When is the FKF Premier League set to kick-off and how can you watch?

Dennis Mabuka

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League for the 2025-26 season is set to kick off on Friday, September 19th, just after the federation in conduction with title sponsors announced an increase in prize money for the top league.

The increase will see the winner pocket Ksh15 million, a significant increase from the Ksh5 million that winners of the league used to receive under the previous regime.

In total, the federation and SportPesa injected Ksh20 million into the top tier with Ksh15 million going to the new champions, Ksh3 million being pocketed by the second-placed team, while the third-placed team will take home Ksh2 million.

60% of the total funding, amounting to Ksh1.2 billion, will go directly to the clubs, while the remaining Ksh800 million will support league operations and development programs.

2025/26 season set to kick off on Friday

Before the dust can settle after the latest development, the Premier League season is set to return with a total of six matches lined up across the country.

Tusker, who finished fourth in the last campaign, will face off against KCB in the opening fixture of the season at Nyayo Stadium on Friday. Last season, the Brewers defeated the Bankers 2-0 in the first round meeting before the latter recovered to win the reverse fixture 3-2.

Kenya Police FC, who won their first-ever Premier League title in the last campaign, will not be able to play their first fixture against Mara Sugar, after it was postponed to pave the way for the team’s participation in the CAF Champions League. They will face Mogadishu City Club in their first preliminary fixture with the first leg scheduled for Saturday at Nyayo Stadium.

On Saturday, Karibangi Sharks will take on Bandari FC while AFC Leopards, under new management and eager to end their trophy drought, will confront Ulinzi Stars.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Shabana FC will host promoted side APS Bomet, Murang’a Seal - who were almost relegated last season - will take on Ulinzi Stars, while record champions Gor Mahia under new Ghanaian coach Charles Akonnor will kick off their campaign to wrestle the title from Police against Bidco United.

How to watch FKF Premier League matches?

Selected FKF Premier League matches will be streamed live by Tanzania Sports Channel Azam TV, who are the broadcast partners of the federation. The FKF social media pages will also transmit the matches live.

What have coaches said ahead of new season?

After Gor Mahia lost the crown to Police FC, Ghana legend Akonnor is confident of wrestling the title back. He said: “It is always good to be part of this big club and they have achieved a lot of things.

“I want to be part of the legacy. I know it is a club that always wants to win and if you ask me, my task is to bring back that glory.”

After concluding their pre-season in Kisumu with a 2-0 victory against Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium, Tusker coach Charles Okere is confident that they have achieved many benefits and are looking forward to the new campaign.

“What we wanted was more of team building. We have new players in the team and we need them to understand our philosophy. We gave them more minutes to see them applying what we have learnt under pressure. This camp was a plus for us, and I thank the management for their support to make this possible,” Okere told the club website.

“We are thankful for the seven weeks we have had pre-season training. Scouting and recruiting players then working to employ match tactics is not an easy task, but we have done it and I believe we will have a positive season ahead..”

AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani: “I can only ask our fans to wait for the title this season. We are ready to fight and bring it home.”

Shabana coach Peter Okidi said: “Last time we came close, this time we want to take it.”