Top 5 Best Clubs in Kenyan Premier League History

The has a rich history with clubs that have demonstrated great power, dedication, and influence both domestically and internationally.

The Kenyan Premier League remains one of the most competitive in Africa with top clubs fighting for recognition in the continent. The league was formed in 1963 and is contested by 18 clubs.

It is controlled by a promotion and relegation system with the National Super League. In this article, analyses the five clubs that stand out for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport.

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Top 5 Best Clubs in Kenyan Premier League History

1) Gor Mahia

is undeniably one of Kenya’s greatest football clubs in the premier league. It was founded on February 17, 1968, and has stood till date, overcoming a series of challenges including financial struggles, to emerge as one of the best.

It is nicknamed K’Ogalo, stemming from the Luo hero Gor Mahia, whose full name was Gor Wuod Ogada nyakwar Ogalo (Gor son of Ogada grandson of Ogalo).

Gor Mahia do not have their own stadium at the moment and for their home games, they utilise the Nairobi City Stadium, Moi International Sports Centre and Nyayo National Stadium

Ronney Onyango has officially joined Sogndal Fotball with the aim of honouring his late father.

Since the club was founded, they have managed to win a record 21 Premier League titles, with their most recent championship in the 2023–24 season. The club has also won the President’s Cup 11 times to showcase their dominance domestically.

In 1987, Gor Mahia became the first and only Kenyan club to win an African continental, courtesy of their win at the African Cup Winners’ Cup.

Gor Mahia’s fanbase is also one to admire, notably known as the ‘Green Army’. The fans have been very instrumental in creating an electrifying atmosphere during matches.

2) Tusker FC

, founded in 1969, could not fail to make the list of the best football clubs that play in the premier league in Kenya.

They are nicknamed the Brewers owing to the fact that the club is sponsored by Tusker, a well-known beer brand by the East African Breweries. The club was initially named as Kenya Breweries but the current name was adopted in 1999.

They play their home matches at the Ruaraka Sports Ground and have managed to cement their legacy as one of the best clubs in Kenya. Tusker FC have 13 Kenyan Premier League titles under their belt with the latest victory being in the 2021 season.

Johnathan McKinstry has unleashed a scathing criticism of local Kenyan players in regards to securing moves abroad compared to their West African counterparts.

Tusker FC have also claimed the win in multiple FKF President’s Cup tournaments and they also boast of three Kenyan Super Cup titles. On top of those achievements, Tusker FC are also regular participants in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

3) AFC Leopards

fully known as All Footballers Confederation Leopards Sports Club was founded in 1964 and is considered the oldest football club in Kenyan history. The club is nicknamed Ingwe, since the name is a direct translation of ‘Leopards’ in Luhya.

AFC Leopards use the Nyayo National Stadium as their home ground and occasionally also play at the Moi International Sports Centre. Since it was founded, the club has managed to win 12 Kenyan Premier League titles.

The club has also claimed multiple FKF President’s Cup victories and they also reached the semi-finals of the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1985.

share a fierce rivalry, and their matches, known as the ’ are among the most anticipated in Kenyan football with tons of fans showing up.

4) Ulinzi Stars

was founded in 1995 and is nicknamed ‘Soldiers’ since they are affiliated with the Kenya Defence Forces.

Ulinzi Stars represents various branches of the Kenya Defence Forces, including the Kenya Army, the Air Force, and the Kenya Navy.

Their home stadium is the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru and they have managed to accomplish a series of milestones. Even though they have struggled to make an impact in the recent years, in the early 2000’s Ulinzi Stars was a strong team.

Timothy Ouma made a big-money move to Czech giants Slavia Prague in January, hoping to take his career to the next level, but his first two months have been worrying.

They won four Premier League Titles with three consecutive championships from 2003 to 2005. They were also the winners of the Kenya Premier League top eight cup in 2011.

Over the years, they have showcased their discipline and resilience thanks to their association with the Kenya Defence Forces.

5) Kenya Commercial Bank

The is probably one of the youngest clubs that play in the Kenyan Premier League having been founded in 1993.

They are nicknamed ‘Bankers’ since they are owned by KCB Bank under the umbrella of KCB Sports Club. The club does not own a stadium but plays its home matches at either the Nairobi City Stadium or the Moi International Sports Center.

They have yet to win a Kenya but have showcased their consistency with notable top-half finishes. KCB have also been on the podium in several domestic cup competitions.

The former Tusker defender, who joined Nyasa Big Bullets in 2023, has been appointed the new club captain for the 2025 season.

KCB has grown immensely following the support from their primary sponsor, the bank and they continue to showcase their prowess in Kenyan football with incredible performances.

The top five clubs have largely contributed to the growth of Kenyan football. Dating back to their rich histories, these clubs continue to shine on and off the pitch.