Sportpesa shield holders AFC Leopards were paired with lower league side Shabana FC in the inaugural edition of the tournament that was launched at Nairobi Hotel.
Surprisingly, five clubs that are part of the ongoing Kenyan Premier League learnt their fate and will not be participating in the competition after the fixtures were revealed by Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa.
Nakumatt FC Thika United, Mathare United, Zoo Kericho and Chemilil missed out on the chance to grace the occasion.
Both Ingwe and Gor Mahia play their opening games away from home as the holders begin the defence of their tittle away to third tier side Shabana while K’Ogalo take on Mombasa-based SS Assad.
2015 winners Bandari will be hosted in Garissa by Berlin FC while Ulinzi Stars take a trip west to take on Transmillan FC that is based in Kitale.
Tusker, winners in 2016, will start of this year’s edition of the competition against Taita Taveta All Stars while sugar millers Sony take on Rainforest FC.
A resurgent Vihiga United will have to see off Nyamira All Stars to advance to the next round of the competition.
2014’s surprise package and eventual winners Sofapaka will take on Re-Union.
Kakamega Homeboyz have been pitted against neighbours ASEC while Posta Rangers have been offered a golden chance to advance after they were paired with minnows Transmara Sugar.
Wazito FC will meanwhile begin their march to the latter stages of the competition by a taunting test away to Nairobi Water.
FKF President Nick Mwendwa stressed on the importance of the competirion and commended sponsors SportPesa
"This is a priority competition at FKF and we will ensure its smooth running from the grassroots level. We appreciate SportPesa who have come in to sponsor it for the next 3 years affective 2018," Mwendwa said.
The final is slated for October 20th on Mashujaa Day while the first round will take place on June 1-3.