Football Kenya Federation and the Kenyan Premier League on Thursday agreed to work toward the realization of an 18-team league, according to Cellestine Olilo of the DAILY NATION. After a "grueling" five-hour meeting, representatives from both sides agreed to implement an 18-team league, with FKF "accepting to foot the two teams' additional costs." Sports Disputes Tribunal Chair John Ohaga "also provided the assurance that all stops will be pulled to ensure that the league kicks off" by Feb. 11, and that the "only issue remaining" is to harmonize the new league's budget. Ohaga: "This is now behind us. It has been a grueling journey, but there is now a clear direction about this issue. ... For this, both parties have agreed to send in their accountants tomorrow to agree on the financial details." Ohaga's statement was backed up by FKF President Nick Mwendwa, who said that his office will "forfeit the club licensing fees, and top this amount up" with 36M Kenyan shillings ($350,000) over four years to facilitate the new league format (DAILY NATION, 1/27).
