Kenyan women referees Josephine Wanjiku, Caroline Kiles, Elizabeth Njoroge, and Lucy Juma have been selected to officiate the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier between Chad and Senegal, scheduled for February 21 in Côte d’Ivoire.
In preparation for the international assignment, the quartet sharpened their skills by officiating the FKF Premier League match between Kariobangi Sharks FC and Posta Rangers FC at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Reflecting on her refereeing journey, Josephine Wanjiku shared, “I began learning refereeing in 2012, starting in the lower leagues and gradually advancing. Now, as a FIFA referee, my dream is to officiate at the World Cup.”
Caroline Kiles spoke about overcoming barriers in the world of officiating, saying, “It’s not easy, as society is still coming to terms with women officiating matches. Many doubt our capabilities, but we work hard to prove ourselves, giving our best in every match, big or small.”
Elizabeth Njoroge expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating, “Being selected for this match is an honour. It shows faith in my abilities, and I’m determined to prove myself. My ultimate goal is to officiate at the World Cup.”
The selection of these four referees highlights the increasing recognition of Kenyan match officials on the continental level.
As they prepare for the WAFCON qualifier, they carry with them the pride and responsibility of representing Kenya on the African football stage.
