MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
State Department for Basic Education
Ref No: MOE.HQS/3/4/15/VOL I l
3rd December, 2025
To: Regional Directors of Education
County Directors of Education
Sub-County Directors of Education
ADDENDUM TO THE 2026 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES FOR SCHOOL SPORTS AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
Inclusion of CHESS in Term Two Games — Primary and Junior Schools
The Directorate of Field Coordination and Co-Curricular Activities hereby issues this addendum to the 2026 Calendar of Activities for School Games to formally incorporate Chess as one of the competitive disciplines under Term Two Games for Primary Schools and Junior Schools.
This inclusion aligns with the existing structure already operationalized within the Secondary School Term Two calendar and responds to the growing national and regional recognition of Chess as a strategic, intellectually enriching, and age-inclusive co-curricular activity.
Chess has been adopted by the East Africa School Sports Association (EASSA) as an official discipline at regional games and continues to gain prominence across Kenya.
Integrating it into the Term Two calendar will promote cognitive development, problem-solving abilities, concentration, and decision-making among learners.
It further supports the Competency-Based Education (CBE) goals that emphasize nurturing critical thinking and talent pathways for all learners.
1. Competition Levels and Participation
All Primary and Junior Schools are hereby directed to organize, mobilize, and prepare Chess teams for participation in Sub-County, County, Regional, and National Term Two championships.
The following team composition guidelines will apply:
- Primary School Teams
Under 10 Boys — 6 players
Under 10 Girls — 6 players
Under 12 Boys — 6 players
Under 12 Girls — 6 players - Junior School Teams
Under 13 Boys — 6 players
Under 13 Girls — 6 players
Under 14 Boys — 6 players
Under 14 Girls — 6 players
A school may enter a team in each category where applicable.
Each team shall have four playing boards per match, with two reserves included within the six participants.
Standardized Chess rules and equipment as recognized by FIDE and the Kenya Chess Federation (KCF) shall apply.
2. Implementation
RDEs, CDEs, and SCDEs are instructed to disseminate this addendum to all schools within their jurisdictions and ensure Chess is integrated into Sub-County and County Term Two sports planning, budgeting, and scheduling.
Regions should align their competition dates with the main Term Two Games calendar without disrupting already scheduled activities.
3. Reporting and Monitoring
Officers at all administrative levels are required to monitor compliance and submit participation reports through the established co-curricular reporting channels.
This addendum takes effect immediately and shall be read together with the officially issued 2026 School Games Calendar.
Nelson M. Sifuna
For: PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
Copy to:
Chairman Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association