Kenyan top-flight football could soon return to an independently managed structure after FKF Premier League club chairmen unanimously agreed to begin the process of establishing an autonomous body to run the league.
The landmark decision was reached during a high-level meeting held in Nairobi on Tuesday, attended by club chairmen set to feature in the 2025/26 season as well as Hussein Mohammed, the president of Football Kenya Federation.
In a statement released on Thursday, the clubs confirmed the immediate formation of a Transition League Management Committee (TLMC), which will spearhead the process of creating a new independent league structure similar to the former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) model.
Clubs Eye Professional, Autonomous League Structure
According to the chairmen, the meeting focused heavily on structural, governance, and administrative reforms aimed at transforming the FKF Premier League into one of Africa’s most professionally managed domestic competitions.
The clubs argued that long-term growth and commercial success can only be achieved through an autonomous management framework operating independently from direct federation control.
“Recognising best practices from established football traditions regionally and globally, the chairmen agreed that a structurally autonomous league management body is essential for the sustainable professionalisation of the FKF PL,” part of the statement read.
The proposed body is expected to oversee the league’s day-to-day administration, commercial rights, sponsorship management, broadcasting operations, and long-term strategic development
Transition Committee Already Formed
The newly-created TLMC has been tasked with drafting the roadmap toward the establishment of the independent entity. This includes developing timelines, governance frameworks, and terms of reference that will guide the transition process.
Club leaders also stressed that the process must remain inclusive and compliant with existing football regulations and commercial agreements.
Particular emphasis was placed on protecting current contractual obligations involving league sponsor and broadcaster Azam Media while ensuring alignment with the FKF Constitution and statutes.
The clubs noted that the transition process would involve consultations with all relevant stakeholders to avoid conflicts that could disrupt league operations.
Return to KPL-Like Era Looms
The latest development signals a potential return to a structure similar to the one previously managed by Kenyan Premier League Limited.
KPL Limited had run Kenya’s top flight for 17 years before the league was taken over by FKF in September 2020 during the leadership of former FKF president Nick Mwendwa.
Following the takeover, the competition was rebranded as the FKF Premier League and has since operated directly under federation management.
However, many club officials have consistently maintained that an independent league body would attract better commercial opportunities, improve governance standards, and create stronger accountability mechanisms for clubs and investors.
Clubs Seek Sustainable Growth
The chairmen reiterated their collective ambition to build a modern, commercially attractive, and globally competitive football league capable of elevating Kenyan football standards both on and off the pitch.
They further called on stakeholders across the football ecosystem to support what they described as a transformative process for the future of the domestic game.
The move is expected to trigger extensive discussions in the coming months as Kenyan football seeks a governance model that balances federation oversight with independent league management.
