They become the first referees and judges in the current Boxing Federation of Kenya administration to graduate to Star-3
It’s the dream of every referee and judge to attain the coveted Star-3 status.
This is the pinnacle of success in officiating and signifies a high level of expertise and recognition in boxing.
While a referee and judge may possess all the qualities needed such as knowledge of IBA rules and regulations, dedication to boxing, fairness and a high level of IQ to attain this status, it’s not easy to attend the Star-3 certification course without the support from his/her employers, national federation or any other sponsor.
That’s why Zimbabwe’s former international boxer Steven Masiyambumbi had to sell his personal car to attend a Star-3 certification course in 2021 in Dubai. His investment on the course was not in vain. He passed the exams with flying colours to become a Star-3 R&J. This accomplishment has seen the Zimbabwean globe-trotting to officiate in major international competitions.
And now it’s the turn of Kenya’s Samuel Obiero and Nelson Otieno to celebrate attaining this prestigious level. They’re so happy and excited to be the latest officials in the East African country to graduate to Star-3 status.
What a great achievement for the two hard-working officials and the Boxing Federation of Kenya producing outstanding R&Js who are now in the seventh heaven walking tall following this gigantic leap in their pursuit for excellence. They both excelled in the Star-3 certification course in Guinea during the Africa Youth Championships in Conakry in April, 2025.
Obiero’s expenses in the Guinea trip were catered for by the Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC) as one of the R&Js invited to officiate in the Africa Youth Championships, while Otieno was supported by his employer, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), who have played a big role in his success.
“Simply it’s so expensive and difficult for African R&Js to attend the courses outside their country if not being sponsored,” says Obiero. He spent over $1000 to attend the Star-1 certification course in Tanzania.
“Most of those who attended the Guinea course were in forces institutions,” says Obiero.
Obiero and Otieno become the first R&Js in the current Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) administration to attain the Star-3 certification grade.
First they attained Star-1 through a course they attended in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 2024. They were lucky in that Star-2 course took place at home in Nairobi, Kenya, with the local federation BFK catering for all the expenses.
The beauty of it all is that the Kenyan duo will now be able to officiate in major international competitions including World Championships and Olympic Games if they’re invited. Once invited for the big tournaments, all their travelling and full board accommodation expenses will be catered for by the IBA and IOC in case they officiate in the Olympics, and of course there’s an enticing perdiem paid in every competition.
To officiate at this high level means they understand IBA’s technical rules and regulations, possess high standards of integrity, neutrality and fairness.
The achievement of Obiero and Otieno demonstrates consistent professional development and a burning desire to excel at the highest level.
Star-3 officials play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and quality of international boxing competitions, ensuring fair play and a positive experience for the boxers and fans.
A referee with Star 3 certification is expected to make accurate and timely decisions regarding fouls, counts and overall safety of the boxers, while a judge is expected to score accurately and fairly based on the established criteria.
The affable and humble Obiero is not in boxing by accident. His journey in this combat sport started as a boxer in 1977 in Nairobi’s Kariobangi Estate nicknamed Bangladesh, fighting several times as a light-flyweight against the late former international and pro boxer Steve “Dempsey” Mwema, himself a product of Bangladesh too.
Once the towering Obiero got hooked up to the sport, there was renowned South African coach in Kenya, the late Eddie “Papa” Musi, to teach him the fundamentals of boxing at the Kariobangi Social Hall where he trained alongside some of Kenya’s top boxers such as George “Foreman” Onyango, Ojow Mamba and his brother Charles “Dixie Kidi” Oduori.
He later moved to KCC Boxing Club under coach Elias Gabiraari, taking part in the novices, intermediate, Kenya Open and the Kenya National Boxing League.
Among the leading boxers then he met in the ring include Undugu’s Joseph “Bazooka” Mwema, Railways Starehe’s Aloice “Lesles” Muiruri, Breweries’ Charles “Ironman” Waithaka, KPA’s Martin “Nyoka” Ojuang and Posta’s Ahmed Omar aka Kasongo whom he fought in 1990 at light-heavyweight after which he called it quits to concentrate on officiating. By then he had already started coaching Nairobi City Council team in 1986 while still a boxer.
Obiero attained the national R&J certification in 1999 and AIBA continental judging certificate in 2002.
Having fulfilled his dream of rising to Star-3, Obiero is looking forward to officiate in high level international tournaments as well as encouraging more R&Js to aim higher.
“It takes patience, perseverance and genuine love of boxing to reach where I am now,” says Obiero with a deserved sense of pride and inner satisfaction.
A delighted Nelson Otieno is very grateful to his employer, KDF, for supporting him in his unwavering determination to succeed as R&J without whom he could not have been where he is now.
“My appreciation goes to KDF and the national office BFK, they’ve really assisted me through good and bad times. I thank President Anthony Ombok “Jamal” and his executive committee members David Munuhe, Musa Benjamin, John Waweru, Duncan Kuria “Sugar Ray”, my fellow RnJs and boxers too.
“My lovely wife has also been with me in this tough journey supporting me in every possible way including financially. My chairman Col Paul Mungori and my Commanding Officer at Moi Air Base Lt Col Malile have inspired me a great deal,
God bless them all.”
Otieno got involved with officiating in 2011, passing his national certification course in the same year.
“By then I was under Rtd Col Cyrus Oguna, he was the officer in charge of KDF boxing at the time,” recalls Otieno, first trained by Nakuru-based accomplished retired international R&J Mwangi “Don King” Muthoga.
“Muthoga I thank him so much for the useful knowledge he shared with me, I learnt a lot from him,”says Otieno.
The rich knowledge he gained from Muthoga and his personal commitment stood Otieno in good stead, graduating to Star-1 in Tanzania in 2024, climbing the ladder to Star-2 in a certification course in Nairobi and eventually Star-3 in Guinea.
“I’m so happy and contented with my achievement, my big goal is to officiate in the World Championships and the Olympic Games,” says Otieno, a natural good mixer whose social skills on dealing with the public and a high degree of discipline are some of the qualities that have enabled him succeed as R&J. He’s currently the Chairman of BFK’s Coaches Commission.
Among the international tournaments Otieno has officiated include World Military Games, African Military Games, African Championships in Kinshasa and the 2021 Konstantin Korotkov Memorial tournament in Russia where he was voted the best referee for his exemplary officiating in the squared circle.
Otieno and Obiero now join past Kenyan federation members to have attained IBA (formerly AIBA) status namely Stanley Wachanga, Henry Omollo, Elisha Abetsi, Joseph Saoke, Trevor Hill, Humphrey Wamba, Mal Duffy and Mwangi Muthoga.
