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Historic breakthrough as Mwamba team manager rises to new high in World Rugby
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 17.09.25. | 20:49
The accreditation places her in a prestigious league of officials entrusted with ensuring the game’s integrity at the highest levels
Mwamba RFC team manager, Joyce Odhiambo, has earned her World Rugby Citing Match Commissioner accreditation.
She becomes the first Kenyan woman to achieve this milestone.
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The accreditation places her in a prestigious league of officials entrusted with ensuring the game’s integrity at the highest levels.
According to World Rugby, a Citing Match Commissioner is responsible for independently reviewing matches to identify instances of foul play that may not have been detected or sanctioned by the on-field match officials.
Their work is crucial in upholding player safety, enforcing fair play, and maintaining rugby’s global standards.
The announcement was made by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) on Wednesday, 17 September.
“A hearty congratulations to the current Mwamba RFC team manager, Joyce Odhiambo, on her World Rugby citing Commissioner accreditation. This marks a great milestone for women in rugby as Joyce becomes the first lady in Kenya to earn this accreditation. To big and better JJ,” the post read.
For Odhiambo, this achievement is deeply personal, reflecting a lifelong love affair with the game.
She first encountered a rugby ball at the tender age of five years old, introduced by her uncle, who was a player.
While she was instantly hooked, her parents were hesitant about her involvement in the sport.
Despite this, her passion never waned.
It was not until November 2007 that she attended her first full rugby match, an experience that reignited her dream of actively being part of the game.
Later, while pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree in English and Literature, Joyce discovered that Nakuru RFC had a vibrant ladies’ team.
In her third year of university, she joined the side and played for a year, immersing herself in competitive rugby.
Her playing days laid the foundation for her transition into rugby management, where she steadily carved her path to leadership.
Odhiambo currently serves as Mwamba RFC team manager and has carved her path to become a respected figure within the rugby circles.
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She was part of the team that organized a successful Kabeberi 7s that attracted over 3,500 fans at the RFUEA Grounds.
This achievement breaks new ground for women in the game and sets a precedent for aspiring female officials across Africa.
