Meet Constable Eric Kinandu, Naivasha's FIFA-accredited referee

Balancing two demanding careers might seem impossible to most, but for Police Constable Eric Kinandu, it's all in a day's work to enforce the law on the streets and on the football pitch.

Based in Naivasha, Kinandu is a dedicated police officer and an internationally recognised football referee who proudly wears a FIFA badge. His two careers is a perfect match made in heaven.

“Being a policeman means applying justice, and as a referee, I am applying the law. It’s a win because it’s both a job and my passion and they’re linked,” he tells Mtaa Wangu.

His football journey began in high school, where he discovered his passion for the game. He continued playing after joining the police force and eventually played for Aquilla FC, a local team, for three years.

However, recurring injuries and frequent visits to the doctor forced Kinandu to make a tough decision. "The doctors advised me to stop playing to avoid long-term damage," he recalls. In 2014, he retired as a player, but not as a footballer.

A match commissioner then introduced him to the world of refereeing.

“He showed me where and how to train, and that’s how my refereeing career began,” he says.

His first match as a referee was nerve-wracking. ‘I was scared of making mistakes, especially back then when there weren’t strict rules to protect referees. Assaults were common,” he says.

But Kinandu persevered. Through training, time and tenacity, he climbed the ranks and, in 2023, earned his FIFA badge, making him an international match official.

Despite this high achievement, he still finds joy in officiating at grassroots tournaments.

"Officiating community matches is very satisfying. You can see the passion in the young players, but it can be challenging because many of them don’t fully understand the rules, which can cause friction with fans or other players,” he explains.

Kinandu attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his superiors. “My job requires many sacrifices to fulfil both roles. The support of my bosses and colleagues helps me fulfil my responsibilities.”

"Refereeing has made me a better police officer, and being a police officer has given me the confidence to be a strong referee," he says.

As he continues to progress in his refereeing career, Kinandu is aiming to officiate at major international tournaments, including the ultimate goal of the FIFA World Cup.

He encourages young, aspiring referees to stay committed: "It’s not easy, but if you have true passion, it will carry you through the tough times."

Constable Eric Kinandu is proof that, with passion, discipline and support, it is possible to excel in two areas: protecting the public and upholding the integrity of the beautiful game.