Six months after entering the history books as Kenya’s youngest-ever top seed and the country’s third Fide Master (FM), chess prodigy Jadon Simiyu has yet again achieved another milestone.
On Wednesday, the 13-year-old crowned his meteoric rise in the game by winning the coveted 2025 Kenya National Chess Championship (KNCC) Open Section title -- a feat that earned him a new Nissan Note car worth Sh1.4 million from Chess Kenya (CK).
In the Ladies Section, Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Jully Mutisya was crowned champion. She too was awarded a new Nissan Note car worth Sh1.4 million by CK.
Kenya's new chess champion Jadon Simiyu (left) with Chess Kenya president Benard Wanjala pose for a photo next to the brand new Nissan Note that he was rewarded with for winning the 2025 national chess championship.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Chess Kenya
In pursuit of gender parity in the sport, CK made a bold move by offering equal prizes to the winners of the Open and Ladies’ sections at the KNCC.
Over the past five years, the Open Section winner has been awarded a new vehicle while the Ladies’ champion received just Sh100,000.
Apart from his tender age, Simiyu’s triumph is remarkable since he dismantled seasoned opponents, including Candidate Master (CM) and former champions Ben Magana, Martin Njoroge, Mehul Gohil, and Kenneth Omolo.
The Grade Eight pupil at Moi Primary and Junior School, Kabarak in Nakuru County, topped the standings with an impressive 23 points, having won eight rounds, drawn twice and lost just one.
His closest challenger was the Open Section national junior champion Kuka Kyle, with 21 points.
“I feel excited and honoured to be the national chess champion of Kenya. Chess has really grown over the years, but I don’t think we have ever had a junior champion. I do feel honoured to be the first junior chess champion in Kenya,” a delighted Jadon said.
Fide Master Jadon Simiyu in action during the 2025 Kenya National Chess Championship in Westlands, Nairobi on December 31, 2025.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Chess Kenya
He attributed his success in the tournament to thorough preparation with his coaches, the support of his parents and prayers to God.
“I did have some coach assistances and also my parents played a big role. I also became close with God spiritually and I worked on my chess skills and eventually it seemed like they helped out,” said the Equity Chess Club star.
Too young to have a driving licence, Jadon was undecided on what he would do with the car.
He did say that since his elder brother was turning 18 in 2026, he “might become my chauffeur and drive me around.”
Previously, the youngest KNCC Open Section winner was CM Robert Mcligeyo, who achieved the feat last year at the age of 18.
Simiyu’s triumph at this year’s KNCC came as no surprise given his impressive form throughout the season.
In June, he became the country’s youngest-ever top seed when he led in the Open Section with an impressive Fide elo ratings of 2132. In the same month, the World Chess Federation (Fide) confirmed his FM title after he crossed the 2100 rating mark.
FM is the third highest ranking in chess titles. The first is Grand Master (GM), followed by International Master (IM).
Heading into the KNCC which started on December 26, Simiyu was the third highest-ranked player with a rating of 2056. He maintained a perfect run in the competition until the ninth round on Tuesday when he was held by KCB Chess Club’s Kaloki Hawi.
That same day, Simiyu again drew with Felix Boera also of KCB Chess Club before losing to Mcligeyo in the last round on Wednesday.
Simiyu had earlier floored team mate Lenny Mataiga, Brian Mwangi, Open section national junior Kuka Kyle and former champions Gohil (2014, 2019 and 2022), Njoroge (2021), Omolo (2001 and 2015) and Magana (2006, 2013 and 2017).
Simiyu said he never expected to do so well, having faltered in a competition last month.
“I had a bad tournament, so in this championship, I wanted to sort of make a comeback. I did not expect to have such a fabulous tournament. I feel great to have beaten top players like Magana,” said the youngster, singling out Hawi as his toughest opponent in the championship.
Simiyu, whose favourite subject is science and who aspires to be an engineer in future, said his target is to attain the IM title within the next three years.
“I’m looking to become a Grandmaster when I’m still a junior and one of the best chess players that the earth has ever seen,” he added
In a previous interview with Nation Sport, Simiyu said chess was not his first love but football. He learnt the sport from his elder brother at the age of five, but took a five-year hiatus after losing in several championships.
