FKF clears referees outstanding dues ahead of new season

The payments fulfil a pledge made by FKF President Hussein Mohammed when his administration assumed office and are expected to ease a long-standing challenge that has affected referees across the country's domestic competitions.

According to FIFA referee Isaac Hamisi, the payments include outstanding allowances for rounds 29 to 34 of the 2024/25 season, as well as all pending arrears for the 2025/26 campaign.

Referees play a central role in enforcing the Laws of the Game, with their decisions directly influencing the fairness and credibility of football competitions.

However, delayed payments have remained a persistent concern in Kenyan football, with successive administrations struggling to clear accumulated arrears.

FKF Head of Referees Edward Lumbugu described the settlement of the arrears as a turning point for Kenyan football, noting that referees have routinely started new seasons while still awaiting payments from previous campaigns.

"It is big because, for the first time in a long time, the referees will be beginning a season when they are not owed any dues from the previous season," said Lumbugu.

He added that timely payments would allow referees to concentrate on the demanding task of officiating rather than worrying about delayed allowances.

"Remuneration is a motivator in all sectors. I expect it to be the same for the referees so that they focus on the difficult task they have of refereeing, not on when they will be paid.”

FKF NEC member Dan Shikanda acknowledged that referee payments have been a recurring challenge in Kenyan football, saying clearing the backlog is essential to improving the professionalism and integrity of domestic competitions.

"If referees are not paid and we are having all that hullabaloo about payment of the referees, it actually dilutes the standard of the league and the integrity of the league," Shikanda said.

For referees, the payments represent more than financial relief. Hamisi said delayed allowances have often forced officials to borrow money from family and friends to travel for assignments, affecting their preparation for matches.

"As we prepare for the next coming season, timely payment will really help referees prepare for the matches. It will also motivate us during our matches," he said.

Lumbugu also revealed that clearing the arrears allows FKF to review referees' remuneration, noting that current match allowances have remained largely unchanged for more than 13 years despite rising living costs.

The development comes as FKF continues to tighten oversight of officiating standards. Earlier this year, the federation sanctioned three match officials following technical reviews of league matches, saying the move was aimed at strengthening accountability and improving the quality of officiating.

With the payment backlog now cleared, the focus shifts to performance, as FKF and football stakeholders look to improve officiating standards in the 2026/27 season.