Joseph Methu Clinches Victory as National Chess Champion in Kenya

Joseph Methu emerged as the crowned champion at the Kenya National Chess Championships held at Charter Hall on Saturday, marking a significant victory after competing fiercely in the nine-round tournament that commenced on Wednesday.

Securing a maximum score, Methu claimed the coveted title of Kenyan chess king, expressing immense joy at overcoming the challenges that had thwarted his pursuit of this achievement over the years.

“I am so happy… I have fought many years to win the national championships but I have not been successful, so it feels great to finally get my hands on it,” Methu exclaimed.

In addition to celebrating his personal triumph, the newly crowned champion offered words of encouragement to those facing difficulties in life, emphasizing the importance of persistence.

“You need to keep trying even though things may not be working out. You may be losing time and time again, but if you put in the effort, you will eventually succeed,” he advised.

Methu expressed optimism that his tournament success would lead to an increase in his chess ratings. The highly competitive event featured 258 participants, vying for the top prize of a brand-new Nissan Note and the opportunity to represent the country at the Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, scheduled for September next year.