The 2026/27 Kenyan Premier League season remains on hold after the High Court declined an application by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to lift orders blocking the league’s commencement on Saturday.
The suspension stems from a series of legal challenges questioning FKF’s governance and the legitimacy of its recent decisions. Petitioners argued that FKF had failed to comply with certain statutory requirements and sought judicial intervention to halt the league until the matter is resolved.
FKF is challenging the High Court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter, arguing that any challenges to the SDT decision should be pursued before the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in Switzerland.
The dispute stems from Kariobangi Sharks’ challenge against the Sports Disputes Tribunal decision that upheld FKF’s 2025 promotion and regulations rules, which resulted in Sharks being automatically relegated from the top flight.
The suspension has immediately affected teams that have already finalized pre-season preparations, including player signings and sponsorship deals.
The standoff risks damaging Kenya’s football reputation and could invite further intervention from continental and global governing bodies, as it might likely affect the 2027 AFCON.
The parties will return to court on September 21, 2026, for further directions on FKF’s Preliminary Objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction and Sharks’ main application.
