Kenya under-18 Chess Champion Hawi Kaloki dies

Kenyan chess has been plunged into mourning following the death of Hawi Kaloki, one of the country’s most promising young players, who passed away aged 19.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 11, KCB Group mourned Kaloki as an exceptionally talented young player whose achievements had brought pride to both the bank and Kenya.

“On behalf of the KCB family, we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing on of Hawi Kaloki, an exceptionally gifted young chess player whose talent, dedication and achievements brought great pride to KCB and the country at large,” the statement read.

The bank sent its condolences to Kaloki’s family and friends as they cope with his death, while remembering the legacy he leaves behind in Kenyan chess.

“As we continue to remember his legacy, we pray that the Lord grants his family and friends strength, comfort and peace as they come to terms with this profound loss,” the statement added.

Kaloki was a multiple-time national champion who rose to become Kenya’s top-rated player. 

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He surpassed a rating of 2100 in 2024 and held the highest live rating among Kenyan players at the beginning of 2025, underlining his rapid rise in the sport.

Kaloki won several notable titles during his career, including the Under-17 Kenya National Schools Championship and the Prestige Section of the 2025 Victoria EA U21 Chess Championship. 

He also gained valuable international experience representing Kenya at the Africa Youth Chess Championships, the World Youth Chess Championships in 2024 and 2025, and the World Junior Chess Championship.

At club level, Kaloki represented KCB in the Kenya National Chess Premier League and was also a member of Mavens Chess Club. 

Before his death, he had been selected to represent Kenya at the World Chess Olympiad scheduled for September 2026.

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