NSL clubs plan promotion blitz as season start moved to September 27

The gathering brought together the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee (LCC) and club representatives to review last season’s performance, address logistical issues, and refine plans for the upcoming campaign.

LCC chair Dan Njuguna explained that the delay was necessary to ensure a smooth and well-organized start.

“We had gathered here to have a preview of what happened last season—what went well, what needs improvement, and how we can do better this time,” Njuguna said. “It was important that we sit down with our teams to have a better league, because we intend to improve every season.”

He added that the decision also considered an ongoing case at the Sports Dispute Tribunal (NSL) involving Nakuru Bucks and Gucha Stars. 

This case has put the promotions of Soy United and Compel FC on hold, and a ruling is expected on Friday, September 19.

“We agreed with the teams to push the commencement of the league to the 27th to allow time for the tribunal’s ruling, which may affect fixtures. This will give us a smooth kick-off and enable teams to prepare accordingly—knowing their opponents and budgets—so we avoid the challenges we faced last season when a team had to be removed midway,” Njuguna emphasized.

Club officials used the meeting to pledge collective action in marketing and promoting the league nationwide. 

Kisumu All Stars chairman lauded the forum, saying, “As National Super League clubs, we appreciate the federation for convening this pre-season meeting so that we can talk to one another on how to run the league.

"One critical aspect was the wide coverage of the NSL, which stretches across the country and brings high operational costs. We wanted to agree on how best clubs could get assistance so the league can be run professionally and be sustained to the end of the season.”

Naivas FC chairman Moses Kama echoed these sentiments and underscored the importance of branding especially for 2nd-tier clubs.

“The biggest resolution from this meeting is the packaging of individual teams and the wider FKF–NSL brand,” Kama noted.

“With proper packaging, we will attract sponsorship for the clubs and even bigger sponsorship for the league itself. We are ready to push our teams into the public eye, improve social media presence, and engage local communities to build a strong following.”

With FKF’s backing and clubs uniting to enhance visibility and attract investment, the 2025/26 National Super League now aims for a vibrant, well-supported campaign when it kicks off the final weekend of September.