The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced a clear plan to settle all pending payments owed to referees before the upcoming football season begins. The move comes amid growing concerns over delayed wages and integrity issues in match officiating. Speaking during the certification of 52 new referees in the Coast region, FKF Referees Committee Chair Caleb Amwayi assured that efforts to streamline referee payments are already underway. He acknowledged that the federation inherited a backlog of debts but confirmed progress in settling the arrears.
“We are trying hard to make sure that referees are paid on time,” Amwayi said. “When we came into the new office, we found a huge debt, but I’m thankful that through our president, we are now able to pay. The remaining dues will be cleared before the season starts.” Amwayi also linked delayed payments to cases of match-fixing in the past. He stated that fair compensation and structured pay systems are critical to eliminating corruption in officiating.
“The previous regime delayed payments, yet expected referees to officiate. This contributed to match-fixing,” he explained. “Now, with better pay structures and timely payments, we aim to eliminate such vices. We will be ruthless with any referee who derails our vision for clean sports.”
In addition to payment reforms, the federation emphasized the importance of structured training. Mombasa FKF Branch Secretary General Stephen Mureithi praised the newly certified referees, saying the program equips them with the knowledge to maintain professionalism on the pitch.
“I’m happy for the 52 referees. They had never received certification before, but now they are fully accredited,” Mureithi said. “They’ve undergone practicals and exams and I’m confident they’ll perform better on the pitch.”
He also celebrated referee Dickens Mimosa’s selection to officiate at the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), calling it a sign of progress in Kenya’s refereeing standards. Mimosa will be joined by Samuel Mwangi and Stephen Yembe, rounding out the trio representing Kenya at CHAN.
“He heads the technical referees’ committee in FKF Mombasa. We’ve seen him in CECAFA matches, and we know he’s capable,” Mureithi said. “Though we’ve only sent one referee from Mombasa this time, we expect to send more soon, as several are now FIFA-badged.”
Mombasa FKF Branch Chairman Alamin Ahmed Abdallah also praised the new officials, describing referees as key to football’s development in Kenya.
“We want to add value to our football,” Abdallah said. “Referees are critical stakeholders, and I’m happy that this newly certified group will play a big role in growing our game.”
The FKF’s renewed focus on integrity, timely payment, and training marks a significant shift aimed at restoring confidence in Kenya’s domestic football scene.
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