By Anderson Ojwang
Today, Sunday, Gor Mahia will not be celebrating the crown but the magical number 22.
For many, today’s last and final game of the season will pass as the crowning of Gor Mahia as the league winner, but that is not where the story lies.
Today is a significant day for Gor Mahia and FIFA, the world football body, recognized the feat and indeed sent out a congratulatory message to Kogalo.
What is in the number 22 financially
This year, Gor Mahia set a precedent in revenue collection and opened Kenya’s Premier League to a possible future income goldmine for the teams and stakeholders.
Unlike in the past, Gor Mahia was able to raise Sh22,782,000 from its gate collections from home games.
The least earnings for Gor Mahia from home games were against Home Boys (Sh320,000), Murang’a Seal (Sh385,300), and AP Bomet (Sh360,400), while the highest revenue per game was against AFC Leopards (Sh7,011,500), Mara Sugar (Sh1,001,300), Shabana FC (Sh2,441,000), Kariobangi Sharks (Sh1,054,500), and Ulinzi FC (Sh1,323,800) to wrap up the revenue prowess.
Revenue above the half a million mark came from games against KCB (Sh876,150), Bandari (Sh988,600), Tusker (Sh827,700), Mathare (Sh941,200), Posta Rangers (Sh902,900), Bidco (Sh985,700), and Sofapaka (Sh973,600).
The cumulative revenue by other teams totalled Sh21,809,050, implying that Gor Mahia collected in excess of Sh972,950. The total gate collection during the season was Sh44,591,050.
For Gor Mahia, the gate collection could triple next season with continental participation and a possible increase in the fan base.
Sadly, bitter rivals AFC Leopards only managed Sh7,011,500, while Shabana FC managed Sh2,388,800 and Police FC Sh2,388,800.
Immediate former AFC Leopards chairman Dr Dan Shikanda said: “The real engine lies in the ecosystem surrounding our football: strong broadcasting revenue, vibrant fan culture, sponsorship confidence, sound governance, proper infrastructure, and commercial creativity. Countries that understand this have chosen to treat football not merely as a weekend sport, but as a serious economic sector capable of generating employment, business opportunities, national pride, and sustainable growth. For the Kenya Premier League to grow into a platform capable of generating far greater indirect revenues for clubs, we must honestly confront the challenges holding our game back. These include weak broadcasting revenue, poor commercialisation structures, unstable sponsorships, low merchandise development, inadequate stadium infrastructure, and persistent governance challenges. As the football fraternity, stakeholders, and supporters of the local game, perhaps the biggest question we must ask ourselves is this: ‘If football is the most followed sport in Kenya, why is our league still operating below its true commercial value?'”
Trophy laden and FIFA congratulatory message
While AFC Leopards are still waiting 28 years to lift the Premier League trophy, Gor Mahia have now registered their 22nd league trophy and remain the dominant club in Kenya.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in a message to FKF President Mr Hussein Mohammed dated May 28th, 2026, read: “Congratulations to Gor Mahia FC. By means of this letter, I am pleased to congratulate the recently crowned champions of Kenya, Gor Mahia FC. Their constant efforts and results throughout the season have paid off, resulting in this important title. Congratulations to each and every member of the team and the club for this great achievement. While thanking you and your Federation for your continuous support, work, and dedication for the development of football in your country, I look forward, dear president, to seeing you again soon.”
Gor Mahia patron Eliud Owalo wrote: “CONGRATULATIONS GOR MAHIA, KUDOS AFC LEOPARDS. Congratulations to Gor Mahia F.C. on winning a historic 22nd Kenyan Premier League title after a tough and competitive season. Credit to the leadership, technical bench, players, and the Green Army for staying united throughout the journey. Kudos as well to A.F.C. Leopards for a strong fight to the very end that helped raise the standards of Kenyan football.”
Cash award
In the 65-year history of the league, for the first time, Gor Mahia will receive a whopping Sh15 million winner’s prize. In Tanzania, the league winner usually pockets Sh31.94 million for winning the 2024/25 league.
Dr Shikanda wrote: “What is the importance of prize money for league winners in football? Gor Mahia will receive Ksh 15 million for winning the 2025/2026 Kenya Premier League, while champions in South Africa receive approximately Ksh 158 million and champions in Tanzania receive about Ksh 32 million. This raises an important and emotional question about the direction and value of our football. While prize money may sometimes appear too small compared to the actual cost of running a football club, its importance goes far beyond simply rewarding the winner. Prize money influences motivation, professionalism, investment, competitiveness, fan interest, and even the long-term growth of football structures within a country. However, prize money alone is not the true engine that drives football development.”
For AFC, the wait may not be far; it is almost there, and Ingwe fans will soon smile again. For Kogalo, continuing to reap.
