Done with the break! The FKF Women's Premier League (FKFWPL) is back in action this weekend. Kenya’s top-tier women’s league was supposed to start on the weekend of 27^th October, but was postponed due to the Rising Starlets U20 Women's World Cup qualifiers match against Ethiopia.

With intense preparations complete, the 12 teams are set for the new season. The previous 2024/2025 season delivered a mixed bag of results and behind-the-scenes drama, offering both entertainment and frustration to the faithful fans.

A Recap of Last Season

The law enforcers, Kenyan Police Bullets, had to wait for the final day to be crowned the champions, as their archrivals, Ulinzi Starlets, were on their neck until the final match day. 

At the end, only two points separated the two at the top.

Vihiga Queens suffered last time out and failed to compete for the title. The Western-based side finished fourth behind the Kibera Soccer Women. Finishing at the opposite end of the standings, Bunyore Starlets, Mombasa Olympics, and Wadadia FC got relegated.

Rebecca Okwaro claimed the coveted Golden Boot award with 16 goals, just one above free-scoring Faith Mboya. 

Rebecca Okwaro (Golden Boot winner 2024/25 FKFWPL  )

FKF WPL 2025/2026 TEAMS INFORMATION 

Transfers In and Out

In preparation for the new season, teams have been busy in the transfer market with the acquisition of new faces for their squad. Some players' contracts expired, and they had to look for new adventures.

Kenya Police Bullets offloaded six players. The two-time champions have been active in the transfer market, signing six new players in an attempt to reinforce their squad ahead of the new season.

After elimination from the CECAFA zonal women's qualifier games, they had a shake-up in their management with Belidine Odemba stepping down. They brought in highly-rated Kibera Soccer Women's tactician, David Vijago, ensuring they still possess the necessary strength to triumph.

Police Bullets in a CECAFA match

Vihiga Queens' transfer activities remained unanimous, as the club is yet to unveil any of their new signings. The four-time champions have been cold in the last two seasons. They have failed to reclaim their glory; this has been attributed to their failure to keep their quality and main players. 

Every season, they lose their star players to the rivals, making them depend on the youth players from high school. However, Boniface Nyamunyamu's side has been one of the talent hubs in women's football in the country, as he always churns out raw talent.

Kibera Soccer Women were ruthless in the transfer market as they acquired 10 players. With quality signings, it is set to be a team to watch. Last season, they gave a spirited fight to finish just five points below the league leaders. 

Though hit by the departure of key player Fasila Adhiambo to Simba Queens, Ulinzi Starlets is determined to fight on and will remain a serious challenger for the league title. With the acquisition of Jackline Chesang, Collins Ochieng's side will be a force to reckon with.

The overall winners of the Women's National Super League, Kayole Starlets, return to the top-flight league after 2 seasons away. With the sponsorship of Jukwaa Sports, the slum girls look pumped for the new season. Coached by Mary Adhiambo, the side may be a surprise package for this season.

Debutants, Gideon Starlets, will have to fancy their slim chances to survive in the league. The history makers, Madira Soccer Assassins, return to the league after a season away from the top flight. With the little experience gained, the high school side will be a hard side to play against.

Lack of League Sponsor and Broadcaster

The women’s football season starts in a week, but the federation has yet to talk about the plans for the top league. Financial crisis remains a crippling challenge for women's football in the country. This stark reality was brutally illustrated last season (2024/2025) when Wadadia FC was forced to disband due to crippling financial constraints, resulting in their relegation after the first leg.

The women's teams struggle in honouring matches, as they lack a reliable source of funds to run the daily club activities, such as player welfare, travelling logistics, and training expenses. They depend on well-wishers and politicians to rescue their survival chances.

Due to the lack of a broadcasting partner, the visibility of the league is still below average. Some clubs go the extra mile and broadcast their matches on their social media accounts, although this is not enough for the visibility of the league. 

With the intense preparations teams have undertaken, the 2025/2026 season promises to be incredibly exciting. This enhanced level of competition is expected to massively boost fan engagement and draw more people to women's football.

Feature Image Credit: Kenya Police Bullets FC