Jubilation as Kenya’s young chess prodigy returns from World Cadet Championship

There was an atmosphere of celebration at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as seven-year-old Jackson Baraka Mudenyo returned to Kenya after proudly representing the nation at the 2025 World Cadet Chess Championship in Kazakhstan.

Baraka, a student at Juja Preparatory School and the current Kenya Under-8 champion, was part of a talented team of young players who competed on the global stage.

Despite his young age, he has already made a significant impact in the chess community, a success attributed to the encouragement and support of his parents.

His coach, Victor Hongo, praised Baraka’s dedication and skill, labeling him as one of the most promising chess talents in the country.

He urged parents to introduce their children to chess at an early age, highlighting the game’s advantages in enhancing problem-solving abilities, boosting academic performance, and fostering cognitive development.

Baraka’s parents, Philip Mudenyo and Caroline Muthoni, echoed their son’s coach, emphasizing that chess has opened up numerous opportunities for their child. They encouraged more schools and parents to invest in supporting the sport at the grassroots level.

Juja Preparatory School has been a strong advocate for chess in the region, nurturing some of the best young players in local competitions.