At first glance, Sudoku, crosswords, and other puzzles might seem like simple pastimes—things people do to pass the time on a lazy afternoon.
But for many, puzzles are more than just entertainment. They are mental workouts, sources of discipline, and even life-shaping experiences.
From entrepreneurs to competitive players, from neuroscientists to game designers, puzzle lovers see these challenges as tools for sharpening the mind, managing stress, and building resilience. In an increasingly fast-paced world, where attention spans are shrinking and distractions are multiplying, puzzles offer a rare opportunity for focus, strategy, and deep thinking.
Charity Ndinda, an entrepreneur, discovered Sudoku during the Covid-19 pandemic—a time when, in her own words, “nothing was making sense.” Her ex-boyfriend introduced her to the game, and before she knew it, she was hooked.
“I solve at least one puzzle a day—there’s something about numbers that I love,” she says. “I enjoy the challenge. Sometimes, I get stuck on a tough puzzle for days—once, I spent a whole week trying to solve one. But I don’t give up. It teaches patience, problem-solving, and concentration, which have helped me in business.”
She prefers playing alone, though she fancies being part of online Sudoku communities. “I haven’t joined a competition yet, but it’s something to think about.”
Despite the availability of apps, she still enjoys the feel of Sudoku books. “There’s just something satisfying about solving puzzles on paper.”
Charity Ndinda during an interview at Tigoni, Kiambu County on March 22, 2025. She has learned patience, problem-solving and concentration from puzzles.
Photo credit: George D. Mwendwa | Nation Media Group
Sudoku has become part of her routine, even sneaking into unexpected moments. “I’ve played during meetings, even in the toilet,” she admits with a laugh. “It’s that addictive!”
Joshua Musyoka’s love for puzzles began at university, sparked by his passion for reading newspapers.
“Growing up, I loved reading Buzz and Zuqka in the Daily Nation. My dad, a devoted newspaper reader, influenced this habit. One day, I decided to try Sudoku. I solved my first puzzle perfectly, and from then on, I was hooked.”
The frustration, the benefits
Sudoku remains his favourite.
“Numbers guide you, unlike word puzzles where you start from scratch. The challenge keeps my mind sharp and helps me use my free time wisely.”
He enjoys solving puzzles alone, appreciating the focus and peace it brings. “Some puzzles are frustrating—I’ve left many unfinished but always go back to them.”
Puzzles have made him a fast thinker, improved his patience, and enhanced his attention to detail.
“I even collect Sudoku pages from discarded newspapers to solve later. If I could, I’d introduce puzzle books in schools and reward daily solvers to make it more engaging.”
Joshua Musyoka, a sudoku player, fills in a puzzle during an interview at Nation Centre in Nairobi on March 25, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
Dr Michael Omondi, a neuroscientist, explains why Sudoku and puzzles are so engaging.
“When solving a puzzle, your brain activates the prefrontal cortex, responsible for logical reasoning, and the hippocampus, which aids memory formation. Regular engagement strengthens neural pathways, keeping the mind sharp.”
Puzzles also trigger dopamine release—the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemical—enhancing motivation and concentration. “It’s similar to a workout for the brain,” he adds.
“Just as physical exercise strengthens muscles, puzzles strengthen cognitive function.”
Long-term benefits extend beyond fun. “Studies show that engaging in mentally stimulating activities like Sudoku may delay cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia,” Dr Omondi says.
“They contribute to cognitive reserve, helping the brain stay resilient as we age.”
Brian Kagiri’s puzzle journey began in childhood with simple crosswords from Young Nation. “I was about six or seven when I solved my first one. Since then, puzzles have been my go-to for relaxation.”
Puzzles in age of AI
He prefers word-based puzzles like crosswords and cryptograms, alongside jigsaw puzzles. “I love the challenge—they push me to think outside the box.”
His most challenging puzzle? A cryptogram of Edward Stieglitz’s quote, where he was given only the letters ‘t’ and ‘h’. “It took me 26 hours collectively to solve it.”
He enjoys word puzzles alone but prefers jigsaws with company. “Puzzles have refined my problem-solving skills, which I apply in my project management work.”
He once had a breakthrough on a crossword in the middle of a church service. “I quickly opened the app to enter the word—I was right! Divine provision.”
He believes AI has made puzzles more complex but enjoys solving any puzzle he finds.
For Felix Orwa, a competitive puzzler, Sudoku started as a hobby but soon turned into an obsession. “I began solving puzzles just for fun, but after a while, I realised I was getting faster. I started timing myself, then entered online challenges,” he says.
What it takes
Speed-solving is no easy feat.
“You have to develop a strong intuition for number placement, scan multiple sections at once, and use elimination techniques,” he explains.
“It’s all about pattern recognition. In competitions, you don’t have time to second-guess yourself.”
But it’s not just about speed. “Mental endurance is key,” Felix says. “You have to stay calm under pressure. The moment you panic, you lose focus.”
His toughest challenge?
“A Sudoku that had me stuck for an hour. I had to use trial-and-error logic, something I rarely do.”
Designer Felix Orwa pictured at Nation Centre building in Nairobi on March 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
Game designer Rachel Wanjiru has spent years crafting puzzles and understands what makes them engaging. “A great puzzle must strike the right balance—it should be challenging but not impossible,” she says.
The best puzzles have a logical structure, clear rules, and a rewarding ‘aha’ moment when solved. “People enjoy the struggle, but they also want to feel smart. If a puzzle is too easy, it’s boring; if it’s too hard, it’s frustrating. The magic is in that sweet spot.”
Technology has changed the puzzle landscape. “Apps and AI-generated puzzles allow for endless variations,” Rachel says. “Augmented reality and gamification have also added new dimensions. But despite digital advances, traditional paper-based puzzles are still widely loved.”
Social puzzle-solving
A key trend is social puzzle-solving. “People are now competing online, joining global Sudoku tournaments, and engaging with puzzle communities,”
Rachel notes. “Puzzle-solving is no longer just a solo activity; it’s becoming interactive and competitive.”
Puzzles aren’t just brain teasers; they teach resilience, discipline, and focus. Dr Omondi believes this is why so many people turn to them during tough times.
“Puzzles give you a sense of control,” he explains. “In a chaotic world, a Sudoku grid or crossword puzzle offers a structured challenge with a definite solution. There’s satisfaction in solving it.”
Charity agrees. “Life can be unpredictable, but with Sudoku, there’s always a right answer. That’s comforting.”
For Felix, puzzles are a reminder that persistence pays off. “Every tough puzzle I’ve solved has taught me something—whether it’s patience, strategy, or just the importance of staying calm under pressure.”
Whether on paper, on an app, or in a competition, puzzles continue to attract new enthusiasts. The thrill of cracking a tough grid, the mental workout, and the sheer joy of solving keep puzzle lovers coming back—one challenge at a time.
