Kenyan match officials officiating in the FKF Premier League and FKF Women Premier League (FKF WPL), are currently undergoing the mandatory Physical Endurance Tests (PETs) ahead of the 2024–25 season.
The three-day PET training began on Wednesday, August 20, 2024, at the MISC Kasarani Annex, Nairobi.
It will involve 120 elite referees and assistant referees from FKF PL, and FKF WPL, alongside 40 match assessors and commissioners from both leagues.
The exercise is designed to evaluate the physical fitness of FKF PL and FKF WPL match officials ahead of the new season and also ensure they get refreshed on the latest laws of the game.
Ex-Fifa referees Stephen Oduor, Sylvester Kirwa, and Moses Osano are in charge of the programme that winds up on Friday, August 23, 2024.
Among the top Kenyan referees who are being taken through their paces are; Dr Peter Waweru, Gilbert Cheruiyot, Mary Njoroge, Israel Mpaima and Stephen Yiembe.
The tests are compulsory and recommended by FIFA worldwide to ensure whistleblowers can keep up with the demanding pace of the game. They also need the endurance for the extra mile when matches head for extra time (120 minutes).
According to former FIFA referee David Gikonyo, the refresher course is very important because it brings attention to the medical/physical fitness of the officials.
In case one has underlying medical problems that hinder them from performing the physically demanding task they are flagged early.
"The exercise is very important because it tests the official's IQ, and outlines where they stand in the latest laws of the game," Gikonyo said.
Kenya has produced some of the best referees who have officiated in the World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, and the CAF Champions League.
FKF president Nick Mwendwa said officiating has improved a lot in Kenya, as evident by the number of officials getting the nod from CAF and FIFA to officiate international matches.
