Optimism galore as FKF targets KSh50 million KPL prize bonanza

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officially launched the 2025/26 top-flight football season on Tuesday with an ambitious plan to grow total prize money to KSh50 million, beginning with an unprecedented KSh15 million purse for this year’s champions.

Speaking at the Glee Hotel, Amethyst Room, Northern Bypass, in Nairobi ahead of the league kick-off on September 19, FKF President Hussein Mohammed said the landmark sponsorship deal will not only reward excellence but also drive the professionalization of Kenyan football.

Under the revamped structure, league champions will pocket KSh15 million, runners-up KSh3 million, and third-place finishers KSh2 million—an enormous leap from last season’s KSh5 million reward for the winner.

The prize money stems from a new 10-year, KSh1.12 billion partnership with a Gaming firm, where 60 per cent of the total funding (around KSh1.2 billion) will be distributed directly to clubs. The remaining KSh800 million will finance league operations and development programs.

“When we took office, I promised Kenyans we would professionalize our league and position it among the very best on the continent,” Mohammed told a packed launch event.

“This is an important step in rewarding our clubs and players for excellence on the pitch. But professionalism goes far beyond money—it’s about governance, communication, and how clubs present themselves on and off the field.”

Mohammed stressed that the partnership represents a “game changer,” restoring credibility to Kenyan football and luring back private-sector confidence after years of instability.

 He urged clubs to embrace high standards in administration, media engagement, and grassroots development.

 “The league will only be stable with a solid foundation at youth and grassroots levels,” he said, adding that building future national team stars starts with today’s 12- to 15-year-olds.

The FKF boss also thanked the president for taking a personal interest in football, noting that an oversight committee—including the CEO and Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, who will spearhead resource mobilization across men’s and women’s competitions—will be formed.

Mohammed reaffirmed his ambition to eventually raise the total prize pool to KSh50 million, making the Kenyan league one of Africa’s most lucrative.

Mathare United CEO Jacton Obure, speaking on behalf of Premier League clubs, lauded the partnership.

“Running a top-flight club is expensive—around KSh65 million a season. This sponsorship eases that burden and promises growth. We hope to replicate the passion we saw during CHAN in our league matches.”

The 2025/26 League kicks off on Friday with an opening clash between Tusker FC and KCB at Nyayo Stadium. With stronger financial backing, a rebranded identity, and a renewed commitment to professionalism, Kenyan football looks poised for a vibrant season that could reshape its domestic and continental stature.