Faith Kaburu: Trailblazing on and off the handball court

As Kenya continues to promote greater participation and leadership of women in handball, Faith Kaburu stands as an inspiring example of how women can excel both on and off the court.

Kaburu is a teacher and a qualified handball referee licensed by the Kenya Handball Federation. She is also a beach handball referee and delegate, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to both disciplines of the sport.

Her dedication has seen her earn opportunities to officiate at major competitions. This year, Kaburu was among the officials who refereed at the National Schools Games held in Thika last month, where she demonstrated professionalism, confidence and a strong understanding of the game.

"Officiating is not about being noticed. It's about loving the sport enough to be noticed,” she said.

Her involvement in beach handball as both a referee and delegate further highlights the growing opportunities for women to take up leadership and technical roles within the sport.

Kaburu's journey sends a powerful message to young girls and women: there is a place for women at every level of handball — as players, coaches, referees, delegates, administrators and leaders.

“Faith Kaburu represents the kind of woman we want to see in Kenyan handball—confident, qualified and willing to take up spaces that have traditionally been dominated by men.

“Her journey from the classroom to the handball court, and now to officiating and technical roles, demonstrates that women have the ability to excel at every level of our sport.

"As the Women’s Commission, we are committed to creating more opportunities, supporting women in technical pathways and ensuring that their contribution to handball is recognised and valued,” said Caroline Nyadiero, Women’s and Beach Handball Commission Chairperson.

Her story reflects the importance of creating opportunities for more women to enter and progress within the sport.

Through dedication, competence and passion, women like Kaburu are helping to challenge barriers and build a more inclusive future for Kenyan handball.

Faith Kaburu is not only officiating matches; she is helping to inspire the next generation of women who will take the whistle, serve as technical officials and shape the future of handball in Kenya.