Kariobangi Sharks’ Humprey Omondi dribbles past AFC Leopards defender Bakari Randi during their FKF premier league match played on November 23 last year at Kasarani. Kariobangi Sharks are fighting regulations that would see them relegated.
The 2026/27 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) season is in jeopardy amid a dispute over which rules should govern the promotion and relegation of teams.
This uncertainty stems from conflicting FKF rules which were adopted in 2019 and 2025 respectively, and which provide different formulas for promoting and relegating teams.
According to the 2019 regulations, the bottom two teams in the Premier League are automatically relegated and the top two teams in the National Super League (NSL) are automatically promoted.
The third-placed NSL team then plays the 16th-placed Premier League team in a two-legged play-off, with the winner earning a place in the top flight league, bringing the teams to 18.
According to the provisions, Bidco United and Sofapaka have already been relegated, while Migori Youth and 3K have secured automatic promotion.
Mombasa United, who finished third in NSL, would be required to play Kariobangi Sharks, who finished 16th in the Premier League, in a play-off.
However, the 2025 FKF rules state that the bottom three Premier League teams are automatically relegated as the top three NSL teams are promoted.
In this case, Sofapaka, Kariobangi Sharks and Bidco United would be relegated, while Migori Youth, 3K and Mombasa United would be promoted.
The Sharks took the matter to the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT), challenging the rules that would see them relegated. The SDT ruled in favour of the FKF, finding that the 2025 rules and regulations were applicable. This paved the way for Migori Youth, 3K, and Mombasa United to join the top flight.
Subsequently, Sharks appealed to the High Court in Murang’a, which stayed the SDT’s decision.
The case has since been transferred to the Milimani Civil Court, with an inter partes hearing scheduled for August 25.
The league is scheduled to kick off on August 29, but the National Executive Committee (NEC) — the only FKF organ mandated to determine the commencement of the league — is yet to announce the start date. Ironically, an order issued by the High Court in Murang’a on Tuesday prevented an NEC meeting planned for the following day.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed arrives at Serena Hotel, Nairobi to address a press conference May 26, 2026.
Another major concern is the absence of both an appeals committee and a disciplinary committee at FKF. This raises questions about how disciplinary matters, including cases of rule violations or match abandonment, will be handled once the season begins.
Nominees for the two key committees must be approved by the General Assembly, which comprises branch and club representatives. However, the assembly has not yet been convened.
With these issues remaining unresolved, preparations for the new season, including the planned Sunday Super Cup, could be affected.
The uncertainty has also raised concerns over whether the league can start as scheduled while the promotion and relegation dispute remains unresolved.
A contempt of court hearing involving FKF president Hussein Mohamed, chief executive Dennis Gicheru and legal representative Frank Ogolla is also scheduled for August 25 at the High Court in Murang’a.
The three individuals have been cited for contempt in connection with court orders directing the FKF not to proceed with preparations for the new season until the dispute is resolved.
Former FKF secretary-general Lordvick Aduda has warned that this uncertainty could have serious consequences for Kenyan football.
“If the situation continues, the confusion may cause corporate sponsors and partners to withdraw their support. It is important that all stakeholders reach an agreement for the sake of the game,” Aduda told Nation Sport.
“The disputes could also affect our preparations to co-host and participate in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations,” Aduda said yesterday.
Gor Mahia, the defending champions, are scheduled to face Tusker, the FKF Cup champions, on Sunday.
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