FKF unveils Kenya Broadcasting Corporation as official Premier League Free to Air partners

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has unveiled a partnership with Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) as the official free to air broadcast partner of the top-tier Premier League (FKFPL), that will see the national broadcaster acquire rights for the FKF Premier League, along with audio rights for its 13 radio stations.

This was announced at an event held at the Talanta Plaza, which was graced with a number of dignitaries including Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, FKF president Nick Mwendwa and KBC Managing Director Samuel Maina, who expressed the broadcaster’s commitment to bringing quality sporting action closer to its audience through various platforms.

Under this seven-year partnership, the Federation is set to receive USD 1,250,000 Million for the first season, with an increment of USD 100,000 for the subsequent seasons. KBC, on its part, shall air a total of 68 matches, two every match week, on its TV and Radio platforms.

“This partnership will go a long way in making Kenyan football more accessible for viewership to every household. This exposure will not only increase the commercial value of the league but shall also aid in our long-term vision of making the FKF Premier League self-sustainable,” said FKF President Nick Mwendwa.

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As part of this historic deal in the existence of the FKF Premier League, KBC will pump in a substantial sum of Ksh. 240 million into the league, hence boosting the financial capabilities of top-tier clubs, which will now receive up to Ksh. 10 million per year as per the Federation boss Mwendwa.

Speaking on the specifics of the deal, FKF President Mwendwa, "Azam is our pay TV partner. The contract we signed with them allowed us to have Free-to-air partners. The deal we have signed with KBC is worth 750,000 USD for Free to Air and 500,000 USD for Radio. The deal will give Kenyan clubs KES. 10 Million per year each."

This milestone deal between KBC and FKF is set to complement the existing broadcasting arrangements in Kenyan football after the football governing body in the country sold the league rights to Tanzanian broadcasting firm Azam TV at the start of the season putting pen to paper to a seven-year deal worth over Ksh. 145 million.

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Also going to benefit from the deal are National Super League and Kenya Women Premier League match officials who will get paid from the kitty signed on Thursday afternoon.

"National Super League and FKF Women's Premier League referees will also be paid from this kitty,” offered FKF President Mwendwa

The President further revealed that the winner of the 2023-24 Football Kenya Federation Premier League champion will get five million shillings at the end of the season.

Speaking at the same event CS Eliud Owalo noted that the deal was a game changer in the history of Kenyan footballers as it gives a chance to showcase and market talents to the outer world making it a possibility for it to be exploited.

“KBC through all its channels will have the opportunity to transmit live all KPL matches, this will showcase the immense potential we have among our youth.”

With the incoming of KBC’s free-to-air transmission, football loyalists in the country will have greater access to live matches, highlights, and in-depth analysis of the FKF Premier League matches.