FKF Unveils Ambitious Overhaul of Kenyan Football with New League Structure

Nairobi, Kenya – In a sweeping move set to redefine the future of Kenyan football, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on June 16 announced a bold restructuring plan aimed at elevating the game to new heights—both at home and on the global stage.

At the heart of the proposal is a dramatic transformation of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), which will be slimmed down to 16 teams beginning with the 2026/27 season. The federation says the move is designed to improve the quality and intensity of competition, ensuring every fixture is high-stakes, high-standard football.

But the Premier League isn’t the only tier undergoing change. FKF is also planning a complete overhaul of Kenya’s lower divisions, which will be reorganized into zonal conference leagues—a model aimed at boosting regional competitiveness while reducing logistical and financial burdens on grassroots clubs.

Speaking during the announcement, FKF officials emphasized that the restructure is more than just a numbers game. It’s about building a sustainable football ecosystem, one that nurtures youth talent, encourages professional club management, and strengthens the feeder pipeline to the national team.

“We are not just changing formats—we’re changing the future,” said an FKF spokesperson. “This structure will allow clubs to thrive sustainably and allow our national team to draw from a more competitive and professional domestic base.”

By focusing on quality over quantity, FKF hopes to make the domestic game more attractive to fans, sponsors, and broadcasters alike—creating an environment where clubs can invest in long-term planning, infrastructure, and youth development.

Analysts and former players have welcomed the plan, calling it a long-overdue step toward aligning Kenyan football with international standards. However, the path to implementation will require careful coordination with clubs, counties, and other key stakeholders.

If successful, the FKF’s blueprint could mark a turning point—not just for the league, but for the very identity of Kenyan football.