Kenya Police FC are still riding high after clinching their first-ever FKF Premier League title, sealing the triumph with a narrow 1-0 victory over Shabana FC in Machakos. The win, which came ahead of their final match of the season against outgoing champions Gor Mahia, capped a remarkable journey from relegation strugglers to league kings.
Set to be crowned champions at the Ulinzi Complex, Police are already looking ahead to the financial rewards that usually accompany such an achievement. However, uncertainty looms over the exact figure they will receive, with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) yet to officially announce the prize money.
Traditionally, the league winners have received at least Ksh5 million in cash incentives. This was the amount awarded to Gor Mahia after they won the 2023-24 title, following backlash over the lack of prize money the previous season. While the FKF has in the past cited financial constraints, including debts amounting to over Ksh600 million, there is pressure on the current administration to ensure a worthy payout.
Beyond local recognition, Kenya Police FC are now gearing up for their debut in continental football. Their league win has secured them a spot in the CAF Champions League, which comes with its own financial windfall. For the first time, CAF now awards every team from the preliminary round, with each club pocketing at least $50,000 (Ksh6.5 million). Should Police progress to the group stage, they stand to earn at least $700,000 (Ksh90 million), with figures rising significantly for each subsequent round all the way to $4 million (Ksh516 million) for the tournament winners.
Despite the lack of expected financial support from their sponsors, the club remains optimistic. Their current deal with betting firm Betika is not performance-based, meaning no bonus is guaranteed for winning the league. Still, internally, the club has plans to recognize and reward its players, acknowledging their extraordinary effort in a season that began with them battling relegation.
Led by coach Etienne Ndayiragije, whose mid-season appointment turned the club’s fortunes around, Kenya Police FC mounted an impressive campaign that culminated in this historic title. The turnaround from being relegation-threatened in November 2024 to champions by June 2025 is a feat that has stunned fans and pundits alike.
As they prepare for the trophy coronation, the team and their supporters are not only celebrating the present but are also dreaming of bigger things to come on both domestic and continental fronts.
