Sports journalists in the country now have an opportunity to play the game of chess competitively, thanks to a series of media workshops Chess Kenya (CK) is rolling out to equip scribes with knowledge of the sport.
Speaking during the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK)/ CK Media Workshop, CK Secretary General John Mukabi remarked that there is a great correlation between chess and journalism as both crafts require analytical skills, strategic planning, and ability to adapt to the ever changing circumstances hence the need for a designated chess championship for the scribes.
“We have a purpose to run a series of training for the media so that the journalists get into a position of authority, not only as players but also as solid reporters,” said Mukabi who is a longstanding Kenya team player and seven-time Olympian.
“Both fields also involve problem-solving, time management, and communication of complex ideas. While one is a game and the other a profession, the underlying skills and thought processes share significant overlap,” said Mukabi.
Mukabi noted that scribes need to learn how to analyse board positions, identify potential moves, and anticipate their opponent’s responses.
“Journalists ought to internalise information, identify key facts, and construct narratives that are clear, concise, and informative, so chess will be of immense benefit to them to develop and unearth these skills,” said Mukabi.
Mukabi singled out journalists as key stakeholders for chess, and the federation is delighted to partner with SJAK in highlighting their junior chess program across the country.
“The junior chess program is moving very fast, and if the sessions continue in the same sequence in the next few years, then we are hopeful that Kenya will dislodge Uganda as the highest ranked country in the East African region. The Journalists will be key to our youthful players as they seek to conquer the sport on the continent,” added Mukabi.
During the workshop session, journalists were taken through basic chess tutorials, including the composition of a chessboard, how to line up the pieces, movements on the board, capturing opponents, and so much more. The scribes were also taken through the history of Chess in Kenya, as well as the Rules and Regulations of the sport.
SJAK President, James Waindi, on his part welcomed the idea of an inter-media chess tournament, adding that it will go a long way in helping the scribes to understand the sport better.
“We are partnering with Chess Kenya to run a series of four training sessions, after which we will have an annual calendar event specifically for the media. We will also hold a medical workshop where our scribes will get the opportunity to be screened and tested against lifestyle diseases for free,” Waindi underlined.
