Concern as referee shortage hits Kisii County Term Two ball games

Kisii County secondary schools’ Term Two sports competitions, particularly soccer, have been disrupted by a shortage of qualified referees due to inadequate funding for officiating services.

The shortage has emerged as a major concern among principals, games teachers, and students, who view sports as an important avenue for talent development and co-curricular growth.

It is reported that the problem stems from the government capitation disbursement system, whereby schools in Kisii, like many across the country, receive capitation funds in phases each term.

However, the allocation for co-curricular activities remains minimal compared to the growing operational needs of schools. By the time the funds are disbursed, most of the money is directed toward learning materials, utilities, and other essential services, leaving little for sports activities.

As a result, many schools have struggled to hire qualified referees, match commissioners, and other officials required to conduct credible competitions.

The effects have been evident during the ongoing Term Two games. In soccer- the county’s most popular school sport – several matches have been officiated by teachers or senior students with limited training. This has led to frequent disputes, inconsistent interpretation of rules, and allegations of bias.

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Students and coaches say the lack of professional officiating undermines fair competition and denies players the opportunity to experience properly managed matches that promote discipline and sportsmanship.

Beyond the pitch, poorly officiated games are damaging the reputation of school sports and discouraging student participation. Parents and community members attending matches have also expressed concerns over the fairness and credibility of the competitions.

Sports stakeholders warn that if the situation persists, it could weaken efforts to identify and nurture talent capable of progressing to county, regional, and national competitions.

Amid the challenges, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Kisii Branch has expressed willingness to support schools by helping facilitate officiation services for the remaining fixtures and county-level games.

Shabana Football Club Public Relations Officer Stephen Ndemo said he is ready to help broker discussions between the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) and FKF Kisii Branch to enable schools access qualified referees at subsidized rates.

“The Kenya Football Federation is willing to assist, but it appears the Kenya Secondary Schools fraternity has not formally approached them for the task. I am ready to help negotiate and provide a solution instead of placing blame,” Ndemo said.

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The concern comes at a time when most of Kisii County’s 11 sub-counties have already completed their fixtures. Stakeholders hope that successful negotiations will help restore professionalism, fairness, and order in the remaining matches and upcoming county competitions.

Andrew Mochoge, a games teacher in the county, welcomed the proposal, saying it would allow teachers to concentrate on coaching instead of resolving officiating disputes.

“Qualified referees would bring structure, fairness, and professionalism to the games, giving students a better competitive experience,” Mochoge said.

The concern comes at a time when most of the 11 subcounties in Kisii County have completed their fixtures. If negotiations succeed, the remaining matches and upcoming county-level games could benefit from credible officiation, restoring sanity and fairness in the school sports arena.

Andrew Mochoge, one of the games teachers, observed that the proposal will enable teachers to focus on coaching rather than officiating disputes. He added that qualified referees would bring structure and fairness to the games, giving students a better competitive experience.

By Enock Okong’o