The KCB Chess Team has descended on the "City of Champions" with a singular mission: to dominate the board and sweep the podium at the 2026 Eldoret Open Chess Championship Grand Prix.

The bankers, who have established themselves as the juggernauts of Kenyan chess, arrived in Uasin Gishu County on Friday, ready for the two-day tactical warfare scheduled for this weekend. With over 200 participants drawn from Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan, the tournament promises to be a grueling test of mental fortitude, but KCB is not just here to compete—they are here to conquer.

A Squad of Grandmasters

KCB Team Patron Isaac Babu expressed supreme confidence in his squad's preparation. "We are targeting a podium finish across all categories," Babu declared. The team’s lineup reads like a "Who's Who" of East African chess. Leading the charge is the tactical genius Candidate Master (CM) Benjamin Magana, whose endgame precision is the stuff of legend. He is flanked by Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Joyce Nyaruai, a player known for her aggressive openings and psychological dominance.

But the bankers have not rested on their laurels. The team has been bolstered by the strategic signing of South Sudanese sensation Gong Thong and the youthful prodigy Jadon Simiyu. Thong, expressing his excitement, said, "It is an honor to wear the KCB jersey. I am here to ensure we leave no doubt about who rules the 64 squares."

High Stakes in the Rift

The Eldoret Open is not just another tournament; it is a critical Grand Prix event that counts towards the qualification for the National Chess Championship. The winner of the overall circuit drives away with a brand-new car, adding a layer of high-octane pressure to every move.

• Regional Rivalry: The presence of Ugandan and South Sudanese players adds an international flavor. The Ugandans, in particular, are known for their unorthodox playstyles that often catch Kenyan players off guard.
• Youth Explosion: KCB is also fielding rising stars Robert Mcligeyo and Elizabeth Cassidy. Mcligeyo, a junior champion, is tipped to upset seasoned veterans in the Open section.
• Corporate Dominance: KCB's investment in chess mirrors their dominance in volleyball and rugby, reinforcing the bank's strategy of using sports to build a culture of excellence and resilience.

The Battle Begins

As the clocks start ticking at the tournament venue, all eyes will be on Board 1. Will the experienced hands of Magana hold off the hungry aggression of the new generation? Can KCB replicate their Nairobi dominance in the Rift Valley?

For the KCB Chess Team, the objective is clear: checkmate the opposition, silence the doubters, and bring the trophy home. In the cerebral game of chess, one mistake is fatal, and the bankers are in no mood for errors.