KPL ready to fuel the fan experience in new season

Stakeholders in Kenyan football gathered in Nairobi on Wednesday for a Club Media Liaisons and Sports Journalists seminar aimed at boosting the growth and visibility of the domestic game ahead of Saturday’s 2026/2027 Kenyan Premier League kick-off.

Organised by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) alongside title sponsors SportPesa and the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), the workshop brought together club media officers, photographers, and sports reporters to align their strategy ahead of the new campaign.

SportPesa Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager Japheth Akhulia, who made a detailed presentation on the journey and vision for the league, emphasized the sponsor's drive to transform match days into family-friendly events.

"We want to make the league an experience and bring fans to the stadium, bring kids along. It's the media that can help create the buzz. Opportunities abound to even do more," said Akhulia.

"Last season the league attracted attention from as far afield as Asia, America and Europe. We can grow the league by the info the media sends out there. We want to incorporate celebrities who organically want to support the league.

“It is exciting Azam has more OB vans. At the end of the day we want to build the league, build the teams, but most importantly build players who make the teams in the league.”

Akhulia noted that strong stadium attendances, competitive title and relegation battles, widely recognised derby fixtures, and expanded broadcast reach via KBC and Azam formed a solid foundation for growth.

Key milestones included 331 live broadcasts on Azam, 34 match days played strictly as scheduled, seven monthly awards, a successful Annual Gala, five All Access behind-the-scenes episodes, and the Twende Game initiative, which drove improved crowd turnouts across the country.

SportPesa outlined plans to package derbies as monthly marquee properties, launch a Fans Fun Day, scale up merchandise and fan rewards, establish a central digital home for the league, and help clubs connect directly with regional supporters.

SJAK President James Waindi welcomed the collaborative effort, reinforcing the media's vital role in elevating local football.

"We as SJAK commit to responsible and professional coverage. We will work with FKF and SportPesa to ensure the SportPesa League story is told to the world."