SportPesa Premier League 2026/27 Guide: 18 Clubs and Title Contenders

The 2026/27 SportPesa Premier League is finally under way after one of the most disrupted pre-seasons in Kenyan football history. Eighteen clubs are chasing the title, with defending champions Gor Mahia, Super Cup winners Tusker and a newly funded AFC Leopards leading the way.

Here is your guide to every club, how the season works, the opening-round results and the teams most likely to be fighting for the trophy.

Why the season started late

The league was delayed for weeks by a legal dispute over which promotion and relegation rules should apply. The High Court eventually allowed the season to go ahead under FKF's 2019 regulations, which required a playoff between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United. That tie was abandoned after a pitch invasion, and FKF awarded it to Mombasa United, who were promoted while Sharks dropped to the National Super League.

The season finally kicked off on Friday, 9 October 2026, with SportPesa as title sponsor.

The 18 clubs in the 2026/27 Premier League

The home grounds below are those clubs used last season or for their opening fixture, and can change during the campaign.

• Gor Mahia (champions): MISC Kasarani
• AFC Leopards: Nyayo National Stadium
• Kenya Police: Police Sacco Stadium
• Nairobi United: Kasarani Annex
• Shabana: Gusii Stadium, Kisii
• Kakamega Homeboyz: Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega
• KCB: SportPesa Arena
• Murang'a SEAL: SportPesa Arena
• Tusker: Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos
• APS Bomet: Green Stadium, Kericho
• Mara Sugar: Awendo Green Stadium
• Bandari: Mbaraki Sports Club, Mombasa
• Ulinzi Stars: Ulinzi Sports Complex
• Mathare United: Dandora Stadium
• Posta Rangers: Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos
• Migori Youth (promoted): Green Stadium, Awendo
• 3K FC (promoted): Moi Stadium, Embu
• Mombasa United (promoted): Mbaraki, Mombasa

How the league works

Each club plays the other 17 home and away, for 34 matches. Under the 2019 regulations, the bottom two are relegated automatically, the top two in the National Super League are promoted, and the club finishing 16th plays the third-placed NSL side in a playoff.

New rules this season allow clubs to register up to seven foreign players, with a maximum of five in a matchday squad, and every match must have two ambulances at the venue. You can read more in our full guide to the 2026/27 rule changes.

Opening-round results

• Gor Mahia 4-2 Murang'a SEAL
• Ulinzi Stars 0-2 Tusker (Alvin Mang'eni, Victor Mbaoma)
• Posta Rangers 0-1 Shabana
• AFC Leopards 0-0 Bandari
• KCB 2-2 Nairobi United
• 3K FC 2-2 Mara Sugar
• Migori Youth 1-1 Kenya Police
• Mombasa United 0-1 Kakamega Homeboyz (Charles Momanyi, 87')

After the first round, Gor Mahia, Tusker and Shabana were level on three points at the top, with Gor ahead on goal difference.

Last season in numbers

• Champions: Gor Mahia, 69 points (a record 22nd title).
• Runners-up: AFC Leopards, 64 points.
• Third: Kenya Police, 55 points.
• Top scorer: Joe Waithera of Murang'a SEAL with 19 goals, ahead of Ulinzi Stars' Paul Okoth on 17.
• Relegated: Bidco United and Sofapaka, plus Kariobangi Sharks after the playoff.

The title contenders

Gor Mahia

The champions began with a 4-2 win and have the deepest squad and biggest support base. Their early exit from the CAF Champions League means they can focus fully on the league, though their defending in the Super Cup and opening match will concern coach Charles Akonnor.

Tusker

Julien Mette's side beat Gor 3-1 in the FKF Super Cup, won their league opener 2-0 and are still in the CAF Confederation Cup. The challenge will be balancing continental travel with a compressed domestic calendar.

AFC Leopards

Last season's runners-up have extra money after President Ruto's KSh35 million pledge and a promised new training ground. A goalless opening draw with Bandari was a slow start, but Ingwe have the squad to push for a first title since 1998.

Kenya Police and Shabana

Kenya Police finished third last season and remain a stable, well-organised side. Shabana, backed by passionate crowds in Kisii, won their opener away to Posta Rangers and could be the surprise package.

Teams to watch at the bottom

Newly promoted clubs often find the jump to the top flight difficult, and Migori Youth, 3K FC and Mombasa United will all be aiming first to stay up. Mombasa United lost their first top-flight match 1-0 to a late goal, while Migori Youth and 3K FC both picked up draws on their debuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teams are in the 2026/27 Kenyan Premier League?

There are 18 clubs, each playing 34 matches.

Who are the defending champions?

Gor Mahia, who won a record 22nd league title in 2025/26.

Which teams were promoted for 2026/27?

Migori Youth, 3K FC and Mombasa United.

Who was last season's top scorer?

Joe Waithera of Murang'a SEAL, with 19 goals.

With a late start and a busy calendar, consistency will decide this title race. Follow Scorer254 for results, analysis and match reports all season.