Kenya’s impressive performance at the 2025 World English Scrabble Players Association Championships (WESPAC), held last month in Accra, Ghana, has translated into major gains off the board, with five Kenyans appointed to influential international committees.
The national team, Word Warriors, clinched a historic bronze medal behind champions Nigeria and hosts Ghana, whose silver finish capped a successful tournament. Beyond the podium finish, the championships proved crucial for Kenya’s growing influence in global Scrabble governance.
The biennial event once again showcased African dominance on the world stage, for the week-long championship November 10th, to Sunday, November 16th. It was opened with the Early Bird AKWAABA tournament.
Led by Scrabble Kenya president Kipkemoi Limo, the five Kenyans appointed to key positions are Powell Cheruiyot, Muema Muumbi, Daniel Machanje and Chrispine Kennedy.
Muumbi emerged as the biggest beneficiary, earning appointments to two committees. He will serve on the Membership Affairs Committee and also chair the powerful Rules Committee.
In the Membership Affairs Committee, Muumbi will serve under the chairmanship of India’s Sudhir Kumar, alongside members Peggy Fehily (Germany), Jenie Frizelle (Ireland), Will Anderson (USA) and Tariq Pervez (Pakistan).
As chair of the Rules Committee, Muumbi will lead a team that includes fellow Kenyan Chrispine Kennedy, Dipo Akanbi (Nigeria), Chris Lipe (USA), Siddharth Nithyanand (India) and Evan Cohen (Israel).
Scrabble Kenya president Kipkemoi Limo was appointed to the Youth Sub-Committee, which is chaired by Pakistan’s Tariq Pervez. Other members include Imeth De Silva (Sri Lanka), Samuel Eromosele (Nigeria), Neetah Bhatia (India) and Karen Richards (Australia).
Powell Cheruiyot will serve on the Virtual Scrabble Committee, chaired by Pakistan’s Hassan Hadi Khan, alongside Kavindu Malawaraarachchi (Sri Lanka), Cesar Del Solar (USA), Karen Richards (Australia), Madhav Kamath (India) and Khaleel Adedeji (Nigeria).
Meanwhile, Daniel Machanje earned a seat on the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Canadian Tony Leah, working with Amy Byrne (Scotland), Ike Obidike (South Africa), Wayne Kelly (England), Udayan Grover (India) and Musa Olasupo (Nigeria).
The appointments underline Kenya’s growing stature in international Scrabble, built on competitive success and consistent administrative contribution on the global stage.