ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
The Kenya Rugby Referees Association is the national body responsible for the recruitment, training, development and management of rugby match officials in Kenya.
WHO WE ARE
Rugby referees have been an integral part of organised rugby in Kenya since the earliest days of the game.
The Kenya Rugby Referees Association provides the national framework through which rugby match officials are recruited, trained, developed and managed.
Our officials play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, safety and fairness of rugby at every level — from grassroots and schools to clubs and national competitions.
Much of Kenya's rugby officiating is delivered on a volunteer basis, reflecting the strong culture of community, service and commitment that has sustained the game for generations.
OUR HISTORY
From the earliest days of organised rugby in Kenya to the modern officiating environment, match officials have remained central to the growth of the game.
The first recorded rugby match in Kenya takes place. Rugby referees are already an integral part of the game, responsible for maintaining the integrity, safety and fairness of play.
The Kenya Rugby Referees Association is formalised in the same year as the Kenya Rugby Union and becomes part of the organised structure supporting rugby in Kenya.
The organisation transitions from a single referees' society into the Kenya Rugby Referees Association, establishing a national framework comprising five Rugby Referees Societies.
KRRA continues to recruit, train, mentor and develop match officials while providing qualified referees for competitions throughout Kenya and supporting officials on the international pathway.
OUR MANDATE
KRRA's mandate covers the full lifecycle of rugby officiating — from recruitment and education to development, performance and management.
Identifying and welcoming people with the commitment and potential to become rugby match officials.
Providing structured education in the Laws of the Game and the practical skills required for modern officiating.
Creating opportunities for referees to improve, gain experience and progress through the officiating pathway.
Coordinating and supporting the management and deployment of match officials across rugby competitions.
Promoting professionalism, integrity, consistency, accountability and excellence in rugby officiating.
Supporting continuous assessment, mentorship and performance evaluation of match officials.
NATIONAL STRUCTURE
KRRA operates through five Rugby Referees Societies serving different parts of the country.
The societies provide the local foundation for referee recruitment, development and officiating while operating within the national framework of KRRA.
Explore the Societies →
GOVERNANCE
KRRA is governed through a national office operating under the Association's governing mandate.
The national leadership structure provides strategic, administrative and technical leadership to the Association.
OUR PLACE IN RUGBY
KRRA works within Kenya's rugby structure while maintaining links with the wider continental and global officiating community.
KRRA works closely with the Kenya Rugby Union in support of rugby officiating and the development of match officials.
KRRA officials participate in the continental rugby officiating environment and represent Kenya at Rugby Africa competitions.
Kenyan officials have progressed to the international officiating environment, contributing to Kenya's presence on the global rugby stage.
OUR VALUES
Rugby officiating is built on community, integrity and service. These principles guide our officials on and off the field.
We uphold honesty, impartiality and ethical conduct in every aspect of rugby officiating.
We pursue the highest standards of performance, knowledge, fitness and professionalism.
We protect the principles of fair play and ensure that the Laws of the Game are applied consistently.
We invest in people by creating opportunities for referees to learn, improve and progress.
We serve the game, its players, coaches, clubs, schools and communities through quality officiating.
We foster an inclusive environment where women and men officials can develop, build confidence and thrive.
JOIN THE GAME
Interested in becoming a rugby referee? Discover the pathway from your first course through to advanced levels of officiating.
