FKF explains postponing crucial Premier League relegation decider matches

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Tuesday, 19 May, announced the postponement of three FKF Premier League fixtures by a week following the nationwide matatu strike that paralysed movement across the country.

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Four top-flight matches had initially been lined up for the midweek round as the league heads into a tense final stretch, but only one fixture will now proceed as scheduled after the federation confirmed the changes through an official statement.

The affected matches, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, 20 May, will now be played on Wednesday, 27 May, at the same venues and kick-off times.

“Our attention is drawn to the ongoing nationwide matatu strike and the impact that this has on general mobility,” FKF said in part of the statement.

“Having received valid concerns from clubs over their inability to attend training sessions for the past two days and the uncertainty surrounding the league matches scheduled for tomorrow, we wish to notify you that the below matches scheduled to be played on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, have been cancelled and the same will be played next Wednesday, 27th May 2026, same venue and kick off time.”

The postponed fixtures include Kenya Police against Kariobangi Sharks, Ulinzi Stars versus Tusker and Sofapaka’s clash against KCB.

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However, the encounter between Bandari and APS Bomet will go on as planned at Kericho Green Stadium.

The postponement comes at a delicate stage of the campaign, especially in the battle to avoid relegation.

Already relegated, Bidco United and Sofapaka have confirmed their drop to the National Super League (NSL), leaving one more relegation slot still available for Kariobangi Sharks and Ulinzi Stars.

Kariobangi Sharks had been set for a tricky away assignment against defending champions Kenya Police at Police Sacco Stadium, with victory potentially opening a four-point gap above 16th-placed Ulinzi Stars, depending on the outcome of the military side’s clash against Tusker at Ulinzi Sports Complex.

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The delay, therefore, offers both struggling sides extra time to regroup before decisive matches in the survival race.

Relegated Sofapaka were also scheduled to host 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup semi-finalists KCB at Kasarani Annex.

The affected clubs have since acknowledged the postponement as the nationwide matatu strike was suspended for seven days to give room for dialogue.