For years, clubs have struggled with financial instability, unpaid player salaries, and limited visibility for fans. The launch of the SportPesa League comes with long-term investment, professional structures, and a vision to the game scaling it to global standards. This new league promises not just better football, but a stronger sporting culture for the nation.
Kenyan football has entered a new era. The SportPesa League, officially replacing the FKF Premier League, has been unveiled with a Sh1.12 billion investment and a 10-year partnership between SportPesa and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). The initiative is set to professionalize clubs, improve player welfare, and make top-flight football more accessible to fans nationwide.
Why the SportPesa League is different
- Stability for a decade: Clubs now have guaranteed funding under the 10-year SportPesa–FKF partnership.
- Professional club model: A new bill will transition clubs from societies into private companies, enabling professional management and regular player salaries.
- Fans first: Matches will be broadcast free-to-air on KBC and streamed online, ensuring supporters across Kenya have access.
- Bigger rewards: Increased prize money will raise competition levels and fuel player performance.
Fans already feeling the change
Across the country, anticipation is rising. “Every weekend, my friends and I gather at the stadium to watch our club play,” said Peter M. from Kisumu. “Now with stable sponsorship and proper structures, it feels like Kenyan football is finally on the right path.”
Statements from leadership
SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri highlighted the structural shift:
“These clubs should be private companies. That way, those running them can focus on generating profit and operating professionally. If a CEO is hired, they will be accountable for revenue generation—ticket sales, sponsorships, and ensuring players are paid regularly. This will eliminate persistent issues like unpaid salaries.”
An FKF representative added: “This partnership is more than football sponsorship—it is a bold statement of trust and long-term stability for Kenyan football.”
Opportunities for all stakeholders
- Fans gain easier access through stadium tickets, free-to-air broadcasts, and online streaming.
- Players benefit from improved salaries, better prize money, and professional exposure.
- Clubs receive predictable finances and support to transition into professional organizations.
- Sponsors are assured of a stable platform for investment in youth academies, grassroots football, and broadcasting.
Beyond the league: Tujiamini and grassroots empowerment
The SportPesa League is part of a broader mission to empower communities. Through the Tujiamini initiative, SportPesa continues to invest in grassroots football and youth development, giving aspiring players a pathway to professional careers.
Kenya’s sporting revolution
With bold reforms, secure investment, and nationwide access, the SportPesa League represents a fundamental shift in Kenyan football.
From fans in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, and Mombasa to players in every county, the SportPesa League is redefining football in Kenya. It is a legacy of stability, professionalism, and national pride.
This is Kenya’s football revolution. This is the SportPesa League.