The Kenyan Premier League fixtures for Matchweek 1 of the 2026/27 season are out, with the campaign kicking off on Friday, 9 October 2026. Nairobi United host KCB in the opening game, champions Gor Mahia face Murang’a SEAL on Saturday and AFC Leopards meet Bandari on Sunday. After weeks of delay caused by court cases, Kenyan club football is finally back.
Here is the full Matchweek 1 schedule, what to watch for, and why the return of the league matters for Harambee Stars too.
Kenyan Premier League Fixtures: Matchweek 1 at a Glance
- Competition: SportPesa Premier League (FKF Premier League), 2026/27
- Opening weekend: Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October 2026
- Defending champions: Gor Mahia
- Number of games: nine
- Kick-off times: all times are local (EAT); some are still to be confirmed
Full Matchweek 1 Schedule
Friday, 9 October 2026
- Nairobi United vs KCB, Police Sacco Stadium (kick-off time to be confirmed)
Saturday, 10 October 2026
- Mathare United vs APS Bomet, Police Sacco Stadium (kick-off time to be confirmed)
- Posta Rangers vs Shabana, Wang’uru Stadium, 3pm
- Gor Mahia vs Murang’a SEAL, venue to be confirmed
Sunday, 11 October 2026
- Ulinzi Stars vs Tusker, Ulinzi Sports Complex (kick-off time to be confirmed)
- 3K FC vs Mara Sugar, Moi Stadium, Embu, 3pm
- Migori Youth vs Kenya Police, Green Stadium, Awendo, 3pm
- Play-off winners vs Kakamega Homeboyz, venue to be confirmed
- AFC Leopards vs Bandari, venue to be confirmed
Some kick-off times and venues have been reported differently, so check the official Football Kenya Federation channels on matchday. We will update our FKF news section as details are confirmed.
Why the Season Start Was Delayed
The new campaign should have started earlier, but the league was held up by legal challenges over promotion and relegation. Court injunctions left clubs in limbo for weeks while the disputes were resolved. The High Court eventually cleared the way for the competition to go ahead, and the fixtures were released shortly afterwards.
That delay has had a knock-on effect. Clubs have had a longer pre-season than planned, but players have also gone weeks without competitive football, which leads us neatly to the national team.
Harambee Stars Need the League Back
The timing of the restart could not be better for Benni McCarthy. Harambee Stars drew 0-0 with Rwanda in a friendly at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Monday, 5 October. Kenya had the better of the first half and created the clearer chances, with Ryan Ogam and others missing good opportunities, but they could not find a goal.
The result extended Kenya’s winless run to three matches. Before the Rwanda friendly, they lost 1-0 away to Guinea and drew 1-1 with Eritrea at home in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
With much of the squad drawn from the local league, regular competitive minutes for home-based players are vital. A strong start to the domestic season would give McCarthy fitter options for the next international window.
Matchweek 1 Games to Watch
Gor Mahia vs Murang’a SEAL
The champions open their title defence at home to Murang’a SEAL. Gor Mahia won a record 22nd league crown last season, and they will be expected to start fast. Read our story on Gor Mahia’s 22nd league title for a reminder of how they got there.
AFC Leopards vs Bandari
Ingwe always draw a big crowd, and Bandari have traditionally been a tough opponent. This should be one of the more competitive games of the opening weekend.
Ulinzi Stars vs Tusker
Two well-organised sides with experienced squads meet at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. Opening-day games between these two types of team are often tight, so this one could be low-scoring.
Posta Rangers vs Shabana
Shabana bring one of the most passionate travelling followings in the country, and Wang’uru should be lively for this Saturday afternoon fixture.
Betting on the Kenyan Premier League
Opening weekends are notoriously hard to predict. Squads have changed over the break, new signings need time to settle and fitness levels vary from club to club. That usually means tighter games and fewer goals, so markets like under 2.5 goals or double chance can be safer than backing outright winners on Matchweek 1. Look for our tips in the predictions section closer to kick-off, and if you are new, our JetBet Kenya guide explains registration, Paybill and the app.
For official updates, visit the Football Kenya Federation website.
FAQs: Kenyan Premier League 2026/27
When does the Kenyan Premier League 2026/27 season start?
The season starts on Friday, 9 October 2026, when Nairobi United host KCB at Police Sacco Stadium.
Who are the Kenyan Premier League champions?
Gor Mahia are the defending champions after winning a record 22nd league title last season.
Who do Gor Mahia play in Matchweek 1?
Gor Mahia face Murang’a SEAL on Saturday, 10 October 2026. The venue is still to be confirmed.
Why was the Kenyan Premier League delayed?
Court cases over promotion and relegation held up the start. The High Court later cleared the way for the season to begin.
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