Five Starz Champions League Returns for 7th Edition in Nairobi

The Five Starz Champions League returned for its seventh edition in Nairobi in 2026, giving community teams and young players another chance to compete, build confidence and catch the eye of scouts and coaches.

Tournament details

Organised by Umoja Impact Ventures and supported by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the seventh edition ran from 21 June to 19 July 2026. It brought together 32 teams from the FKF Nairobi East and Nairobi West branches.

The prize money gives teams something real to play for: KSh300,000 for the winners, KSh150,000 for the runners-up and KSh100,000 for third place. Mater Hospital provided medical support during the tournament.

A first women's category

This edition introduced an inaugural ladies' category with four teams, a welcome step for women's grassroots football in Nairobi. The women's semi-finals were scheduled alongside the men's, with the two winners meeting in the final.

Why tournaments like this matter

Grassroots tournaments keep football alive outside the professional leagues. For many players, they are where careers begin, offering competitive matches, discipline and exposure in front of people who know the local game. They also connect communities, giving fans a chance to watch neighbourhood teams and raw talent up close.

Along with events like Koth Biro and Safaricom Chapa Dimba, the Five Starz Champions League is part of a wider grassroots scene that feeds Kenya's clubs, academies and national teams.

How teams can take part in future editions

Teams interested in future editions should follow FKF Nairobi branch announcements and the organisers' social media pages for registration dates, eligibility rules and fees. Having registered players, consent forms for under-18s and a reliable coach will make registration easier.

How the tournament works

The Five Starz Champions League is played as a home-and-away knockout competition. In the sixth edition in 2025, first legs were hosted in Nairobi West and return legs in Nairobi East, with Jamhuri Sports Ground on Ngong Road and Camp Toyoyo in Maringo among the proposed venues, according to Citizen Digital. Thirty-two registered teams took part, and the first-round pairings were set in a live digital draw.

The two-leg format rewards consistency. A team cannot rely on one good afternoon. It has to perform home and away, manage its squad and keep discipline over several weeks.

Growing from one edition to the next

The tournament has grown steadily since it started. The sixth edition ran from late June to late July 2025, with officials from the FKF Nairobi West branch attending the launch. The seventh edition kept the 32-team men's format and added a women's category for the first time, a sign that organisers want the competition to serve more of Nairobi's football community.

Why prize money matters at grassroots level

For community teams, KSh300,000 is a meaningful sum. It can pay for kits, balls, transport, registration fees and medical supplies for a full season. Prize money also attracts stronger teams and more serious preparation, which raises the quality of the football and makes the tournament more useful for players hoping to be noticed.

What scouts look for at tournaments like this

Club and academy scouts often attend grassroots events because they can see many players in one place. They look for players who:

• Make good decisions under pressure, not just those with flashy skills.
• Perform consistently over several matches.
• Show a strong attitude towards teammates, coaches and referees.
• Are comfortable on both feet and understand their position.

The bigger picture for Nairobi football

Nairobi has some of Kenya's most active grassroots football, from estate leagues to school competitions and tournaments such as Koth Biro. Events like the Five Starz Champions League give that talent structure and visibility. With more support from sponsors, county government and FKF branches, they could become an even stronger pathway into the Premier League and national teams.

Frequently asked questions

How many teams took part in the 2026 Five Starz Champions League?

Thirty-two teams from the FKF Nairobi East and West branches took part, plus four teams in the new ladies' category.

How much did the winners receive?

The winners received KSh300,000, with KSh150,000 for the runners-up and KSh100,000 for third place.