Kenya Gains Five FIFA Referees as Key Officials Remain
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on January 28, 2026
Kenya has significantly strengthened its representation on the FIFA Panel of Referees with the addition of five more officials. This increase brings the total number of Kenyan referees eligible for assignments in international tournaments to 16.
New Appointments to the FIFA Panel
Five referees have been newly appointed to the 2026 FIFA Panel: Isaac Hamisi and Edwin Ouma Mangoli as centre referees, and Doreen Kendi Kaburu, Phanuel Ndalila Muyelele, and Virginia Wangui as assistant referees.
Experienced Referees
Several experienced referees retain their places on the panel. Gilbert Cheruiyot has been a FIFA referee since 2013, followed by Peter Waweru Kamaku (2017), Stephen Yiembe (2018), and Samuel Kuria Mwangi (2019).
Women Referees on the Panel
Kenya now boasts five women referees on the FIFA Panel. They include centre referees Lucy Juma Awino (since 2023) and Josephine Wanjiru (since 2021), assistant referee Elizabeth Njoroge (since 2025), and the newly appointed Kaburu and Wangui.
Impact and Future Opportunities
These appointments are expected to enhance the quality of officiating in Kenya, providing opportunities for referees to oversee both international and local matches while receiving advanced training. With upcoming tournaments such as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, and the FIFA World Cup, these officials are well-positioned to participate. Future opportunities include the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
KENYAN REFEREES ON 2026 FIFA PANEL
Centre Referees
Peter Waweru Kamaku (Since 2017)
Josephine Wanjiru (Since 2021)
Lucy Juma Awino (Since 2023)
Dickens Mimisa (Since 2023)
Kelvin Maina (Since 2024)
Isaac Hamisi, Edwin Mangoli Ouma (2026)
Assistant Referees
Gilbert Cheruiyot (Since 2013)
Stephen Yiembe (Since 2018)
Samuel Kuria Mwangi (Since 2019)
Bonface Nduta Karanja (Since 2024)
Adam Nyongesa (Since 2024)
Elizabeth Njoroge (Since 2025)
Doreen Kendi Kaburu, Phanuel Ndalila Muyelele & Virginia Wangui (2026)
