CHAN 2024: Top three Kenyan referees picked to officiate in tourney - Citizen Digital

Referee Stephen Yiembe, the most experienced of the trio, will serve as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

Kenya will have three top match officials representing the country at the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2 to 30. The trio of Stephen Yiembe, Dickens Mimisa, and Samuel Mwangi has been officially appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to officiate some of the matches, underlining the country's growing stature in international refereeing.

Stephen Yiembe, the most experienced of the trio, will serve as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Born in Nakuru, Yiembe began his refereeing career in 2012 and earned his FIFA badge in 2018. Since then, he has officiated at top-tier events, including AFCON, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and the Olympics.

 Most notably, he was the second assistant referee in this year’s CAF Champions League Final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns. Yiembe was also selected for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and he officiated the group match between Real Madrid and Salzburg.

Dickens Mimisa, named Kenya’s 2024 Male Referee of the Year, will officiate as a centre referee. Known for his calm control and crisp decision-making, Mimisa has handled major fixtures like the recent Mashemeji Derby and AFCON U20 matches. Outside football, he is also a respected civil engineer.

Samuel Mwangi, who will serve as an assistant referee earned his international badge in 2019, and has been praised at times for his offside judgment and discipline on the line in the Kenyan Premier League and regional competitions.

With Kenya set to open their CHAN 2024 campaign against DR Congo on August 2 at Kasarani Stadium, the presence of this trio highlights not only their personal milestones but also the country’s investment in world-class officiating.