Kenyan football is heading into the 2026/2027 season without the certainty required to run a professional competition. The Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) was scheduled to begin on August 22, 2026, but clubs, broadcasters and sponsors remain uncertain about the league's composition and the rules governing promotion and relegation. The dispute centres on conflicting regulations adopted in 2019 and 2025.
Under the 2019 regulations, the bottom two Premier League teams are automatically relegated, while the top two National Super League (NSL) sides earn promotion. The 2025 regulations increased both numbers to three.
The 2025 regulations were communicated in September 2025, after the league had already started. Kariobangi Sharks challenged their application after being affected by the new relegation formula.
The Sports Disputes Tribunal ruled that the 2025 regulations were applicable. The High Court in Murang'a subsequently suspended that decision. The case was later transferred to the Milimani Civil Court, where it is scheduled for hearing on September 24, 2026.
By then, the new season could already have been several weeks old. The uncertainty is now affecting the commercial foundations of the league.
Azam Media, FKF-PL's broadcast partner, has asked for clarity on the start date, the final league composition and how the outstanding disputes will be handled. Its seven-year broadcasting agreement with Football Kenya Federation is worth Sh1.17bn.
SportPesa, the league's title sponsor, has similarly warned that the uncertainty is affecting its business operations.
The longer the league remains suspended, the greater the commercial cost to those investing in Kenyan football, and the players.
The disruption is also affecting Kenya's representatives in continental competitions.
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