We Don't
Just
Play Chess.
We Build
Thinkers.
Through the power of critical thinking and deliberate strategy, The Gift of Chess Initiative unlocks the potential of young minds across Kenya turning life's complex challenges into tactical opportunities.
Elevating Strategy from the Board to the Community.
The Gift of Chess is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using chess as a tool for education, personal development, and social transformation. Since our inception, we have worked with schools, children's homes, prisons, and refugee communities across Kenya to nurture talent, build critical thinking, and provide safe, constructive spaces where children and youth can grow and thrive.
In Kenya, we have also integrated an environmental sustainability component into our work. In partnership with Kijiji Solutions, we recycle plastic waste to produce chess sets, turning waste into meaningful tools that expand access to chess while contributing to climate action.
A Simple Idea That Ignited a Movement.
Our journey began not in grand tournament halls, but in local communities where potential was abundant but opportunities were scarce. We saw first-hand how the discipline and strategy of chess could captivate young minds and teach them invaluable life skills.
What started with just a handful of chess sets and a few dedicated volunteers quickly grew. As children learned to think ahead on the board, they began to envision brighter futures for themselves. Today, that simple idea has blossomed into a global initiative, transforming thousands of lives one move at a time.
The People Behind the Board.
Our team unites certified coaches, community organizers, and mentors empowering young minds across Kenya through the game of chess.
Framework for Impact
Chess is more than a game—it is an engine for social intervention and development. We direct resources to specific focus areas.
Juvenile Rehabilitation & Freedom
We engage juveniles in correctional facilities through structured chess training and mentorship. Through the Chess for Freedom initiative, we have distributed chess sets to prisons across Kenya and participated for the past three years in the Online Chess for Freedom World Tournament.
Infinite Chess for Autism
Launched in January 2025 at Autism School International in Thika, this specialized program supports children on the autism spectrum. It uses chess as a therapeutic and developmental tool, helping improve focus, communication, and cognitive skills. We are seeking committed partners to help expand this initiative.
Children's Homes Development
We have established and continue to support chess programs in children's homes across Kenya, including Familia Moja, Muthiga Hope, Happy Life, Ruiru, and Mully Children's Family. These programs focus on consistent training, mentorship, and exposure through tournaments.
Her MoveNext Kenyan Chapter
Dedicated to empowering girls and young women through chess education, leadership workshops, and targeted tournament exposure. This initiative builds confidence, critical thinking, and equal opportunities for girls and children across Kenya.
Chess Tournaments & Exposure
We organize chess tournaments that attract top players from across East Africa. These events provide valuable exposure for young players from our programs, allowing them to interact with experienced players, improve their skills, and build confidence.
Public Schools Chess Development
Over the past three years, we have distributed chess sets to several public schools and actively supported the chess club at Mwiki Primary School in Githurai. While the overall chess program is thriving, there is a noticeable gap in public primary schools chess participation. Our goal is to continue strengthening chess in public schools.
Chess for Informal Settlements
We have extended our chess programs into informal settlements, where access to structured extracurricular activities is often limited. Through the distribution of chess sets and partnerships with community based clubs (including Kibera Knights and Agape chess club), we are creating safe spaces for children and youth to learn, interact, and grow through chess. These initiatives aim to promote positive engagement and provide an alternative pathway away from negative social influences.
Refugee Camp Collaboration
We have partnered with FIDE and UNHCR under the Chess for Protection initiative in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Our work includes structured chess sessions, community engagement, and participation in mentorship activities, including those during International Chess Day.
Kenya Elite Chess Players Exchange Programme
Connecting Kenya's top chess prodigies with international grandmasters and elite academies across the globe. Through structured player exchanges, high-level training camps, and international competition, we elevate Kenyan talent onto the world stage.
Capturing Every Moment of Growth & Strategy.
Explore moments from our training workshops, distribution drives, and community competitions across Kenya.
Upcoming Tournaments
Participate in our chess tournaments. Every entry fee directly supports board donations and chess-in-school curriculums.
Be Part of Our Story
And Support the Initiative
Your support helps us distribute chess boards, run school programs, and provide training and mentorship to young minds in communities across Kenya.
The Charity Store
Purchase premium boards and apparel. 100% of store profits directly fund our local outreach and board logistics operations.
Chess Pieces
Chess Set Pieces Only(Black & White)
Chess Set
nice heavy duty
Jumuiya Official T-Shirt
100% premium breathable cotton club t-shirt featuring modern chess artwork.
Jumuiya Official Hoodie
Heavyweight cotton fleece hoodie with premium embroidered Jumuiya Chess emblem.
Blogs & News
Discover impact stories from our autism mentorship programs, refugee distribution drives, and community competitions.
Featured Videos & Live Stream
Explore GalleryEmpowering Youth Through Chess
Bringing board games, structured learning, and mentorship across Kenya.
Hinton Trust Open Chess Tournament
KBC Sports coverage of the Hinton Trust Open Chess Tournament at Miki Primary School in Githurai. Organised in partnership with The Gift of Chess, the tournament attracted nearly 190 participants from underprivileged communities and local schools. It highlights peer-to-peer mentorship by national champions and how chess serves programs such as Chess for Protection (Kakuma Refugee Camp) and Chess for Freedom (prisons).
Chess: Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki
KBC Sports report emphasizing inclusive chess training for children with special needs. Held at the MPESA Foundation with competitors from Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, and Pakistan, organizers and advocates urged educational authorities to integrate chess into special needs curricula to enhance cognitive development and inclusivity.
Latest Articles & Reports
Read All Articles
Celebrating Minds of All Kinds: Infinite Chess project in Kenya
This April, as the chess world recognizes Autism Awareness Month under the banner #CelebrateMindsOfAllKinds, the Kenya Infinite Chess Program is reporting meaningful progress in its work with children on the autism spectrum.
Rising like queens: A powerful day for girls in Kakuma Refugee Camp
On Saturday, June 28th, something truly extraordinary happened in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. Over 330 girls gathered for a special on-site chess event!
National Champions Represent Kenya in US Chess Exchange Workshop
The Kenya National Team Champions arrive at the Charlotte Chess Centre for a historic one-month international exchange workshop, made possible through the generous partnership and dedication of The Gift of Chess Foundation.