The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is set to overhaul the structure of Kenyan football, starting with a reduction of the Kenyan Premier League to 16 teams from the 2026/27 season.
Under the plan, four teams will be relegated at the end of the next season, with the top two National Super League (NSL) teams earning promotion. From then on, three teams will be relegated annually from the Premier League.
The NSL will be divided into two zones of 12 teams each next season, expanding to 28 teams (14 per zone) in subsequent seasons. The two zonal champions will secure automatic promotion to the Premier League, while the second- and third-placed teams from each zone will compete in a playoff to determine the third promoted team.
The third tier, renamed the Kenya Conference League, will consist of 64 clubs split into four zones: Eastern, Western, Southern, and Northern. The top team in each zone will be promoted to the NSL, with the second-placed teams competing for two additional promotion spots.
The fourth tier, known as the Regional League, will include 48 teams across four zones.
The Premier League expanded to 18 teams in 2017, leading to the exit of broadcaster Supersport. FKF’s restructuring aims to address declining standards and create a clear pathway for talent development.
