Gor Mahia's Cameroonian attacker Patrick Essombe and George Amonoo during a recent training /HANDOUT Defending champions Gor Mahia were among the busiest clubs in the SportPesa Premier League transfer window, signing 11 players as they strengthened their squad for the 2026/27 season.
The transfer window closed on August 21 after two months of player registration, leaving coaches with the task of blending their recruits with existing squads while sharpening their tactical approach ahead of the campaign.
Ghanaian defender Ebenezer Ocran and forward Denis Omedi headline Gor’s arrivals, alongside goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi, David Odhiambo, Michael Onyango, Enock Momanyi, Paul Okoth, Lesley Owino, Hansel Ochieng, Daniel Sakari and Portipher Odhiambo.
The champions also oversaw significant departures, releasing Bryson Wangai, Enock Morisson, Christopher Ochieng, Elly Owande, Fidel Origa, Gad Mathews, Geoffrey Ochieng, Levin Odhiambo, Mark Shaban and Siraji Mohammed, with the latter two leaving on loan.
Ernest Wendo and veteran defender Philemon Otieno were also among those who left. Coach Charles Akonnor said Gor’s recruitment was guided by the tactical profiles needed to strengthen the team. “We have managed to bring in the exact profiles required to strengthen our tactical structure ahead of a demanding season,” he said.
AFC Leopards also made substantial changes, bringing in nine players led by Ugandan midfielder Taddeo Lwanga, Gambian forward Adama Kanteh and goalkeeper Tom Ikara. Musa Ceesay, Robinson Musungu, Sepstianos Vekesa, Luke Kevin Onesmas, Eric Balecho and Emuria Issa complete their incoming list.
The Leopards released 11 players, including Katasi, Christopher Koloti, Kennedy Owino, Victor Omune, Jamal Obedi, Dend Kuai, Dennis Kikwae, Bryan Wanyama, Brian Mandela, Hassan Beja and James Ssetuba.
Coach Ambani said the priority was to strengthen competition for places throughout the squad. “We are looking forward to testing our revamped squad when the competitive fixtures begin,” he said.
Tusker FC were even more active in terms of player movement, registering 15 new players while releasing 20. Brian Bwire, Victor Chukwuemeka, Aboubacar Doumbia, Collins Ochieng Ongou, Abdoulie Joof and Sirraji Mohammed were among their notable arrivals.
KCB FC also registered 15 players, including Franck Nduwimana, Isma Kawawulo, Joshua Onyango, Allan Gerald Egaku, Jim Owili and Batshi Assis, while 10 players departed.
Kenya Police FC added 11 players, including Elvis Rupia, Christophe Ouattara and Kalifa Traore, but released 18. Nairobi United brought in 14 players, with John Avire, Faruk Shikhalo and Muhammad Shaban Jagason among the notable arrivals, while 15 players left.
Bandari FC signed 12 players, including Derrick Nsibambi, Lawrence Ouma and Thomas Wainaina, while Mathare United added 13 players as they reshaped their squad following a challenging pre-season.
APS Bomet brought in 11 players, including Bruno Bunyaga, Felix Adoyo and David Mwiti, while only two players, Philemon Nyakwaka and Hansel Ochieng, were listed as departures.
With the registration period closed, attention across the league has shifted to fitness, tactical discipline and team cohesion. Posta Rangers coach Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno said the remaining training sessions would be crucial in preparing his side for the new campaign.
“Every training session before our opening match is critical for establishing our tactical identity,” he said.
