FKF postpones Premier League opening fixtures amid promotion-relegation standoff

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has postponed the opening round of the 2026/27 League season, with all matches scheduled between Monday, August 31 and Wednesday, September 2, 2026, called off.

In a communication to clubs and stakeholders, FKF said the decision was necessary to allow further consultations with participating clubs and the league sponsors over the management of the new season.

“The Kenya Premier League 2026/27 Round One Fixtures scheduled to be played between Monday, 31st August 2026 and Wednesday, 2nd September 2026 have been postponed.”

The postponement means clubs that were preparing to begin their campaigns this week will now have to wait for a revised fixture programme, with FKF yet to announce new dates for the affected matches.

Among the fixtures affected on Monday were newly promoted 3K FC’s meeting with Mara Sugar at Moi Stadium, Embu, and Mathare United’s clash against APS Bomet at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi.

Tuesday’s programme was also heavily affected, with Ulinzi Stars scheduled to host defending FKF Cup champions Tusker FC at Ulinzi Sports Complex. 

NSL champions Migori Youth were due to face Kenya Police FC at Green Stadium in Awendo, while record league champions Gor Mahia were set to begin their campaign against Murang’a SEAL at Nyayo Stadium.

Wednesday’s fixtures included Nairobi United against KCB at Police Sacco Stadium, Posta Rangers versus Shabana at Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea, and AFC Leopards against Bandari at Ulinzi Sports Complex.

FKF explained that the postponement was linked to ongoing discussions involving the federation, clubs and sponsors.

“This is so as to allow for deliberations between the Federation, participating Clubs and the League sponsors that’ll provide direction and guidance on the management of the League for the upcoming Season.”

The decision comes shortly after the High Court in Murang’a cleared the way for FKF to commence the 2026/27 season under the 2019 FKF Rules and Regulations on an interim basis.

Justice Dorah Chepkwony declined to determine the validity of the 2025 regulations at the preliminary stage, noting that doing so could affect the main petition challenging the rules. The 2019 regulations will therefore apply temporarily while the case is heard and determined.

The ruling could have implications for promotion and relegation because the 2019 regulations contain provisions that differ from those used during the previous campaign.

Despite the court clearance, FKF has opted to pause the opening round as consultations continue.

The federation has assured clubs and stakeholders that the revised Round One fixtures and the full-season schedule will be communicated “within the shortest time possible.”

For now, the 2026/27 FKF Premier League remains on hold as FKF, clubs and sponsors seek common ground on the management of the new campaign.