Tennis Kenya Honours Women Officiating Sports
BY JEFF OLUBUYI
Tennis Kenya honoured Kenyan women in sports officiating for their service, international achievements and determination to break barriers in male-dominated disciplines during the Bold Calls Women in Officiating Leadership Forum in Nairobi on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Organised in partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), the forum brought together approximately 30 technical officials, administrators and international referees for mentorship, leadership development and recognition.
The Spirit of Service and Excellence Award went to athletics official Dr. Pauline Cherop Murumba, football referee Mary Njoroge and rugby official Peris Mukoko-Wanyaga.
Anne Mumbi (tennis), Lucy Karobia (karate), Joycelene Nyambura (triathlon) and Esther Ikiugu (judo) received the International Officiating Excellence Award.
The Breaking Barriers in Officiating Award recognised Treasa Mutuku (tennis), Lenah Marita (powerlifting), Susan Nyambura (basketball and wheelchair basketball), Phoebe Masika (tennis and wheelchair basketball) and Faith Kaburu (handball and beach handball). Emerging tennis officials Joan Adhiambo, Angeline Rakuom and Nancy Nduku received the Rising Star in Officiating Award.
Tennis Kenya president Wanjiri Mbugua-Karani said the initiative aimed to equip women with the confidence, resilience and authority needed to advance their careers. She announced plans to establish mentorship circles through a proposed Kenya Women in Technical Officials Network.
NOCK first vice-president Barnaba Korir urged sports institutions to provide women with accessible training, certification and leadership opportunities, stressing that their place in officiating was earned, not granted as a favour.
NOCK gender representative Doreen Okiri highlighted mentorship programmes and warned that certification costs, travel expenses, family responsibilities and limited professional networks often hinder women's progression to international appointments.
Mukoko-Wanyaga called on experienced officials to mentor emerging talent and break barriers for future generations.
Murumba, whose athletics career spans 29 years, welcomed the recognition, while Njoroge, a former FIFA-accredited assistant referee who officiated at the FIFA Women's World Cup and Olympic Games, called for stronger institutional support and greater attention to officials' mental health.
International triathlon official Joycelene Nyambura noted that the forum provided an opportunity for women to share their challenges, learn from one another and develop practical strategies for managing emotions and making sound decisions under pressure.
Carey Bobjanen, founder of The Rallying Cry, praised Tennis Kenya and NOCK for addressing women's needs and creating a valuable platform for officials to connect and advance professionally. She noted that women in male-dominated environments often had to work harder to secure opportunities and were overlooked despite their essential contributions.
International volleyball referee Tabitha Cherono urged organisers to make the forum an annual event.
The gathering concluded with calls for sustained mentorship, stronger institutional backing and clearer career pathways to help women progress from grassroots competitions to international officiating.