Court Order Throws Kenyan Premier League Kick-Off Into Fresh Uncertainty

Justice Dorah Chepkwony ruled that the season cannot begin without a playoff involving Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United, placing the planned opening round of matches in immediate doubt.

The order followed an application by Evans Nduta challenging the commencement of the new campaign. Nduta also has a substantive case questioning the application of the 2025 Football Kenya Federation rules.

The matter is expected back in court on Thursday, leaving clubs, players and supporters waiting for clarity over when the domestic season can officially begin.

The effects of the decision were already being felt on Saturday, with Gor Mahia announcing that their season-opening match against Murang’a Seal at Nyayo Stadium had been postponed until further notice. Gor Mahia said tickets already purchased would remain valid and would be honoured once a new kick-off date is confirmed.

AFC Leopards also informed supporters that their opening fixture against Bandari FC, scheduled for Sunday, September 20 at Nyayo National Stadium, had been cancelled by FKF. Unlike Gor Mahia, Leopards said supporters who had bought tickets would receive direct communication regarding refund arrangements by close of business on Tuesday, September 22.

The latest disruption has added to frustration within Kenyan football, with Tusker FC captain Abud Omar becoming one of the first senior players to publicly address the latest standoff.

Omar questioned how the domestic game has fallen behind leagues in neighbouring countries despite Kenya previously enjoying stronger organisation and visibility.

10 years ago, the Kenyan Premier League was among the better leagues in Africa. We were ranked around the top 20 on the continent, and a big part of that was proper management and the professional standards that came with SuperSport,” Omar said.

But look at where we are today. Many of our neighbouring countries have moved ahead of us because they have invested in better management, infrastructure and professionalism, while our league continues to struggle.”

The Tusker defender also raised concerns about the sporting consequences of repeated delays, particularly for clubs preparing for continental football and players hoping to represent the national team.

I’ve just woken up to the news that the league has been cancelled again, and honestly, it’s so frustrating. We have continental competitions and national team games coming up. How are we supposed to compete at the highest level when we don’t have enough competitive matches to maintain our fitness and sharpness?” he said.

Omar believes the situation is particularly concerning with Kenya preparing to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

And with Kenya preparing to co-host AFCON next year, this is really worrying. We need to get serious about our football. Our players, clubs and fans deserve a properly organised, professional and competitive league,” he said.

This is not just about today’s fixtures. It’s about the future of Kenyan football.”

Attention will now turn to FKF and how the federation responds to the High Court directive. There has already been heightened debate around the federation’s relationship with legal proceedings affecting football, with FKF President Hussein Mohammed reported earlier this week to have indicated during a meeting with branch chairmen that the federation would resist court interventions that stop football activities.

For clubs, however, the immediate consequences are already clear. Preparations have been interrupted, supporters who had planned to attend matches are being forced to change their arrangements, while players remain uncertain over when competitive domestic football will resume.

With the court matter returning on Thursday, another Kenyan football season has begun not with action on the pitch, but with uncertainty away from it.