Kenya’s visually impaired chess team has departed for Montenegro to compete in the 20th IBCA Team Championship 2026, marking another step in the country’s growing presence in adaptive chess sport. The squad consists of four players and two officials who have built experience through local tournaments and recent participation at the PWD Olympiad in Kazakhstan.

Key players include Ronny Ongadi Otieno and Clinton Muriithi Munene, both recognized for consistent performances in domestic and international visually impaired chess competitions. They are joined by Wycliffe Nganga Ndiki and Stephen Mboya Onyango, completing the playing roster for Kenya.

Harrison Mugi Nyaga leads the team as head of delegation, with Meroline Achieng Odhiambo serving as accompanying official. Both have played central roles in training programs in Thika and Kisumu, including at Kibos School for the Blind. Chess Kenya reports it currently has 54 Braille chess boards, which have expanded access to training and competition across institutions for visually impaired players.

Nyaga, who also serves on the IBCA Board, has been instrumental in advancing visually impaired chess development. Support for the trip came partly from Dr. Jorgen Magnusson, whose sponsorship covered travel and accommodation before his recent passing.

Chess Kenya covered the remaining logistics, ensuring the team departed fully prepared for the championship in Montenegro. The delegation now carries expectations built on years of structured preparation and growing international exposure in adaptive chess sport. They aim to build on experience gained in Kazakhstan