- The Sportpesa League Season opens on Monday, August 31 with 3K FC vs Mara Sugar.
- The High Court in Murang’a cleared the 2026/27 SportPesa League to start using 2019 football laws, but barred Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United while their promotion dispute is pending.
- Both Gor Mahia vs Pyramids FC and Tusker FC Al Madani must manage squad rotation as their mid-week league openers take place just days before their CAF continental assignments.
The Sportpesa League has finally been given the greenlight to kickoff after a long battle in court.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was granted the permission by the High Court in Murang’a to kick off the 2026/27 SportPesa League season with the federation expected to utilise the laws governing Kenyan Football of 2019 pending a determination on the eligibility of the 2025 rules.
Reigning champions Gor Mahia begin their quest for back-to-back titles when they host Murang’a Seal at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Crucially, the fixture comes just a few days before Gor Mahia’s Sunday clash against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the 2026 CAF Champions League preliminary round one.
ALSO READ Gor Mahia’s CAF Champions League dream faces early test as Pyramids FC await
Highlighting the first round action, last season’s runners up AFC Leopards face a difficult opening test at home against Bandari FC on Wednesday afternoon at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Ingwe will look to start their campaign on a strong footing against the coastal side after draws across both legs last season.
FKF Cup winners Tusker FC kick off their domestic campaign away to Ulinzi Stars on Tuesday afternoon at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Much like the league champions, the Brewers must juggle their domestic kickoff with international commitments, as their encounter against the Soldiers comes just a few days before their Saturday continental clash against Al Madani of Sudan with the match to be played at the Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda.
ALSO READ Tusker whip Gor Mahia to lift FKF Super Cup as both sides get a reality check ahead of busy season
Top-flight newcomers 3K FC are set for an immediate test of their credentials when they host Mara Sugar FC in the season opener at Moi Stadium in Embu on Monday.
While the High Court in Murang’a granted FKF clearance to initiate the new season, Justice Dorah Chepkwony ruled that Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United are barred from participating while their ongoing court case is resolved.
Due to the active dispute, Sharks cannot be scheduled for National Super League (NSL) fixtures, nor can Mombasa United take up a top-flight slot while their promotion remains directly tied to the outcome of the case.
SPORTPESA LEAGUE 2026/27 ROUND 1 fixtures
Monday, August 31, 2026
3K FC vs Mara Sugar FC
Mathare United vs APS Bomet FC
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Ulinzi Stars vs Tusker FC
Migori Youth vs Kenya Police FC
Gor Mahia vs Murang’a Seal
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Nairobi United vs KCB FC
Posta Rangers vs Shabana FC
AFC Leopards vs Bandari FC