FKF, clubs clear path for 2026/27 season kickoff

Kenyan football fans and lovers of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) can finally focus on the game after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) reached an agreement with club representatives to clear the way for the new season.

According to a statement by FKF dated September 16, the league is set to kick off on Saturday, September 19, following a meeting held Wednesday, which settled key concerns around foreign players and medical support.

Clubs will be allowed to register up to seven foreign players, with a maximum of five eligible for selection in a match.

They also agreed that two ambulances should be available at every league fixture.

“The clubs also signed a consent on the implementation of the foreign players' quota, the provision of ambulances during league matches, as well as other matters that had already been complied with during the previous season,” FKF said in their statement.

The agreement comes after a prolonged standoff that disrupted the league’s planned start.

At the centre of the dispute was Kariobangi Sharks’ relegation after finishing 16th last season.

Sharks challenged FKF’s use of the 2025 Promotion and Relegation regulations, arguing that the earlier 2019 rules should apply and give them a chance to retain their top-flight status through a playoff.

The matter went before the Sports Disputes Tribunal and later the High Court, with the legal battle complicating preparations for the new campaign.

FKF had initially scheduled the season to begin on August 22 which was postponed to August 29 but this was again pushed back as the dispute continued.

With the latest agreement in place, clubs now have a confirmed date for the return of competitive league football, although the Sharks case remains active before the courts.