FKF Premier League: Trophy Feels Real, Money Still Playing Hide and Seek

A wild FKF Premier League season ends with glory, grit, and questions—mainly, where did the money go?

Cries of shame are echoing across Kenya’s football landscape, not because of red cards or missed penalties, but because the nation’s top league seems to have everything—except money.

In a season that will go down as one of the most thrilling in recent memory, Kenya Police FC pulled off a football fairytale, bouncing from a disastrous start to clinch their first-ever FKF Premier League title.

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But behind the celebrations, the reality is grim: clubs are broke, players unpaid, and the league dangerously close to financial cardiac arrest as per Standard.

While fans were glued to their seats watching the title race go down to the wire, club officials were glued to calculators, trying to figure out how to afford next weekend’s travel. No title sponsor, no prize money, no perks—just passion, perspiration, and prayer.

Police FC’s championship campaign began more like a crime scene than a football season—just one win in their opening eight matches.

But after appointing Burundian tactician Etienne Ndayiragije in November, they became the league’s most wanted, going on a 13-match unbeaten streak and nabbing 10 wins and three draws.

No Money, Mo’ Problems: Clubs Survive on Handouts and Hustle

But while Police FC were arresting wins, the rest of the league was filing financial missing person reports. Most clubs operated like family WhatsApp groups—funded by fundraisers, supported by betting companies, and occasionally held together with sheer willpower.

“This is not a league; it’s a charitable organization,” quipped one club official anonymously.

“We spend millions each season, and at the end, we get nothing. Not even a toaster for the champions!”

Indeed, Police FC may have nabbed the trophy with 65 points—beating Gor Mahia (59), Kakamega Homeboyz (58), and Tusker (57)—but they didn’t earn a single shilling in prize money. A golden cup and empty pockets. Not even a voucher.

In a country where football is more popular than politics (on some days), it’s baffling that the top-tier league cannnot find a sponsor. Not even a supermarket chain was interested. Even the milk companies passed.

“FKF needs to get serious,” said Kevin Wadunga, a Gor Mahia die-hard from Kisumu.

“We love our teams, but love doesn’t pay salaries. Even relationships need money!”

A League Full of Drama, But No Commercial Director

And that is the crux of the problem: the FKF Premier League had drama, talent, surprise upsets, and even a historic champion—but lacked the one thing that makes professional football sustainable: money.

Players went unpaid for months. Clubs defaulted on contracts. Team buses doubled as prayer rooms. And while fans cheered in packed stadiums, players prayed not to get injured—because there’s no medical insurance either.

Still, hope is not completely lost. FKF says it’s “in talks” with potential sponsors, though details remain as confidential as VAR decisions in Kenya.

“If things don’t change, next season might be a league of walkovers,” joked one fan online.

“We’ll just WhatsApp results and save transport.”

Police FC’s win will be remembered for its grit and comeback spirit. But unless real investment is injected soon, the next success story may not be about who won—but who managed to stay alive.

After all, football is about goals—but someone still has to pay the bills.

Disclaimer: This story and its accompanying cartoon are intended for satirical and illustrative purposes only. While based on real events and challenges facing the FKF Premier League, the tone and visuals are meant to highlight issues in a lighthearted, non-damaging way. We support the growth and development of Kenyan football and hope for increased investment and success in future seasons.