As the clock ticks closer to kick-off of the 2026/27 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL), clubs have intensified their preparations with friendly matches, both locally and abroad.
The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee has set August 22 as the commencement date of the new season. Gor Mahia are the reigning champions.
Kenya Police, AFC Leopards and Murang’a Seal are in pre-season tour of Tanzania, while Nairobi United are camping in Uganda.
However, the league’s kick-off on August 22 will depend on the conclusion of the court cases relating to the competition and plans to have it run by an independent body.
On Monday, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) is expected to make a ruling on a petition in which Kariobangi Sharks have challenged their relegation from the top league. SDT had issued orders stopping FKF from relegating the team until the case is heard and determined.
SDT also stopped FKF from publishing or finalising the composition of the new season in any manner that excludes the club or assumes their relegation has already been confirmed.
In June, Justice Deborah Chepkwony sitting at Murang’a High Court issued conservatory orders stopping FKF from implementing the automatic relegation until a case challenging it is heard and determined. FKF moved to the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn Chepkwony’s decision that the High Court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter.
Clubs have threatened to boycott the league if it is not run by an independent body. But despite the uncertainty surrounding the league’s start, teams have continued with their pre-season, with some engaging in high profile friendlies.
On Saturday evening, Gor returned from Rwanda where they took part in the 2026 Cecafa Club Cup, finishing second after losing 2-1 to Rwanda’s Rayon Sports in the final held at Amahoro Stadium.
Gor Mahia players and officials pose for a photo after finishing second in the 2026 Cecafa Club Championship at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on August 7, 2026.
Photo credit: Pool
Despite not lifting the title, the tournament served as a good pre-season friendly to the 22-time Kenyan champions. Gor played five matches in the tournament, getting the chance to test themselves against tough opponents such as Sudanese giants Al Hilal Sports Club.
Gor defeated Al Hilal 8-7 in penalty shoot-outs after the two teams drew 1-1 in regular and extra time. On Saturday morning in Kigali, K’Ogalo also tested themselves against Sudanese heavyweights Al Merrikh Sports Club, losing 1-0.
Aiming for a better performance at next season’s CAF Champions League and defending their Kenyan crown, Gor have signed 10 players, including Ghanaian midfielder Ebenezer Ocran and Ugandan striker Dennis Omedi. Tusker also took part in the Cecafa Club Cup, bowing out in the group stage.
They fell to Rayon and Al Hilal 1-0 and 2-0 respectively before defeating Zanzibar’s Kikosi Cha Valantia Zanzibar (KVZ) 2-0.Tusker’s coach Julien Mette said the tournament served as a good preparation for their CAF Confederation Cup.
On Saturday evening, Kenya Police and Nairobi United registered mixed results in friendly matches in Tanzania and Uganda respectively.
“It is hard to say that we are happy but if I am looking forward to the future, I know this was the type of game we need for our pre-season to be alert and see what is the reality in the CAF Confederation Cup, which is our main target,” Tusker’s coach Mette said.
On Saturday evening, Kenya Police and Nairobi United registered mixed results in friendly matches with foreign teams.
Police defeated Tanzanian giants Simba Sports Club 1-0 during the “Simba Day” celebrations at Uhuru Stadium.
Returning striker Elvis Rupia scored the match’s lone goal. Nairobi United under new coach Patrick Aussems lost 1-0 to Ugandan champions Vipers Sports Club at St. Mary’s Stadium.
“Naibois” have pitched camped in Uganda since July 31 and have played several other friendly matches.On Sunday, the club was scheduled to face top-flight side National Executive Committee FC in another friendly match.
AFC Leopards were scheduled to face Tanzania Premier League sides Pamba Jiji FC on Sunday before coming up against Kagera Sugar FC on Monday at Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.
For Murang’a, after pulling out of the Tanzanite Pre-Season Tournament in Tanzania due to poor organisation, they have pressed on with pre-season in the neighbouring country. Shabana opted to travel back to Kenya due to poor organisation of the Tanzanite Pre-Season Tournament.
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