As the 2025/2026 League season officially begins this weekend, Football Kenya Federation FKF President Hussein Mohammed has called on Kenyans to rally behind their local teams.

In a post on X dated September 18, 2025, Mohammed emphasised the critical role of strong local leagues in building robust national teams.

“As our local leagues kick off this weekend, I want to urge all Kenyans to come out, watch, and support our teams. Strong leagues are the foundation of strong national teams, and it is through them that we continue to nurture and produce quality players who can represent our country at the highest level,” he stated.

Opening fixtures

The appeal comes amid heightened anticipation for the new season, with opening fixtures scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, and Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Matches include Kariobangi Sharks FC versus Bandari FC at Kasarani Annex and Gor Mahia FC facing Bidco United FC at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Mohammed’s message aligns with efforts to boost grassroots football, supported by a recent FKF partnership with a local gaming firm, which has increased the season’s prize money pool to Ksh20 million.

The champions will receive Ksh15 million, with Ksh3 million and Ksh2 million awarded to the runners-up and third place, respectively, as announced during the league launch on September 16, 2025, at a Nairobi hotel.

Support for women’s football

On the same day, Mohammed joined Vice President McDonald Mariga and other FKF officials to see off the Rising Starlets, Kenya’s U20 women’s national team, as they departed for Ethiopia.

The team is set to face Ethiopia in the first leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.

“Today, together with my Vice President @MarigaOfficial and other @Football_Kenya officials, we had the honour of seeing off our Rising Starlets as they depart for Ethiopia ahead of their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier on Sunday. We wish them the very best and reaffirm our commitment as a Federation to give women’s football the full support it deserves,” Mohammed wrote.

Clubs call fans to action

Gor Mahia FC echoed the call for fan support, urging their supporters to attend the season opener against Bidco United on Sunday. “The journey to a successful 2025/26 season begins this weekend at Kasarani Stadium. Be there; your support fuels the fight. This is our season,” the club stated via X.

Mathare United, promoted to the Premier League, confirmed its 2025/2026 squad on September 17, 2025, blending veterans and new talent under coach John Kamau. Shabana FC also called on fans to fill Gusii Stadium for their match against APS Bomet on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with tickets priced at Ksh200, Ksh500, and Ksh1,000 for regular, VIP, and VVIP sections, respectively.