NAIROBI, February 1 –Champions Gor Mahia were the biggest spenders in the busy Kenyan Premier League transfer window that closed last night (January 31) ahead of the 2016 campaign that get underway on February 13.
Mathare United were the least, spending only Sh30,000 whilst cash-strapped Sofapaka had the huge chunk of signings, recruiting 25 new players with goal keeper Barnabas Tiema opting to renew his contract.
K’Ogalo rivals AFC Leopards who are also struggling financially bought 21 players as GOtv Shield holders, Bandari spent sh15,000 on five new blood.
Gor who will represent the country at the CAF champions League, coughed Sh4.38m with Sh4m going to Rwanda captain and striker, Jacques Tuyisenge who is the most expensive player this year.
The record 15-tiimes SportPesa Premier League (SPL) winners acquired the signature of defender defender Luke Ochieng on Sh200,000 from kCB to become the second most expensive.
James Ogada from lower tier side Agro Chemicals costed Sh150,000 as Edmond Murai, Sammy Okinda, Gradus Ochieng, Eric Otieno and Leopards center-back Jackson Saleh going for Sh30,000 each signing fee.
Of the eight payers released by the most decorated club in Kenya, Gor did not pocket any amount as all were released as free agents.
Leopards who are struggling to put their house in order saw their budget settle at Sh270,000 on 21 new recruits after experiencing a mass exodus at the end of the season.
Former Harambee Stars defender Edgar Ochieng,(Mathare United) Jackson Oketch (Chemelil sugar),Joswel Njuguna (Posta Rangers) and Gerald Bagoole are the only experienced players among the 25 first timers.
Batoto Ba Mungu face a tough season a head and having spend Sh180,000 in the transfer window and the in experience new signings, the 2009 winners have seen their pre-season training put into a spin with players demanding their outstanding dues.
The club owned by flamboyant business man Elly Kalekwa did not sell any player of the huge 21 who decamped the team with 12 terminating their contracts.