Every great journey begins with small steps, and this story is no exception. It starts with two bright young girls, Jane and Blessing, seated across from each other at a chessboard in the Promoting Queens chess camp in Mombasa, Kenya.

Anyone watching could feel their love for the game in the way they leaned in with focus and determination, not just to learn, but to challenge and inspire one another. In that moment, we knew something extraordinary was taking shape, the small and humble beginnings of something great.

But this is only the start, walk with us…

Spreading the Love of Chess One Girl at a Time

What a movement it has become.

Today, that initial spark between Blessing and Jane now lights up 31 young minds in a vibrant chess family, each bringing her energy, story, and strength to the board.

Welcome to Kenya's Promoting Queens Chess Club, where chess is more than just a game, but a journey of self-discovery, confidence, and leadership for young girls in the Kenyan locales

From its inception, this club wasn’t about “saving” anyone; it was about creating an environment where girls can grow, compete, gain visibility and feel heard.

The club has become a second home for a lot of young girls, thanks to the consistent leadership of Kosi Danford, a passionate advocate for girls' empowerment.

“They already had the strength,” Kosi reflects. “I just get to witness it unfold". It's wonderful to see them grow, from playing in tournaments and learning from wins and losses, to confidently analyzing chess and making good choices in life
The sparks from Blessing and Jane caught on quickly with the others like Ozella, a 7-year-old who recently finished third place in a local tournament, and her smile was brighter than the trophy she held.

Meanwhile, Lisa, another 13-year-old chess queen, proudly finished second, demonstrating that age is no barrier to excellence when driven by passion and preparation.

The quiet victories are equally inspiring; girls like Bevyn, Vanessa, Princess, and Ozella, who were previously hampered by limited resources, have returned to the board with renewed zeal.

Their return is a powerful reminder that sometimes you need someone to believe in your comeback.

Pawns to queens: Laying the foundation today for the champions of tomorrow
The club is expanding not only in size but also in spirit. It is founded on principles of respect, community, and joy.

You can feel it in the chatter before lessons start, hear it in the laughter during practice games and see it in the quiet intensity on tournament day. Most importantly, you can see it in how these girls support one another, with each accepting her role as a queen in her own right.

This dream is driven by the girls themselves. The chessboard is simply the canvas on which their brilliance shines.

Their stories are finally getting the attention they deserve, thanks to the unwavering support of Kosi Danford and the Promoting Queens community.

As is our mission in Promoting Queens, we keep on recognising and promoting the true potential of every young girl, unveiling and celebrating what already exists within them: resilience, talent, and leadership. And we are not stopping any time soon.

This journey is just getting started, and these young queens are already making their mark one bold move at a time.

Join us at @Promotingqueens chess club in Kenya, and be a part of our journey to make history.