Nathaniel Manyeki emerged as the 2nd runner-up in the Most Promising Personality of the Year 2023 category at the Sports Personality of The Year Award, Kenya (SOYA Awards). The reigning Under 8 Africa Youth Champion, Nathaniel, showcased his exceptional talent by achieving a perfect score at the Africa Youth Chess Championship held last year in Egypt.

Amidst cheers and applause, Chess Kenya Federation officials, along with Nathaniel Manyeki's family and friends, gathered at the KICC Nairobi for the award ceremony, celebrating his remarkable accomplishments.

The SOYA Awards, marking its 20th anniversary this year, brought together a multitude of sportsmen and women from various disciplines across Kenya. This celebration of excellence united partners from esteemed organizations, including CMA, Safaricom, KAS, and the Paul Tergat Foundation.

Nathaniel, who is the current Under 8 Boys' Kenya National Chess Champion, the title he has held for three consecutive years, started playing chess in 2021 and has secured a podium finish in many regional tournaments under different age categories, frequently taking on bigger challenges in the open events against much higher rated players such as the Kenya and Uganda Open.

Milestones Achieved:

● Current Africa Youth Chess Champion under 8 Open, having emerged victorious with 9/9 points at the 2023 championship in Cairo, Egypt. He was awarded the title of Candidate Master (CM).

● Represented Kenya in the African Youth Chess Championship ( Lusaka, Zambia, 2022)

● Represented the country in the Africa Schools Individual Chess Championships (Nairobi, Kenya) 2021 and ranked 4th U7 Open

● Current U8 National Chess Champion, the title he has held for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023)

● Current U9 Open National Chess Champion (2023)

● National Chess Champion U7 Open ( 2021, 2022 )

●            Regional Champion and podium finisher in various competitions: (2022) – Kajiado 1st in U10 Open, Nairobi region 1st in U8 Open, Machakos Region 1st  in U10 Open, St. Bakhita Open 1st in U8, Sanlam invitational 1st U12 Open, Village Market 2nd in U10 Open, (2021) Nairobi Region 2nd in U7 Open, Village Market Open 2nd U8 Open, Kitengela Open 1st U8 Open, Oshwal Academy 1st in U8 Open.

He is also a part of the Business Meets Chess and Kids program, connecting business people with young chess players in an effort to help them improve their game and acquire the tools needed to play chess competitively.