By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Duncan Kioko has become the fourth referee in Kenya to earn Work Rugby level three match official accreditation.
He joins the esteemed ranks of senior referees Victor Oduor who has referred o108 Kenya cup games, Constant Cap who has refereed 142 Kenya cup games, and veteran Godwin Karuga who has referred a record264 top tier league games,
Kioko’s journey in the world of rugby began at Kitondo High School, where he first developed his passion for the sport as a young player.
The foundational experience led him to join Masaku Rugby Club, where he honed his skills on the field.
Kioko’s path took an unexpected turn when he attended a Level One Officiating and Coaching course.
After this course, an unforeseen absence of a match official provided him with a pivotal opportunity: officiating a match between Masaku Rugby and Makueni RFC.
The moment in 2015 marked the official beginning of his refereeing career, allowing him to explore his abilities in decision-making, leadership, and game management.
As Kioko gained experience officiating matches, he became increasingly interested in managing school games throughout Machakos.
The opportunities allowed him to understand the nuances of officiating while engaging with young players and fostering their love for the sport.
His dedication and growing expertise eventually led him to join the Kenya Rugby Referee Association, which was still in its developmental stages of societal status.
His involvement with the association provided him with valuable resources and a network of fellow referees, facilitating his growth within the refereeing community.
In 2019, Kioko reached a major milestone by officiating his first Kenya Cup match, a significant stepping stone that allowed him to progress further along the referee pathway. His commitment to continuous improvement paved the way for him to achieve Level 2 accreditation, qualifying him for the Panel of Match Officials.
The status enabled him to officiate top-tier matches and opened doors to prestigious international appointments.
Kioko’s hard work and commitment did not go unnoticed, leading to his invitation to attend a Level Three Course in Kenya in 2023.
The course brought together match officials from various countries, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, Uganda, and Tunisia, allowing Kioko to share experiences, learn best practices, and deepen his understanding of officiating at the highest levels.
