
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially announced the start of the highly anticipated FKF Division One League for the 2025/2026 season, set to commence on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This marks the beginning of competitive football action across the country’s regional zones and promises an exciting spectacle for fans and stakeholders alike.
The FKF Division One League for this season is structured into four distinct zones, each comprising 16 teams. These zones represent the regional distribution of football talent and competition, allowing for widespread local engagement and fostering grassroots development across Kenya. In total, 64 teams will battle it out within their respective zones for promotion to the National Super League (NSL) and to avoid relegation to lower tiers.
The 2025/2026 season brings significant changes in promotion and relegation rules. The FKF Division One’s four zonal winners will earn direct promotion to the National Super League. Conversely, the bottom three teams in each zone face relegation to the lower tier, raising the stakes in every match. This competitive format aims to enhance the quality of football and maintain high engagement levels throughout the season.
The FKF Division One League serves as a critical platform for nurturing emerging talent and providing a pathway for ambitious clubs to climb the football hierarchy in Kenya. By decentralizing the competition through zonal leagues, the FKF aims to strengthen football in all corners of the country, build local fanbases, and deepen the sport’s reach.
As the October 18 kick-off approaches, fans and football communities across Kenya eagerly anticipate thrilling matches and the emergence of the next generation of football stars who will undoubtedly influence the future of Kenyan football.