Kenyan women referees Josephine Wanjiku, Caroline Kiles, Elizabeth Njoroge, and Lucy Juma have been appointed to officiate the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier between Chad and Senegal on February 21, 2025, in Côte d’Ivoire.
Before heading to Côte d’Ivoire, the four officials fine-tuned their preparations by overseeing an FKF Premier League match between Kariobangi Sharks FC and Posta Rangers FC at Dandora Stadium on Friday. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, serving as a vital warm-up for their international assignment.
Referees Share Their Journeys and Aspirations
Reflecting on her journey, Josephine Wanjiku shared her aspirations:
“I started learning refereeing in 2012, beginning in the lower leagues and gradually rising through the ranks. Now, as a FIFA referee, I dream of officiating at the World Cup.”
For Caroline Kiles, breaking gender barriers in officiating has been a challenge, but one she embraces:
“It’s not an easy task, as society is still learning to embrace the idea of women officiating matches. Many believe we are not capable, but we work hard to prove otherwise, ensuring we perform to the best of our ability in every match, big or small.”
Elizabeth Njoroge, on her part, expressed excitement and gratitude:
“Being selected for this match is an honor. It shows that they believe in my abilities, and I am eager to prove myself. My ultimate dream is to officiate at the World Cup.”
The appointment of these four referees to a high-profile WAFCON qualifier underscores the growing recognition of Kenyan match officials on the African stage. Their inclusion is not only a significant milestone for women in refereeing but also a step forward in fostering gender equality in football officiating.
With their sights set on even bigger stages, Wanjiku, Kiles, Njoroge, and Juma continue to pave the way for future generations of women referees in Kenya and beyond.
