Kenya rolls out chess in prisons, starting at Ruiru GK in Kiambu County, to drive inmate rehabilitation

Kenya has rolled out a new rehabilitation program introducing chess in prisons, starting with Ruiru GK Prison in Kiambu County.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Kenya Prisons Service in partnership with Chess Kenya and global partners, aims to transform correctional facilities into spaces of growth, discipline, and self-discovery.

The launch ceremony was graced by State Department of Correctional Services Principal Secretary Salome Beacco, her Sports counterpart Elijah Mwangi, and Parliamentary Affairs PS Aurelia Chepkirui Rono, who lauded the program as an innovative way of equipping inmates with life skills such as strategy, foresight, and patience.

Chess Kenya President Bernard Wanjala revealed that the journey to introduce the sport behind bars began in 2021. Currently, prisons only have two boards each, but the goal is to scale up to 10 per facility requiring 1,460 boards countrywide.

From every prison, five top players will compete in a national championship, with outstanding inmates standing a chance to represent Kenya in the national chess team.

The program is also connected to the “Chess for Freedom Africa” initiative, giving Kenyan inmates the opportunity to participate in the Online Intercontinental Chess Championship in October.

Susan Namangale, Gift of Chess Global Ambassador, emphasized the mental health benefits of chess, noting that the game helps free inmates’ minds from depression, anxiety, and worry.

She added that beyond rehabilitation, chess creates opportunities, with some former inmates becoming community trainers, while others are retained as coaches within the prison system.

The rollout marks a milestone in Kenya’s efforts to reform its correctional facilities, using innovation and sports to prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society.