The FKF Premier League 2025/26 (also referred to by the federation as the SportPesa League) is underway, and there’s plenty to unpack — new coaches, fresh signings, bigger prize money, and ambitious newly promoted clubs. Here’s your easy, fan-friendly rundown of what matters most as the Kenya Premier League kicks off.
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| Sportpesa League Logo | Image: x.com/Officialfkfpl |
Opening Matches
The league kicked off over the weekend with a slate of fixtures across Nairobi and beyond. The opening night headliner saw Tusker meet KCB at Nyayo Stadium, followed by Saturday and Sunday action including Kariobangi Sharks vs Bandari and AFC Leopards vs Sofapaka. Defending champions Kenya Police FC had their first match versus Mara Sugar postponed due to continental commitments, as indicated on the official fixture list.
If you missed the curtain-raiser: KCB beat Tusker 2–0 in the season opener, a statement result for the Bankers under their new coach.
Bigger prize money, fresh energy
There’s real cash on the line this year. The federation, together with title sponsors, has raised the prize money, with champions set to earn KSh 15 million, runners-up KSh 3m and third place KSh 2m. It’s a major jump that signals growing investment in the top flight and should help clubs plan better.
You’ll also notice the league’s branding shift—FKF has been positioning the top tier as the SportPesa League throughout its official competition pages and communications.
How to watch the FKF Premier League
Azam TV remains the official broadcast partner after a multi-year deal, with the federation reaffirming the partnership earlier this year. Selected fixtures are aired live on Azam’s channels and app, with the broadcaster typically covering multiple matches each round. Keep an eye on Azam TV and FKF channels for weekly picks and stream info.
The transfers that could tilt the title race
Here are the signings getting fans talking:
Tusker: a full refresh under Charles Okere
Tusker announced a 14-player intake across all departments—headlined by GK Brandon Nathan Obiero, defenders Eugene Ikutwa and Francis Oduor, midfielders Issa Rashid and Vincent Otieno, plus forwards like Dennis Ochieng and Eric Kapaito to add punch up front. It’s a big bet on depth and competition for places.
- Why it matters: Tusker needed goals and legs—this window delivered both.
- Early sign: Despite the opening-night loss to KCB, the squad overhaul should pay off as the new group gels.
AFC Leopards: targeted upgrades
Leopards have made smart, targeted moves—recent additions include James Kinyanjui, among others, as the club looks to turn an encouraging pre-season into a consistent league run.
Ingwe’s ceiling rises when they nail recruitment in wide areas and creativity zones.Gor Mahia: reinforcing to reclaim the crown
K’Ogalo strengthened in waves. Mid-season they brought in six players—including international recruits—to boost depth; more recently they added experienced defender Michael Kibwage, right-back Lewis Bandi, and CHAN-standout goalkeeper Byrne Omondi. That’s balance from back to front.
With continental aims and a new coaching team , the spine looks stronger.Kariobangi Sharks: a shrewd pickup
Sharks snapped up Wayne Otieno from Sofapaka—a dynamic option who can help unlock deep blocks and add thrust in transition.
Shabana: major churn, new ambition
Shabana unveiled 14 new signings at “Shabana Day,” signaling serious intent to push on from last year’s survival scrap.
New faces in the top flight
Two clubs step into the spotlight:
- Nairobi United: Promoted as National Super League winners, they arrive with momentum and increasing city-wide backing.
- APS Bomet: Secured historic promotion after a committee ruling and have set confident top-flight targets.
Tactics and touchlines: the coaching storylines
This season also boasts intriguing moves on the benches.
Robert Matano to KCB
The four-time title-winning coach has taken charge at KCB, promising to build a side “good enough to challenge” as the Bankers aim higher. That new-manager bounce already showed up in the opener against Tusker.
Charles Akonnor to Gor Mahia
Record champions Gor Mahia appointed former Ghana coach Charles Akonnor on a two-year deal, a bold reset aimed at regaining the title and improving in Africa. The club brass and Akonnor himself have been clear about their ambition to “bring back the glory.”
League format: high stakes at the bottom
The FKF has proposed trimming the top flight from 18 to 16 teams starting in 2026/27. To make the numbers work, this season could see four relegation spots instead of the usual two or three—raising the survival bar and making every point count. (These are federation proposals and implementation details will be watched closely.)
Who are the favorites?
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Kenya Police FC begin as defending champions and will juggle the league with CAF Champions League fixtures—depth will be tested, but they’ve shown they can manage the grind.
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Gor Mahia look retooled and re-energized under Akonnor, with defensive and attacking reinforcements.
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Tusker and KCB feel like dark horses: big squad refresh in Ruaraka, and a proven winner on the KCB touchline. Early evidence favors the Bankers after matchday one.
What to watch for next
- Broadcast picks: Check Azam TV’s weekly listings to know which matches are live.
- Prize money effect: Expect tighter competition around the top spots of the FKF PL—2nd and 3rd now come with tangible rewards. :
- Relegation dogfight: With reform plans looming, every team in the bottom half will feel the squeeze.
Final word
The Kenya Premier League 2025/26 has the ingredients of a compelling season: bigger stakes, ambitious signings, heavyweight coaches, and fresh storylines from Nairobi United and APS Bomet. Whether you’re following Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Tusker, KCB, or the champions Kenya Police FC, buckle up—this campaign promises goals, drama, and a title race worthy of your weekends.
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