Azam Media has warned Football Kenya Federation (FKF) that the uncertainty surrounding the 2026/27 SportPesa League could trigger major broadcast and commercial disruption, demanding clarity on the league’s kick-off date, final composition and how the ongoing legal disputes will be managed.

In a letter dated August 11, 2026, addressed to FKF and signed by Azam Media CEO-Broadcasting Patrick Kahemele, the league’s principal broadcast partner requested urgent clarity on when the new season will begin, when the final league composition will be confirmed and how FKF intends to manage the disputes affecting the competition calendar.

Azam said the uncertainty was making it difficult for the broadcaster, participating clubs, commercial partners and production teams to make the necessary preparations and commitments for the new campaign.

While acknowledging the independence of the judicial process and the right of parties to seek legal remedies, Azam noted that the prolonged uncertainty was now having consequences beyond the courtroom.

The broadcaster stressed that a clear and definitive competition calendar is essential for effective broadcast planning, commercial preparations and the smooth delivery of the league.

Azam has specifically asked FKF to provide three key pieces of information: the anticipated commencement date of the 2026/27 SportPesa League season, the proposed timeline for finalising the league’s composition, and the measures and timelines being considered to resolve or administratively manage the issues currently affecting the competition calendar.

Azam’s intervention comes as the SportPesa League remains caught in a legal battle over FKF’s promotion and relegation framework, with court proceedings threatening to complicate the federation’s preparations for the new campaign.

The latest development has further heightened the uncertainty. The High Court in Murang’a has set August 25 for a ruling on contempt proceedings involving FKF President Hussein Mohammed, Acting Secretary General Dennis Gicheru and Leagues and Competitions Manager Frank Ogolla.

The contempt proceedings arise from a case filed by Evans Nduta challenging FKF’s application of the 2025 Rules Governing Football. The proceedings follow earlier court orders barring FKF from commencing preparations for the new season pending determination of the dispute.

FKF nevertheless proceeded with club licensing, confirmed promotions, held meetings with clubs and released the 2026/27 fixtures. Those actions are now at the centre of the contempt proceedings against the federation officials.

The timing presents a fresh headache for FKF. The federation has scheduled the FKF Super Cup between Gor Mahia and Tusker FC for August 22, with the match intended to usher in the new season. The SportPesa League is then scheduled to begin on August 29 and 30.

The contempt ruling is therefore due just three days after the planned Super Cup and less than a week before the scheduled league kick-off.

However, the August 25 ruling will only deal with the contempt application and will not determine the substantive dispute over the validity and application of the 2025 FKF Rules. There is still no date for the hearing of that main case.

Azam’s concerns carry considerable weight given its long-term investment in Kenyan football. The Tanzanian-based pay-TV company began broadcasting the Kenyan top flight in September 2023 after signing a seven-year broadcast rights agreement with FKF on August 31, 2023.

The deal, valued at approximately US$9.1 million (about Ksh.1.3 billion), made Azam Media the official broadcaster of the league from the 2023/24 season. The agreement began with a US$1 million payment for the first year, with a 10 % annual increment for each subsequent season.

With such a significant commercial commitment, Azam has reminded FKF of the need to maintain full adherence to the sponsorship, broadcast and commercial obligations underpinning their partnership.

The broadcaster said the league’s continued commercial growth and sustainability depend on clarity, predictability, contractual discipline and accountability among all stakeholders.

Despite the firm tone of the letter, Azam said it remains committed to engaging FKF and other stakeholders to navigate the current challenges and ensure the SportPesa League resumes under conditions that support a successful, professionally managed and commercially compelling season.

The broadcaster has therefore asked FKF to respond formally at the earliest opportunity, providing clarity on the kick-off date, final league composition, fixtures and measures being taken to address the uncertainty.