The 2026/27 FKF Premier League season has been postponed again, hours before the scheduled kick-off on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) notified clubs late Friday night that the league would remain suspended until further notice.
The latest delay follows two separate High Court orders in Murang’a and Kiambu, creating uncertainty over the teams that should compete in Kenya’s top flight.
Why FKF Postponed the Season
The dispute centres on the promotion and relegation rules used to determine the composition of the new league. Kariobangi Sharks, who finished 16th in the 2025/26 Premier League, were relegated under FKF’s 2025 framework.
Meanwhile, Mombasa United, who finished third in the National Super League, earned automatic promotion. FKF had abolished the traditional promotion-relegation playoff under the 2025 regulations.
However, the High Court in Murang’a issued an order stopping the new season from starting before a playoff between Sharks and Mombasa United is held. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 24, 2026.
Kiambu Court Orders Mombasa United Into League
The situation became more complicated after a separate High Court case in Kiambu. Justice Francis Nyungu Kyambia directed FKF to publish provisional fixtures including Mombasa United as the 18th team in the Premier League.
The court also scheduled an inter-partes hearing for September 29, 2026. The two orders have therefore left FKF facing different directions over the league’s composition.
Clubs Left Stranded
The late postponement disrupted preparations for clubs that had already travelled for their opening fixtures. Shabana FC had travelled to Kirinyaga ahead of their match against Posta Rangers.
Meanwhile, APS Bomet were already in Nairobi for their scheduled meeting with Mathare United. FKF had only confirmed September 19 as the new start date on September 16 after earlier delays linked to disagreements between clubs and the federation.
No New Kick-Off Date
FKF has not provided a new date for the start of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League. The federation says it will provide further communication on the circumstances surrounding the postponement.
For now, clubs, players and fans are left waiting as the federation navigates the ongoing court cases and the dispute over promotion and relegation rules.
