KPL uncertainty puts Kenyan football in a bad spot, Shikanda

FKF National Executive Committee member for Nairobi Dan Shikanda says uncertainty surrounding the start of the Kenya Premier League season is worrying and is putting Kenyan football in a difficult position.

The league is scheduled to kick off this weekend, but the Football Kenya Federation risks contempt of court if it proceeds to implement Kariobangi Sharks’ relegation while stay orders remain in force.

Sharks finished 16th in the 18-team league last season and were among three teams relegated under the 2025 FKF promotion and relegation regulations, which scrapped the relegation play-off.

“That’s why I’m saying as a federation we are in a bad position, because it is out of our hands. If it’s in court, you cannot proceed. For example, if the court says you must wait until this case is resolved before you can move, you can’t start,” Shikanda said.

Shikanda, the immediate former AFC Leopards chairman, says proceeding against a court order would expose the federation to legal consequences and called for greater respect for the laws governing the game.

“If you do, you will be in contempt of court and you will be punished. So, as a federation, I say we are in a bad spot. And it’s good that when we return, we sit down and examine where that path led us astray, because it is very important that we respect these laws that were put in place or exist.”

He also warned that any delay to the league could have a ripple effect across the football ecosystem, affecting clubs, players, sponsors and fans who have planned around the scheduled kick-off.

“It affects the teams, it affects all the players, it affects all these sponsors, and we will affect all these fans because it is one ecosystem that must work together on the set timelines.”

Sharks, Bidco United and Sofapaka were relegated, while NSL champions Mombasa United, Migori Youth and 3K FC earned promotion to the top flight.