FKF Premier League Set for August 31 Kick-Off

FKF confirmed the opening date in communication sent to participating clubs through its Leagues and Competitions Department, together with the revised Round One schedule.

The federation instructed clubs to begin preparations for the opening fixtures and said any subsequent adjustments to the programme would be communicated in sufficient time.

The confirmation follows a court decision in Murang’a clearing FKF to proceed with the league under the federation’s 2019 Rules and Regulations.

Newly promoted 3K FC will have the honour of opening the campaign when they host Mara Sugar at Moi Stadium in Embu at 3pm on Monday.

It will be a historic occasion for 3K FC as they make their first appearance in Kenya’s top division.

The other Monday fixture will see Mathare United welcome APS Bomet to Police Sacco Stadium, also at 3pm.

Action will continue on Tuesday, September 1, with three fixtures, including the start of defending champions Gor Mahia’s title defence.

Gor Mahia will face Murang’a Seal at Nyayo National Stadium from 4pm as they begin another campaign carrying the expectations that come with being champions.

Earlier in the day, Ulinzi Stars will host Tusker at the Ulinzi Sports Complex at 3pm in one of the standout fixtures of the opening round.

Tusker head into the season looking to challenge at the top end of the table, while Ulinzi will be hoping to make home advantage count in their first competitive league assignment.

Another newly promoted side, Migori Youth, will make their Premier League debut against Kenya Police at Green Stadium in Awendo at 3pm.

The fixture provides an immediate test for Migori Youth, who will be facing the 2024/25 champions in their first top-flight outing.

Three more matches are scheduled for Wednesday, September 2.

Nairobi United will face KCB at Police Sacco Stadium at 3pm, while Posta Rangers meet Shabana at Wang’uru Stadium at the same time.

AFC Leopards will then complete the scheduled opening round when they host Bandari at Ulinzi Sports Complex from 4pm.

The opening programme therefore spreads eight fixtures across three days as clubs begin what is expected to be another competitive battle at both ends of the FKF Premier League table.

Attention will be particularly focused on the promoted clubs.

Both 3K FC and Migori Youth have confirmed opening-round assignments, while uncertainty remains over Mombasa United because of ongoing court proceedings concerning their status.

The new campaign will also place immediate attention on several of Kenya’s traditional heavyweights.

Gor Mahia begin the season as defending champions, Tusker face an early challenge away to Ulinzi Stars, while AFC Leopards start their campaign against Bandari.

With the league start now confirmed, clubs can finally turn their attention fully towards competition after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the 2026/27 season.

Round One fixtures:

• Monday, August 31: 3K FC vs Mara Sugar — Moi Stadium, Embu, 3pm; Mathare United vs APS Bomet — Police Sacco Stadium, 3pm.
• Tuesday, September 1: Ulinzi Stars vs Tusker — Ulinzi Sports Complex, 3pm; Migori Youth vs Kenya Police — Green Stadium, Awendo, 3pm; Gor Mahia vs Murang’a Seal — Nyayo National Stadium, 4pm.
• Wednesday, September 2: Nairobi United vs KCB — Police Sacco Stadium, 3pm; Posta Rangers vs Shabana — Wang’uru Stadium, 3pm; AFC Leopards vs Bandari — Ulinzi Sports Complex, 4pm.