Mombasa United and Kariobangi Sharks Agree to Promotion Play-Off

After a long and protracted court battle that delayed the restart of both the FKF Premier League and the National Super League, promoted side Mombasa United and relegated Kariobangi Sharks have reached an out-of-court settlement in Nairobi, agreeing to play a promotion/relegation play-off to determine which team will feature in the 2026/27 FKF Premier League.

The dispute arose from ambiguity surrounding the promotion and relegation regulations, with both clubs citing the 2025 and 2019 rules, which they argued were applicable during the season in question.

The prolonged dispute contributed to uncertainty surrounding the start of the new league season, with the FKF Premier League and National Super League facing delays as the matter went through the courts. The settlement now provides a pathway toward resolving the contest for the final Premier League place.

Two-Leg Play-Off to Decide Premier League Place

The play-off will be contested over two legs, with the first leg scheduled for October 1, 2026, in Mombasa, followed by the return leg on October 6, 2026, in Nairobi.

Both teams will be allowed to field their newly registered players in the play-off matches, an agreement that helps address one of the practical challenges surrounding the delayed fixture.

The winner over the two legs will secure a place in the 2026/27 FKF Premier League.

The agreement follows mediation efforts initiated by FKF, with the federation seeking to resolve the dispute and clear the way for the new season to proceed.