The Vice Chairperson of the Kenya Basketball Referees Association (KBRA) David Maina says their first duty is to ensure referees get paid on time.
This follows their elections held over the weekend at the Jamhuri High School, Nairobi.
Maina, who was re-elected unopposed, says for a long time the referees have been suffering for late payments, threatening their integrity in the sport.
“We need to sit down with the Kenya Basketball Federation, try to make them understand that referees need to be paid in good time so that when they come to the venue their minds are set to officiate the game in manner that reflects integrity,” Maina said.
Maina also wants a special sponsorship plan for referees.
“We will be going out there to look for sponsors for the referees, if we can get one or two, we can be able to increase the payment and motivate them to do a good job. Our referees have been doing a good job regardless of the challenges they have been facing,” Maina added.
Maina, who doubles up as the Equity Bank head coach, has underscored the importance of referee's welfare must be prioritized as a pillar of basketball growth in the country.
“Without the referees the game of basketball will not grow both locally and internationally. The refs are the main people to help basketball grow both regionally and nationally which is one of the mandates we need to make sure that we have performed as soon as possible,” he averred.
KBRA is made up of 170 registered members with 95 being actively involved in an officiating capacity in various leagues in the country.
The association provides referees to over 1000 games per year at various leagues and competitions in the country.
KBRA referees will at all times get nominated to officiate games at the KBF and KBF branches classic leagues, the Kenya University Sports Association League, the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association games and the Kenya International and Private Schools League.
Fred Awuor was re-elected as chairperson unopposed, as was second Vice Chair Eric Omondi. Abbas Ulaya is the new Secretary. The new office bearers will serve for five years.
The full office
*Chairman - Fred Awuor - unopposed
*1st Vice - David Maina - Unopposed
* 2nd Vice - Eric Omondi - Unopposed
* Secretary- Abbas Ulaya
*Asst. Sec - Daina Mayaka
* Treasurer - Theophilus Okano
*Asst. Carol Ouma
* Co-opted/committee members
Thomas Mutuku
Maurice Omondi
Hazel Agina
