Gor Mahia FC players celebrate after receiving Sportpesa Premier League champions/HANDOUT
The countdown to the 2026/27 SportPesa Premier League season has begun after the Football Kenya Federation confirmed the country’s top-flight competition will kick off on August 22.
The Leagues and Competitions Committee approved the domestic football calendar, giving clubs a clear timeline for player registration, licensing and preparations ahead of the new campaign.
Defending champions Gor Mahia will enter the new season as the team to beat after a campaign that saw them secure a record-extending 22nd league title.
Under head coach Charles Akonnor, Gor Mahia finished the season with 69 points, earning the domestic crown and a ticket to represent Kenya in the CAF Champions League.
The champions are now preparing for a new challenge as they balance their title defence with continental ambitions.
After a brief break, Gor Mahia are set to begin their pre-season training programme in the first week of July as the technical bench starts rebuilding the squad ahead of the new campaign.
The champions are expected to strengthen their squad depth as they prepare for the demands of domestic competition and African football.
Off the pitch, the champions are also working to strengthen their financial foundation.
The club has renewed its partnership with Plascon Kenya in a Sh30 million sponsorship deal and is pursuing further commercial opportunities as it seeks to increase revenue from sponsorships, merchandise and match-day collections.
With individual recognition already secured after their successful season, including Enock Morrison’s League MVP award and Akonnor being named Coach of the Season, Gor Mahia’s immediate focus now shifts to squad preparation and meeting regulatory requirements ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign.
Gor Mahia team manager Philemon Otieno said the champions are already laying the groundwork for a demanding season, with the club focused on maintaining its domestic standards while preparing for the CAF Champions League challenge.
"We are happy with what we achieved last season, but football does not stop. We have to start preparing early because the demands ahead are bigger. Defending the league title and representing Kenya in the CAF Champions League requires proper planning, a strong squad and everyone working together," Otieno said.
"The technical team is assessing areas where we need to improve, and we will make sure the players return for preseason ready for the challenges ahead. Our target is to compete at the highest level both locally and internationally," he added.
Player registration for the top-flight will open on June 21 and close on August 21.
In a statement, FKF said the approved calendar was designed to give clubs enough time to prepare while ensuring compliance with competition regulations.
“Following the approval of the 2026/27 season calendar, clubs now have a clear framework to guide their preparations, including player registration and compliance with competition requirements,” FKF said.
“The Federation remains committed to working closely with clubs and stakeholders to ensure the season begins in an organised and professional manner while continuing to strengthen the growth of Kenyan football.”
Meanwhile, the National Super League opening fixtures are scheduled for August 29.
Registration of players will run from June 26 to August 28.
The FKF Division One League will then get underway on September 12 with it's registration window due July 1 through September 4.
Beyond the men’s competitions, FKF has also confirmed dates for the women’s leagues as the federation continues efforts to strengthen football development across all levels.
The Women’s Premier League will begin on September 5 with player registration opening on June 28.
The Women’s National Super League registration process will commence on July 1, ahead of the league’s opening matches on September 12.
The FKF Women’s Division One League will complete the women’s calendar, with registration opening on July 3 before the competition begins on September 19.
“Clubs are encouraged to complete their player registration within the stipulated periods and ensure full compliance with all federation regulations. This will help avoid unnecessary challenges as we prepare for the start of the new season,” FKF said.
