Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced that the 2026/27 SportPesa League will kick off on the weekend of September 19, 2026, following weeks of delays.
In a statement released on Thursday, September 10, the federation made the official announcement on the new dates in compliance with the court ruling.
“Football Kenya Federation wishes to confirm that the SportPesa League 2026/2027 season will commence on Saturday, 19th September 2026, in compliance with the recent court ruling issued on 28th August 2026,” FKF announced.
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The start of the league had taken another trajectory this season, with the campaign delayed after it was initially scheduled to get underway in late August, only for court cases to throw another spanner in the works.
On August 28, FKF was granted 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 from 2019 pending a determination on the eligibility of the 2025 rules.
The league was then scheduled to begin on August 29 before it was once again halted at the eleventh hour after clubs raised concerns over the surprise release of the kick-off dates following the lifting of the order.
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Reigning champions Gor Mahia are set to begin their quest for back-to-back titles when they host Murang’a SEAL at the Nyayo National Stadium.
At this point, Gor will also be aware of their fate in the CAF Champions League, having been scheduled to face Pyramids FC in the second leg in Egypt on Sunday, September 13, trailing 2-0 from the first encounter.
Highlighting the opening round of action, last season’s runners-up AFC Leopards face a difficult opening test at home against Bandari FC at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Ingwe will look to get their campaign off to a strong start against the coastal side after the two teams played out draws in both legs last season.
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FKF Cup winners Tusker FC will begin their domestic campaign away to Ulinzi Stars at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, and the clash could help them gauge their fitness levels.
Unlike Gor, Tusker still hold an edge in their CAF Confederation Cup progression in the second preliminary round after drawing 2-2 with Al Ahli Madani.
The Brewers welcome the Sudanese side home on Saturday.
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.
Meanwhile, Migori Youth FC will make their SportPesa League debut at home against 2024 champions Kenya Police FC, marking the return of top-flight football to Migori County.
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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, while Mombasa United cannot take up a top-flight slot as their promotion remains directly tied to the outcome of the case.
This will mark the second season in which the Kenyan top-flight league will be under leading gaming firm SportPesa, who made their return last season as the title sponsor in a landmark 10-year deal.
SPORTPESA LEAGUE 2026/27 ROUND 1 FIXTURES
- 3K FC vs Mara Sugar FC
- Mathare United vs APS Bomet FC
- Ulinzi Stars vs Tusker FC
- Migori Youth vs Kenya Police FC
- Gor Mahia vs Murang’a Seal
- Nairobi United vs KCB FC
- Posta Rangers vs Shabana FC
- AFC Leopards vs Bandari FC