The decision will directly affect Kariobangi Sharks who are associated with former FKF President Nick Mwendwa as the team who finished in 16th place last season will be confined to relegation for the first time since they were promoted in 2017 and have been in the top tier for the last 10 years.
According to FKF Acting Secretary General Dennis Gicheru, the issue of relegation and promotion was decided on September 19th, 2025 during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Gicheru pointed out that during that said meeting, it was resolved that the KPL/NSL relegation-promotion play-offs be abolished and that at the end of this season three bottom KPL clubs will be relegated and three NSL sides shall earn direct promotion.
"There will be no play-offs’
“In view of the above there will be no play-offs in line with the NEC resolutions which took effect immediately,” said Gicheru in the letter obtained by Flashscore, and addressed to Kariobangi Sharks Chief Executive Officer Lynda Ambiyo.
But in an immediate reaction Kariobangi Sharks have shot back and insisted they do not agree with the decision and would appeal against it.
The club have said they will immediately make an appeal in line with the Internal mechanisms of FKF. In order for them to launch an appeal the Kariobangi Sharks CEO has asked FKF to furnish the club with various documents.
“We would like you to furnish us with a certified copy of the NEC Resolution of 19th September 2025 referred to in your letter.
“We make this request because Kariobangi Sharks FC did not receive any communication of this resolution at any point before or during the 2025-2026 season," she said.
Further, the club also wants a confirmation of the manner and date on which this resolution was notified to participating clubs in line with the requirements referenced in the FKF letter that teams will be informed of the rules of engagement before the start of the season.
“We further request your guidance on the appropriate internal mechanism for lodging this appeal and in particular, which FKF body has jurisdiction to receive and determine the matter, together with the applicable procedure, timelines, and any filing requirements.
Sofapaka, Bidco United relegated
“Given that this matter is urgent and time-bound, with player registration and related deadlines now imminent, we respectfully request your response within 24 hours of this email,” concluded the letter.
This will be the first time FKF is doing away with the play-offs which have been played every year to determine which teams are relegated and who is promoted.
Doing away with the play-offs is likely to affect the various league structures and therefore such a decision ought to have been passed at the FKF congress which is the highest decision-making organ of the federation.
As it remains the matter is likely to drag all the way to the courts of law if Kariobangi Sharks are not satisfied with the decision made by FKF.
Sofapaka and Bidco United have already been relegated to the National Super League (NSL) for next season. Sharks finished 16th with 38 points from 34 matches.
