project in Kakuma has grown into one of the most inspiring chess stories in Africa. These young players are ambassadors of hope. Chess Kenya is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has a chance to learn, compete, and succeed. Their participation in Kisumu shows that chess truly unites us all.”
A cornerstone of the program is the Girls’ Chess Club, where young women are taught not only the game but also vital life skills. Guided by mentors who have triumphed over their own challenges, the girls learn to lead, to believe in themselves, and to see beyond temporary hardships.
Every training session is a step toward empowerment, a lesson in strategy for both the chessboard and life itself.
Heading to Kisumu, the Kakuma team carries more than chessboards and pieces, they carry the hopes of a community that believes in them.
In every handshake across the board, in every careful move, lies a message of unity and resilience: We belong. We can achieve. We are ready to make our move.
Their journey from Kakuma to Kisumu is not just about competing, it’s about redefining what’s possible when opportunity meets determination. And for these young players, every move forward is a step toward a brighter, more inclusive future.