Kakuma, Kenya — Over the past 18 months, the Chess for Protection Programme has achieved significant milestones, transforming the lives of refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei through the power of chess. Through the efforts of the FIDE Chess for Protection lead, Sonja Johnson, with support from key collaborators Chess Kenya President-Bernard Wanjala, Social Commission Chair-André Vogtlin, FIDE WOM Chair-Anastasia Sorokina and FIDE Deputy Chair of Management Board, Dana Riezniece-Ozola, the programme is well on its way to establishing a sustainable operational infrastructure, expanding its impact, while enhancing visibility for chess as a tool for development and empowerment.

Key Achievements

1. Strengthened Collaboration with UNHCR
Sonja Johnson worked closely with UNHCR towards the eventual signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UNHCR within three months, marking a new phase of engagement after two years of operations. Although funding challenges persist, this agreement has facilitated greater collaboration and support from UNHCR.

2. Transparent Recruitment Process
The Lutheran World Federation assisted in ensuring transparency during the recruitment of facilitators, further professionalizing the programme’s operations.

3. Enhanced Community Representation
The local project team was reconfigured to better serve Kakuma and Kalobeyei, with roles and contracts formalized. Notably, two female facilitators joined the local project team for the first time, including one from the Girls’ Club programme.

4. Sustainable Infrastructure Development
A solar power system was installed in the project office, reducing recurring electricity costs and promoting sustainability.

5. Expanded Chess Programming

• Chess activities commenced in community and activity centers, including a new partnership with KLABU, which operates a well-resourced center in Kalobeyei.
• All 37 schools in the area now have active chess clubs supported by trained facilitators. Over 2,100 students were part of chess clubs during 2024 and 250 participants at the activity centers.
• Youth Chess Championships were successfully organized for age categories ranging from Under-8 to Under-18.

6. Global Recognition and Competitive Success

• Refugees participated in the World Guinness record attempt involving over 100 players, with UNHCR producing a video documenting their participation.
• At the 2024 Gift of Chess Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament in Nairobi, the Kakuma team achieved outstanding results. Five players earned FIDE ratings, and two players ranked among the top three in the elite section.
• One team member became the seventh-ranked player in Kenya by the end of the tournament.
• The 12 top youth players from the camp participated in the Kenya National Youth Chess Championships in April 2024. One of the refugee players emerged as the U-18 champion of Kenya

7. Capacity Building and Training

• A successful training programme was conducted, led by FM Sergejs Klimakovs, preparing participants for the 2024 work programme.
• Arbiter training resulted in the licensing of seven individuals as national arbiters, enabling them to host FIDE-rated events.

8. Strategic Partnerships and Recognition

• FIDE was invited to join the Sport for Refugee Coalition following a visit by programme leaders to Kakuma in September 2023.
• Strong relationships were established with senior officials at Kenya Immigration and the Department of Refugee Services.

9. New Equipment and Resources

The Kakuma Chess Club received critical equipment, including 490 chess sets courtesy the Gift of Chess, 23 demo boards, 100 chess clocks, and 2 e-boards, funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The office was equipped with a printer and related stationery items, and a digital camera to capture programme activity.

Looking Ahead

Sonja Johnson, Chess for Protection Lead shared her vision of the way forward, “The Chess for Protection Programme continues to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience, empowering refugees through education, critical thinking, and community building. As the initiative grows with proposed expansions throughout Africa, the Americas, and Europe and a focus on expanding the list of partners, FIDE remains committed to its work fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and global collaboration in support of displaced and vulnerable populations.“