In a quiet hall in Westlands, Nairobi, the established order of Kenyan chess didn't just shift; it was toppled by a boy who is barely old enough to sit for his KCPE. Jadon Simiyu, a 13-year-old prodigy, was crowned the 2025 Kenya National Chess Champion on Wednesday, shattering the age record and driving a wedge between the old guard and a fearless new generation.

The victory is historic. At an age when most of his peers are grappling with adolescence, Simiyu navigated the high-pressure board to dethrone seasoned masters, securing not just the title but the keys to a brand-new Nissan Note valued at KES 1.4 million. It is a prize he cannot legally drive yet, but one that symbolizes the magnitude of his achievement.

A Generational Takeover

For decades, the national title has been the preserve of veterans—names like Ben Magana, Mehul Gohil, and Kenneth Omolo. But this year’s championship at the Westwood Hotel told a different story. Simiyu, a Grade Eight pupil at Moi Primary and Junior School Kabarak, didn't just compete; he dominated.

“I feel excited and honoured to be the national chess champion of Kenya,” Simiyu told reporters moments after his win. “Chess has really grown over the years, but I don't think we have ever had a junior champion. I do feel honoured to be the first.”

His path to the podium was ruthless. Over the course of the grueling tournament, the teenager dismantled a lineup of former champions, including the formidable Candidate Master (CM) Ben Magana and 2022 champion Mehul Gohil. He finished the tournament with eight wins, two draws, and a single loss, holding his nerve even as the stakes rose in the final rounds.

The Economics of Victory

The stakes were indeed high. Chess Kenya has aggressively moved to professionalize the sport, and the rewards are life-changing. Simiyu’s win earned him:

• The coveted title of National Champion.
• A Nissan Note worth KES 1.4 million.
• A guaranteed spot on the national team for upcoming international assignments.

In a significant move for gender parity, the Ladies Section champion, Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Jully Mutisya, also drove away with an identical Nissan Note worth KES 1.4 million. This equality in prize money is a rare and welcome development in Kenyan sports, ensuring that the country’s top female talent is rewarded with the same prestige as their male counterparts.

From Kabarak to the World

Simiyu’s rise has been meteoric but not accidental. He entered the tournament as a FIDE Master (FM)—the third-highest ranking in chess—having crossed the 2100 rating mark earlier in the year. His preparation involved rigorous training with his coaches and support from his parents, a factor he was quick to acknowledge.

“I had a bad tournament last month, so in this championship, I wanted to sort of make a comeback,” Simiyu admitted, displaying a resilience beyond his years. “I did not expect to have such a fabulous tournament. I feel great to have beaten top players.”

The previous record for the youngest winner was held by Robert Mcligeyo, who won the title at 18 in 2024. Simiyu has lowered that bar by five years, setting a standard that may stand for decades.

What’s Next?

While the car will likely be driven by his parents for now, Simiyu is already looking at the road ahead. His eyes are set on the International Master (IM) title within the next three years, with the ultimate dream of becoming a Grandmaster (GM).

For the Kenyan chess community, the message is clear: the future has arrived, and it is wearing a school uniform.