Kenyan FIFA referee Josephine Wanjiku continues to make significant strides on the continental stage, having been selected among 59 match officials from across Africa for a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) preparation course organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The course, scheduled for May 25-29 in Cairo, Egypt, is part of CAF’s ongoing preparations for the 2025 WAFCON tournament.

Wanjiku stands out as the only Kenyan match official and one of just eight from East Africa chosen for the intensive training. Of the eight East African representatives, five are centre referees-including Wanjiku herself-while three serve as assistant referees.

This selection follows a series of high-profile appointments for Wanjiku, who recently served as centre referee in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa, and as the fourth official in the Guinea vs Ivory Coast clash in Mali.

Her consistent presence at major tournaments highlights her growing stature and recognition within African football.

Wanjiku, who began her refereeing journey in 2012, has steadily risen through the ranks, now holding the distinction of being one of only two female FIFA-accredited referees from Kenya.

She has also officiated high-profile local matches, including the Mashemeji Derby, and participated in a FIFA seminar for prospective referees in Doha, Qatar.

The Cairo workshop is designed to further enhance the skills and readiness of Africa’s top women referees ahead of the 2025 WAFCON.

Wanjiku’s selection is seen as a testament to her professionalism and the growing reputation of Kenyan match officials on the international stage. 

As CAF continues to invest in referee development, Wanjiku’s achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring referees in Kenya and beyond.

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