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S. GitahiFKF, Azam TV set to unveil broadcast partnership on Thursday
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 30.08.23. | 17:01
The last time the Kenyan league had a television broadcaster was back in 2021, when Chinese company Startimes partnered with the league, only to bolt out a year after thanks to FKF’s disbandment.
The Football Kenya Federation will on Thursday 31 August 2023 unveil Azam TV as the new official broadcaster partner for the FKF Premier League, it has been confirmed.
The move, made Wednesday afternoon, will finally bring a new dawn to the Kenyan top tier scene after months of speculation on whether the already ongoing season (2023-2024) will be aired live on TV.
Azam TV, on their social media platforms, confirmed the news, indicating that Thursday's event will be beamed on one of their channels - Azam Sports 1 HD.
Kesho Alhamisi kutakuwa na tukio kubwa la michezo nchini Kenya.Fuatilia mbashara shughuli ya utiaji saini mkataba kati ya Azam Media Limited na Shirikisho la Soka Kenya (FKF).
— Azam TV (@azamtvtz) August 30, 2023
Shughuli hii itakuwa LIVE kupitia #AzamSports1HD kuanzia saa 3:00 asubuhi. pic.twitter.com/9qGmmj0EZA
Early indications of the FKF Premier League securing a deal with Azam as a broadcast partner happened late last season, when the Tanzanian broadcaster aired two KPL games - Tusker vs Kariobangi Sharks on 13 May 2023 and the Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards on 14 May.
The two games were successfully televised, with the Kenyan federation later releasing a statement that indicated ongoing engagements with the broadcaster over a longer partnership.
RAIS FKF AIPONGEZA AZAM TV
— Azam TV (@azamtvtz) June 14, 2023
Msikie Rais wa Shirikisho la Mpira wa Miguu Kenya (FKF), Nick Mwendwa akiipa maua #AzamTV katika urushaji wake wa matangazo ya mpira wa miguu kwa Afrika Mashariki.
Ikumbukwe tarehe 14 Machi, 2023 Azam TV ilirusha matangazo mbashara ya mchezo wa… pic.twitter.com/D22Q8usiPU
“The federation is grateful for this partnership and wishes to thank Azam for their support and commitment in the commercial development of Kenyan football, even as both parties continue to engage on the possibility of entering a long-term partnership that is mutually beneficial," read the statement from FKF then.
The Sports Ministry and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have also been working hand in hand to ensure that Kenyan football is back on TV, and CS Ababu Namwamba has countless times insisted that the 2023–24 season will be on TV and that clubs will benefit financially both from broadcast partnerships and title sponsorship.
“I made promises to Kenyans when I was reappointed Sports CS, and I intend to fulfill each and every promise made," he said.
"We will have a broadcast partner for the Kenyan league before the start of next season. Plans are at an advanced stage, and I want to assure the nation that we have a partner coming on board," the CS said during an interview in May.
The last time the Kenyan league had a television broadcaster was back in 2021, when Chinese company Startimes partnered with the league, only to bolt out a year after thanks to FKF’s disbandment.
Azam TV currently airs the Tanzania Football Federation Mainland Tanzania Premier League, and in May 2021 signed a deal worth 10.48 billion Kenya shillings for a period of 10 years.
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