Aasai

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officially launched the 2025/26 Premier League season on Tuesday with an ambitious plan to increase the total prize money to KSh50 million, starting with a KSh15 million prize for this year’s champions. Speaking at the Glee Hotel, Amethyst Room, Northern Bypass, in Nairobi ahead of the league’s September 19 start, FKF President Hussein Mohammed said the landmark sponsorship deal would not only reward excellence but also spur Kenyan football talent. 

Under the revamped structure, the league champions will pocket KSh15 million, the runners-up KSh3 million, and the third-placed KSh2 million—a huge step up from last season’s KSh5 million prize money for the winner.

 The money comes from a new 10-year, KSh1.12 billion partnership with a gaming company of which 60 percent (a total of KSh1.2 billion) will be distributed directly to the clubs. The remaining KSh800 million will fund league operations and development programmes. "When we came to power, I promised Kenyans that we would professionalise our league and make it one of the best in the continent," Mohammed told a packed launch event. "This is a significant step in rewarding our clubs and players for excellence on the pitch.

 But professionalism goes beyond money - it is about governance, communication, and how clubs present themselves on and off the pitch." Mohammed stressed that the partnership represents a "game changer," restoring credibility to Kenyan football and restoring private sector confidence after years of instability.

 He called on clubs to embrace high standards in governance, media engagement, and grassroots development. "The league will only be sustainable if it has a strong foundation at the youth and grassroots levels," he said, adding that building a national team of stars starts with todays youth between the ages of 12 and 15. The FKF boss also thanked the President for taking a personal interest in football, noting that a steering committee - including CEO and Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, who will lead the mobilization of resources for the mens and womens competitions - will be formed.

 Mohammed reiterated his ambition to raise the prize money to KSh50 million, making the Kenyan league among the best in Africa. Mathare United CEO Jacton Obure, speaking on behalf of the Premier League clubs, welcomed the partnership. "Running a premier league club is expensive—about KSh65 million per season. 

This sponsorship eases that burden and promises growth. We hope to replicate the enthusiasm we saw during the CHAN in our league matches." The 2025/26 league season will kick off on Friday with the opening clash between Tusker FC and KCB at the Nyayo Stadium. With significant financial support, a revamped identity, and a renewed commitment to professionalism,Kenyan football appears to be preparing for a great season that could reshape its domestic and continental standing.