A brewing cold war has erupted between two of Kenya’s most popular national radio stations, Radio Maisha and Radio 47 over who holds the exclusive rights to broadcast the English Premier League (EPL) matches for the 2025/26 season, which kicks off tomorrow, Friday, August 15.

Since the start of this week, Radio Maisha owned by Standard Group PLC has been running promotions asserting that it is the only radio station in Kenya with official EPL broadcasting rights for the upcoming season.

However, the claim was swiftly challenged by Radio 47, owned by Cape Media, whose high-profile sports presenters, led by renowned football commentators Fred Arocho and Hassan Mwana Wa Ali have taken to their social media platforms to announce that they too will be airing live EPL matches this season.

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The conflicting claims have created confusion among Kenyan football fans eagerly waiting for the season opener. Supporters of both stations have engaged in heated online debates, each side defending their preferred broadcaster.

In an escalation of the standoff, Standard Group PLC has issued an official statement reaffirming its exclusive radio broadcast rights for the 2025/26 EPL season in Kenya.

“This exclusive license grants Standard Group PLC the sole authority to transmit and broadcast EPL matches on radio in Kenya. No other radio broadcaster is permitted to air or attempt to air any English Premier League matches during this period. Any unauthorized broadcasting will be deemed a breach of our rights and shall attract immediate legal action,” the statement read.

The media house further invited fans to enjoy live coverage via its stations Radio Maisha, Spice FM, and Berur FM.

With neither side backing down and the Premier League kicking off in less than 24 hours, it remains to be seen whether both stations will indeed air the matches or if legal action will settle the dispute.

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For Kenyan football lovers, the bigger question is not just who owns the rights but which station will deliver the most exciting commentary and coverage when the first whistle blows tomorrow night as the EPL season set to open at Anfield in what promises to be a thrilling clash between Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth.

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