Duncan Kioko’s journey in the world of rugby began at Kitondo High School, where he first developed his passion for the sport as a young player. This foundational experience led him to join Masaku Rugby Club, where he honed his skills on the field. Duncan’s path took an unexpected turn when he attended a Level One Officiating and Coaching course. After this course, an unforeseen absence of a match official provided him with a pivotal opportunity: officiating a match between Masaku Rugby and Makueni RFC. This moment in 2015 marked the official beginning of his refereeing career, allowing him to explore his abilities in decision-making, leadership, and game management.
As Duncan gained experience officiating matches, he became increasingly interested in managing school games throughout Machakos. These opportunities allowed him to understand the nuances of officiating while engaging with young players and fostering their love for the sport. His dedication and growing expertise eventually led him to join the Kenya Rugby Referee Association, which was still in its developmental stages of societal status. His involvement with the association provided him with valuable resources and a network of fellow referees, facilitating his growth within the refereeing community.
In 2019, Duncan reached a major milestone by officiating his first Kenya Cup match, a significant stepping stone that allowed him to progress further along the referee pathway. His commitment to continuous improvement paved the way for him to achieve Level 2 accreditation, qualifying him for the Panel of Match Officials. This status enabled him to officiate top-tier matches and opened doors to prestigious international appointments.
Duncan’s hard work and commitment did not go unnoticed, leading to his invitation to attend a Level Three Course in Kenya in 2023. This course brought together match officials from various countries, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, Uganda, and Tunisia, allowing Duncan to share experiences, learn best practices, and deepen his understanding of officiating at the highest levels.
We are thrilled to celebrate Duncan Kioko’s remarkable achievement in becoming an accredited World Rugby Level 3 Match Official. He joins the esteemed ranks of senior referees Victor Oduor who has referred one hundred and eight Kenya cup games, Constant Cap who has refereed one hundred and fourty two Kenya cup games, and veteran Godwin Karuga who has referred a record two hundred and sixty four Kenya cup games, showcasing his dedication and passion for the sport.
Congratulations, Duncan Kioko! Your journey inspires many aspiring referees and players alike!
