The Football Kenya Federation Premier League is back!
After a two-month delay caused by a dispute over promotion rules that attracted several court cases, the 2026/27 season will officially kick off on Saturday.
FKF had initially released fixtures showing a fixture between KCB and Nairobi United as the season opener today, but the match was later moved to Sunday.
The transfer window closed on August 21, squads are locked, and after weeks of assessing arrivals and departures, Nation Sport has settled on six players to watch this season.
From a 20-year-old attacker recruited by Nairobi United from newcomers Migori Youth, who finished second among the National Super League’s (NSL) top scorers last season, to a 32-year-old Ugandan international who once balanced football with nursing before becoming one of East Africa’s lethal finishers, the chosen players are bound to make a mark in the Kenyan top league:
The Ugandan arrives with proven goal-scoring abilities and international experience, ready to carry these qualities to the title holders. The Ugandan began his career with Booma in Masindi in western Uganda before moving to Kitara, where he scored 15 league goals in the 2023/24 season, helping Kitara enjoy an outstanding debut campaign.
He also played a key role in the club’s historic Uganda Cup triumph, carrying that form into the CAF Confederation Cup with two goals from two appearances. His performances earned him a move to Rwandan giants APR FC in early 2025, before K’Ogalo came calling. He is a regular at Uganda Cranes.
His spectacular strike against KCCA FC earned him a nomination for the 2024 Fifa Puskas Award and CAF Goal of the Year. That goal was voted third in the Fifa award.
The 32-year-old Ugandan joined Leopards from Ugandan Premier League side Vipers SC. He is a seasoned, attacking midfielder who has played across the region.
His ability to disrupt opponents’ play while linking defense to attack makes him an important presence in Ingwe’s midfield. Last season, he helped Vipers secure their eighth league title through his hard work and leadership.
The 20-year-old attacker enjoyed a breakthrough season with Migori Youth last season, helping them capture the National Super League crown and earn promotion to the Premier League. He scored 20 goals and provided six assists in the NSL last season. He has featured for Kenya Under-20.
“M10”, as he is known by adoring ‘Tore Bobe' fans, has been a standout performer for the club over the years. The 2021 NSL Young Player of the Year, now 26, has been Shabana’s leading scorer for the past two seasons. It may be different this time.
The attacking midfielder has thrilled fans with his skill-set, and could be the man to help Shabana gain the long desired diadem.
At 33, the widely travelled Kenya international completed a high-profile return to Tusker from Police during the off-season and was immediately handed the captaincy. He joined the Brewers after an impressive spell at Police, where he won the 2024/25 league title and Mozzart Bet Cup and was also honoured with the club’s MVP award and best defender awards.
A quality crossing left-back and dead-ball specialist, he defends tenaciously and has an eye to join the attack. He may be vocal and tempestuous, but will surely be an asset for Tusker as they seek the title they last won in 2022. The former Admiral and Bandari player has played in leagues in Greece, Bulgaria, Belgium and Romania.
“Machapo”, as he is commonly known in Kenyan football circles, joined the law enforcers from Tanzanian Premier League side Singida Black Stars. He, in fact, played for Police between 2022 and 2023 before crossing borders in search of fame and fortune.
The former AFC Leopards attacker is widely travelled with stints in Saudi Arabia and Zambia. He loves taking on his markers and has a high conversion rate that made him the league top scorer in 2023 with a record 27 goals.
