SportPesa Premier League 2026/27 Season Starts On August 22

The SportPesa Premier League 2026/27 season will officially kick off on August 22 after the Football Kenya Federation approved the new domestic football calendar.

The confirmation gives top-flight clubs a clear roadmap as they begin preparations for the new campaign, including player registration, licensing and squad strengthening ahead of what is expected to be a competitive season.

The calendar was approved by FKF’s Leagues and Competitions Committee, with the federation urging clubs to complete all requirements within the set timelines to avoid disruption before the season begins.

Defending champions Gor Mahia will head into the new campaign as the team to beat after reclaiming the league title in impressive fashion. K’Ogalo finished last season with 69 points to secure a record-extending 22nd league crown and book Kenya’s ticket to the CAF Champions League.

Under head coach Charles Akonnor, Gor Mahia restored their dominance on the local scene and will now be tasked with defending their title while also competing on the continental stage.

The champions are expected to begin their preseason training programme in the first week of July as the technical bench starts shaping the squad for the new season.

Gor Mahia are also expected to strengthen their depth, especially with the added demands of balancing domestic football and CAF Champions League commitments. The club will need a competitive squad capable of handling travel, fixture congestion and high-level opposition in Africa.

Away from the pitch, Gor Mahia have also moved to strengthen their financial base. The club recently renewed its partnership with Plascon Kenya in a KSh 30 million sponsorship deal, a boost that is expected to support their preparations and wider commercial plans.

The record champions are also exploring more opportunities in sponsorship, merchandise and match-day revenue as they look to build a stronger financial foundation.

Gor Mahia’s successful campaign was also recognised at individual level. Midfielder Enock Morrison was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, while Akonnor walked away with the Coach of the Season award.

However, the club’s focus has now shifted from celebration to preparation, with squad planning and CAF Champions League requirements becoming immediate priorities.

Gor Mahia team manager Philemon Otieno said the champions understand the scale of the challenge ahead and are already working on plans for the new season.

We are happy with what we achieved last season, but football does not stop. We have to start preparing early because the demands ahead are bigger. Defending the league title and representing Kenya in the CAF Champions League requires proper planning, a strong squad and everyone working together, Otieno said.

The technical team is assessing areas where we need to improve, and we will make sure the players return for preseason ready for the challenges ahead. Our target is to compete at the highest level both locally and internationally, he added.

According to the approved calendar, player registration for the SportPesa Premier League will open on June 21 and close on August 21, just a day before the season begins.

FKF said the calendar is intended to give clubs enough time to prepare properly and comply with competition regulations.

Following the approval of the 2026/27 season calendar, clubs now have a clear framework to guide their preparations, including player registration and compliance with competition requirements, FKF said.

The Federation remains committed to working closely with clubs and stakeholders to ensure the season begins in an organised and professional manner while continuing to strengthen the growth of Kenyan football.

The National Super League is scheduled to begin on August 29, with player registration running from June 26 to August 28.

The FKF Division One League will kick off on September 12, while its registration window will run from July 1 to September 4.

FKF has also confirmed dates for the women’s competitions as part of its wider plan to strengthen football development across all levels.

The Women’s Premier League will start on September 5, with player registration opening on June 28.

The Women’s National Super League registration process will begin on July 1, before the league kicks off on September 12.

The FKF Women’s Division One League will complete the women’s football calendar, with registration opening on July 3 and the competition starting on September 19.

FKF has encouraged clubs across all leagues to complete registration within the required periods and ensure full compliance with federation rules.

Clubs are encouraged to complete their player registration within the stipulated periods and ensure full compliance with all federation regulations. This will help avoid unnecessary challenges as we prepare for the start of the new season, FKF said.

With the calendar now confirmed, attention turns to club preparations, transfer activity and preseason planning as Gor Mahia begin their title defence and Kenya’s top clubs gear up for another demanding campaign.