The team was relegated last season in the scrapped Nationwide League along with Sultan Hamud based Opera United, Real Kisumu and Strathmore University...

Mathare Youth were reinstated back after it came out clear that some referees had been instructed to ensure the team is relegated.

According to investigations conducted by FKF in conjunction with the Kenya football referees Association (KFRA), it was discovered the team was a victim of biased officiating that targeted the team chairman Bob Munro.

Subsequently, Mathare Youth have been drawn in Group A that comprise former KPL side Bandari, Mahakama,Green Berets and Congo United now nicknamed Coast United.

FKF has therefore released the names of clubs that will take part in the second tier National Division one League that has replaced the Nationwide League.  

The league will be divided into two zones with 16 teams each and at the end of the season, the top team in each zone gains promotion to the Kenya Premier League

Zone A has -Ligi Ndogo, Kariobangi Sharks, Tolla Glass, Iron Strikers, Kenya Meat Commission (KMC), Mahakama and Strikers. Others are Magongo Rangers, Bandari, Coast United, Mathare Youth, Green Berets, and Bidco.
Zone  B will comprise of Milimani, Utawala, Finlays, Agro chemical, Kakamega Homeboys, Kabras(West Kenya sugar), Shabana, FC 105,Kericho Zoo, Longonot Horticulture, and Nakuru All Stars.

Others are Victoria Kisumu, Rush FC, Timsales, and Busia based Outgrowers FC. Clubs will pay a subscription fee of Ksh 30,000 as well as 10,000 affiliation fees.