The chairmen of clubs competing in 2025/26 SportsPesa League have formally backed a roadmap aimed at establishing an autonomous league management body ahead of the 2026/27 season similar to the defunct KPL Ltd, which was founded in 2003 to run the top-tier league before the 17 years mandate came to an end in September 2020.
In a press statement released on Thursday following a meeting held at Serena Hotel in Nairobi on Tuesday, 26th May 2026 with FKF leadership, the club bosses outlined a collective vision focused on governance reforms, structural independence, and the professionalization of Kenyan top-flight football.
The high-level meeting, which was also attended by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, brought together stakeholders to deliberate on the future direction of the SportsPesa League and the reforms required to elevate the competition to continental standards.
According to the statement issued by the Chairmen’s Council, members acknowledged the progress made in Kenyan football in recent years but stressed that further reforms are necessary to transform the league into a professionally managed and commercially sustainable competition.
The Chairmen noted that successful football leagues across Africa and globally operate under structurally autonomous league management systems, a model they believe Kenya must now embrace in order to unlock the full potential of club football.
The meeting therefore resolved to establish a Transition League Management Committee (TLMC) tasked with overseeing the formation of a fully autonomous league body. The committee will operate under clear timelines and terms of reference as clubs begin the transition process.
Despite the push for autonomy, the Chairmen emphasized that the process will remain fully compliant with the FKF Constitution and all existing football governance statutes in Kenya.
The statement further acknowledged the need to safeguard existing contractual obligations involving the league’s principal sponsors, including SportsPesa, as well as broadcast partner Azam Media.
Club bosses also underscored the importance of inclusivity in the transition process, insisting that all relevant stakeholders must be consulted to ensure a legally sound and widely accepted framework.
“The transition shall be comprehensive and inclusive, ensuring full accommodation of concerns and interests from all relevant stakeholders,” part of the statement read.
The development marks a significant step in ongoing discussions surrounding the future governance of the Kenyan Premier League, with clubs now openly signaling their desire for greater operational independence while still working within FKF structures.
The Chairmen concluded by reaffirming their commitment to building a competitive and professionally managed league capable of matching the standards of Africa’s elite domestic competitions, while calling on all stakeholders to support the reform process.
