AGP Executive Report

TSC Overhaul: Kenyan teachers seeking jobs abroad are being rejected as TSC says their training lacks enough supervised teaching practice to meet foreign standards. Court Watch: Makadara Law Courts released PS Fikirini Jacobs’ bodyguard on a Sh20,000 bond as investigations into a fatal shooting continue. Opposition Politics: Internal wrangles are derailing the opposition’s push to agree on a 2027 flagbearer. Environment & Litigation: 4,642 Kenyans have moved to court to stop development inside Nairobi National Park, citing wildlife and constitutional concerns. Education Pressure: Confusion in university placement leaves 686,000 KCSE candidates out of the placement process. Telecom Power Shift: Vodafone’s bid to shape Safaricom’s next CEO follows governance changes after the state’s stake fell to 20%. Coast Infrastructure: KPA defends the Sh8.344b Mombasa port road project, saying it’s on schedule and competitively priced. Tech & Land: Surveyors and universities plan to harmonise geospatial training to match Kenya’s development and digital needs. Public Health & Rights: Authorities rescued eight foreign nationals from an unlicensed rehab centre in Kajiado, with NACADA leading the crackdown. Local Governance Clash: Residents in Machakos clashed over a proposed cement factory, with police ending a heated public forum. Justice System: High court dismissed Besigye’s bid to halt his treason trial, clearing the way for it to start July 13.

County Accountability: Nandi Governor Stephen Sang faced Senate grilling over an unsustainable wage bill that hit 44% of revenue, breaching the 35% legal threshold, with the county blaming health-sector pressures. Health Funding & Fraud Warnings: Kenya is seeking fresh Global Fund support to strengthen the Social Health Authority, push digital health, and improve medicines access; meanwhile HELB warned of social media impersonators selling fake clearance certificates and urged use of official portals only. Education Access: KUCCPS extended the 2025 university transfer window from two weeks to one month after placing 293,869 learners, with the portal to reopen for eligible students who missed initial applications. Energy & Investment: President Ruto directed DP Kithure Kindiki to chair implementation coordination for Dangote’s planned East African refinery in Lamu, while Ruto also signed the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill into law to ring-fence savings for future generations and stabilisation. Public Order & Justice: NCCK urged NCIC to tighten hate-speech crackdowns ahead of 2027 polls, warning of election violence risks; rights groups also called for continued accountability after the July 7 Saba Saba protests. Security: Police arrested a suspected Somali arms dealer at Kanyonyo checkpoint, recovering firearms and ammunition, and said he will face court.

Saba Saba Crackdown: Kenya marked the 36th anniversary of July 7, 1990 with heavy police deployments, roadblocks and arrests, as activists tried to push petitions to Parliament and called for justice over alleged killings and disappearances. High Court on Diplomats’ Pay: The High Court declared Kenya’s envoys’ remuneration framework unconstitutional for lack of public participation, giving the SRC time to redo the process. Election Peace Push: NCCK urged the NCIC to step up monitoring and rapid response ahead of 2027, warning incumbency elections can turn violent. Health Verification: SHA introduced fingerprint checks for child dependants aged 7–17 under Taifa Care, with consent required, while SHA and DHA clarified how claims and payments work. Gold Supply Race: As CBK prepares to buy locally mined gold under new law, industry is asking who will be allowed to sell to the bank. Oil Refinery in Lamu: Aliko Dangote confirmed a planned 700,000-bpd refinery will be built on Lamu Island, with work expected to take about 30 months. Irrigation Expansion: Government data says irrigation now covers 770,000 acres, with projects like Gwa Kiongo set to irrigate 500 acres in Nyandarua. Crypto Oversight: CMA is seeking blockchain analytics to track crypto crime across 20+ networks. Regional Safety: Kenya raised concerns with South Sudan over detention without charge and attacks on Kenyan truck drivers.

Saba Saba Security: Nairobi’s CBD stayed unusually quiet Tuesday morning as police roadblocks and checkpoints restricted movement ahead of planned Saba Saba protests; similar heavy deployment was reported in Eldoret, while Kisumu largely carried on with business as usual. Courts & Accountability: EACC secured convictions of two former IEBC officials over forged academic certificates, with the Milimani court sentencing one to pay KSh1.6m after a plea bargain. Finance Law: Kenya’s new CBK Emergency Liquidity Assistance framework now requires banks seeking rescue to prove they are fundamentally sound, tightening safeguards against propping up weak lenders. Transport: Kenya Railways unveiled plans to extend the SGR from Syokimau into Nairobi CBD via a 15km link, with new stations along the route. Livestock Exports: Government announced the launch of an animal identification and traceability system (ANITRAC) to boost meat access to regional and global markets. Media Freedom: CPJ called for investigation after a Standard journalist said armed men attempted to abduct him following criticism of President Ruto. Sports (Nyanza Schools): Nyanza secondary school football term-two games kick off with Agai High School disqualified, handing Kisumu Boys a new slot at the regional stage.

Central Bank Overhaul: President William Ruto has signed the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026 into law, giving CBK clearer powers to buy, sell and hold gold and other precious metals, while also tightening how emergency liquidity support works to protect taxpayers and only assist banks that meet strict solvency and viability conditions. Election Rules: IEBC has set a presidential campaign spending limit of about Sh4.4 billion for the 2027 race. Saba Saba Security: Police have declared planned Saba Saba Day protests illegal and will run enhanced checkpoints across Nairobi, warning organisers and participants of arrest if they gather without proper notification. Health Coverage Push: Government will roll out flexible SHA payment options, including “Lipa SHA Pole Pole,” as 32 million Kenyans are already registered for services. Crime & Justice: DCI has started investigations into a Sh42 million Kenya Prisons payroll fraud, and KWS rangers face defence in court over the missing Nakuru fisherman Brian Odhiambo. Wildlife Response: KWS has begun hippo translocation in Nyandarua to curb human-wildlife conflict after drought displaced the animals.

Aviation & Infrastructure: Kenya Airways says a New York-bound flight turned back to Nairobi after a rare mid-air flight control spoiler malfunction, with rebooking support for affected passengers. Public Safety: DCI reports four suspected gangsters shot dead in a police ambush along the Eldoret-Kiplombe-Soy Road after gunfire erupted; investigations continue as two accomplices escaped. Justice & Security: Police are investigating the killing of High Court advocate Edward Kariuki Muthee, whose body was found in Athi River, Machakos, with visible head injuries. Finance & Banking: President Ruto assented to the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026, tightening access to Emergency Liquidity Assistance and boosting parliamentary oversight of CBK leadership; banks now face tougher solvency and systemic-risk thresholds. Health: The Social Health Authority says the government released Sh4bn to settle verified defunct NHIF claims for facilities owed Sh10m and below. Politics: IEBC is set to deliver its verdict in the case against Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia over alleged Electoral Code violations. Urban Life: KURA explains delays in the Kenyatta Avenue–Upper Hill viaduct, citing complex structural works and phased execution. Sports: CAF invites bids to host AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036.

Saudi-Kenya Ties: Foreign Minister Prince Faisal and PM Musalia Mudavadi co-chaired the inaugural Saudi-Kenyan Political Consultations Committee in Riyadh, signing three MoUs on direct investment, customs cooperation and financing—plus an agreement on recruiting Kenyan workers. Public Safety & Crime: DCI is investigating a Westlands restaurant robbery caught on CCTV, where four armed men stole phones and a laptop and fired shots. Local Economy Hit: Traders at Machakos’ mitumba market are counting losses after a late-night fire razed kiosks, with police probing the cause. Politics & Unity: Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa and Justine Muturi dismissed rift claims, staging a unity show ahead of 2027. Governance & Services: Nairobi City County posted a record Sh15.4bn own-source revenue for 2025/26, driven by reforms and the Nairobi Pay digital platform. Justice Watch: A fresh Saitoti estate dispute is in court as a man seeks a DNA test and inheritance accounting. Democracy Under Pressure: Activists plan a peaceful Saba Saba march to Parliament to petition lawmakers over extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Education & Health: Kenya will host a World Dental Congress in Mombasa as UoN and Moi dental programmes face accreditation scrutiny. Sports: Kenya Legends beat Uganda Legends 17-10 in Kampala to defend the SportPesa Legends Cup title on aggregate. Climate Reporting: A Kenyan journalist won a regional Health and Climate Change Journalism Award for reporting on sand dams’ role in tackling scarcity and disease.

Security & Politics: Police arrest four more suspects over the July 3 violent attack on MP Zaheer Jhanda’s convoy in Keumbu, Kisii, bringing detainees to seven, while Jhanda is summoned to record a statement. Crime & Public Safety: A manhunt is underway for a matatu driver and conductor after a traffic officer was dragged and seriously injured in a hit-and-run at Kihunguro Roundabout; separately, armed robbers raided a Westlands restaurant, stealing phones and a laptop in under a minute. Justice & Community Violence: Two men accused of motorcycle theft died after a mob attack in Nairobi’s Posta area, triggering hospital clashes with boda boda riders. Business & Disasters: Traders in Machakos are counting losses after a major fire gutted Mitimba Market, destroying goods worth millions. Sports & Youth: Baseball Federation of Kenya issued KSSSA selection guidelines for the new Term Two sport, with regional qualifiers leading to a national championship at M-Pesa Foundation Academy (July 28–Aug 1). Regional Affairs: Kenya repatriated 151 citizens from xenophobic violence in South Africa as return operations near their end. Policy & Economy: Government pushes to modernise cooperatives, backing the Cooperative Bill to protect SACCO savings and strengthen governance.

Border Security: Police seized 122 drums of suspected illicit ethanol near Namanga, arresting two suspects after a Sh45m street-value haul and alleged tax evasion claims. Politics & Governance: Rigathi Gachagua dismissed arrest threats, while Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro hinted he has left UDA but is still consulting; meanwhile, court-ordered Cabinet reshuffle scrutiny is back in focus. Opposition Violence Probe: Three suspects were arrested over the attack on a Linda Mwananchi convoy in Kisii, where stones were hurled and vehicles damaged. Development Watch: Internal PS Raymond Omollo said Suneka Airstrip upgrades will start next week, and the Cooperatives Bill is set for Ruto’s signature within a month. Sports: Keely Hodgkinson suffered a second straight Diamond League defeat in Eugene, while Kenya’s Junior Starlets edged Bantwana 2-0 in the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier first leg. Weather: Kenya Met forecasts mostly dry conditions, with rain mainly in Rift Valley, Nyanza, Western and Central, plus cold spells and strong winds in some areas.

Agribusiness Push: Kenya unveiled NASIP 2026–2030, a Sh21 trillion farm investment blueprint aimed at modernising value chains, expanding irrigation and creating over 2 million jobs by 2030, with blended financing and heavy private sector pull. Housing & Land Use: Government urged a shift to high-rise development in Kiambu to curb agricultural land loss, pointing to multi-storey towers at Tatu City as a model. EdTech & Learning: Education stakeholders called for inclusive EdTech partnerships that put teachers at the centre, with better training and access for all learners. Public Safety & Justice: NPS denied claims of police abductions, saying no station holds missing persons; meanwhile, a compensation panel has disbursed KSh674.1m to verified protest victims. Diaspora Update: Kenya said evacuation of citizens in South Africa ends July 9, with final flight from Johannesburg; unregistered people must register by July 7. Sports & Culture: Faith Kipyegon targets record-extending eighth Prefontaine Classic win; Kenya’s Green Maasai Qatar showcased culture and SDGs at the Diamond League in Doha.

Tragic Road Crash: Six people died and five were injured after a matatu and trailer collided head-on on the Nakuru–Eldoret Highway near Mau Summit. Tax Relief: KRA reintroduced a tax amnesty running July 1–Dec 31, 2026, offering 100% waiver on penalties, interest and fines for pre-2026 tax debts if principal taxes were cleared by Dec 31, 2025. Justice Accountability: The Judiciary will publish individual performance reports for judges and judicial officers starting this month, after recording a 104% case clearance rate and cutting backlog by 27% in 2024/25. Maasai Mara Legal Win: The Environment and Land Court struck out a second case, clearing the Ritz-Carlton Mara Safari Camp to continue operations. Climate & Farming: Stakeholders pushed climate-smart technologies and signed an MoU to strengthen climate services, research and training to improve food security. Health Cover Access: Jubilee launched an instalment-based medical cover model to help uninsured Kenyans start cover from the first payment. Environment & City Works: Nairobi’s river regeneration is advancing with a 27km trunk sewer line aimed at cutting pollution and improving sanitation. Youth & Finance: Mombasa unveiled a Sh150m revolving fund for youth, women and persons with disabilities, with interest-free loans. Politics & Safety: Linda Mwananchi convoy violence in Kisii left scores injured as goons allegedly tried to block the motorcade.

Cancer Care in Kisii: Breast cancer is rising in Kisii, with cervical cancer next, as a planned regional cancer centre aims to cut the need for patients to travel for radiotherapy and other specialist services. Roads & JKIA Upgrade: Deputy President Kindiki chaired a review of road projects and confirmed the JKIA modernisation has officially commenced, following cleared pending bills to restart stalled works. El Niño Preparedness: Government activated disaster response measures after forecasts point to likely heavy El Niño rains later this year, with agencies tasked to protect food security, health and transport. Water Access Push: Nairobi Water begins door-to-door customer data updates in Ruai and Kamulu to improve service delivery, meter checks and fix supply gaps. Online Abuse Scrutiny: Political parties and regulators met to strengthen legal protections against technology-facilitated violence targeting women in politics ahead of 2027. Business Costs & PMI: Kenya’s private sector activity picked up in June, but firms say fuel-related taxes and rising input costs are still driving price hikes. Public Safety: A child died and two others were hospitalised after falling into a fish pond in Kisumu, while Thika Road saw disruption after youths blocked the highway.

AGOA Scrutiny: The US Trade Representative has kicked off its annual review of Kenya’s eligibility for duty-free access, with a July 23 public hearing set as concerns grow over rights and corruption under President William Ruto. Payroll Crackdown: Cabinet approved reforms aimed at stopping payroll fraud, targeting “ghost workers” and manipulation in public pay systems. Ebola Readiness: Health CS Aden Duale chaired a high-level review with US partners to plug gaps and boost surveillance, labs and response capacity as Kenya stays on heightened alert. El Niño Update: DP Kithure Kindiki told Kenyans not to panic, saying ministries are mobilised to prevent flooding, landslides and health disruptions. Migration Deal: Kenya and Italy signed an MoU to expand lawful jobs for Kenyans and strengthen protection of migrant workers. Xenophobia Fallout: More Kenyans returned from South Africa amid anti-immigrant violence, with arrivals reported at JKIA. Court/Policy: MPs began reviewing a bill to balance access to information with protection of sensitive state data. Local Governance: Kisumu County Assembly approved a Sh14.46bn budget for FY 2026/27. Road Works: Lari’s Shauri–Karia–Karenju Road upgrade is progressing after community support cleared the road reserve.

Visa & cost of living for students: Australia hiked student visa fees for Subclass 500 and Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 by about 25%, raising pressure on Kenyan applicants. Anti-graft at the roadside: A Mariakani weighbridge is using automated monitoring to boost axle-load compliance to about 98.5% and cut corruption. Tax crackdown: KRA destroyed illicit goods worth Sh218 million seized in Nairobi and the Coast, targeting fake excise stamps and unlicensed production. Court checks cyber powers: The High Court struck down key parts of Kenya’s Cybercrime Act that allowed website blocking without court approval and criminalised communications linked to suicide. Politics & governance: Treasury CS John Mbadi defended State House renovation spending as “left to rot,” while LSK warned it will challenge Finance Act 2026 implementation over possible administrative overreach. Public services: Mbadi confirmed Ksh1.5bn released to clear 2025 KNEC exam arrears for teachers. Road safety debate: Motorists Association of Kenya opposed mandatory inspections for private cars, saying there’s no data proving they’re needed. Regional pressure: Kenyans fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa continue to return home, recounting fear, looting and trauma.

Court Ruling: The High Court has suspended mandatory annual inspections for private non-commercial vehicles under the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026, pending a July 22 hearing—giving motorists a reprieve as enforcement was set to start July 1. Telecom & Economy: Safaricom’s state-era era shift deepened as Vodacom bought a 15% stake from the government, boosting Treasury with Sh244.2bn and raising Vodacom’s effective control to 55%. Public Safety: Kenya Railways confirmed a Magadi train fire at Simba Station in Kajiado, with preliminary reports pointing to mechanical damage to a fuel tank; investigations are ongoing. Politics & Governance: Embakasi East MP Babu Owino topped Infotrak’s national best-performing MP list, while Nairobi’s traffic-fighting plans under the Nairobi Rising Programme face renewed push for faster delivery. Health & Society: A Lancet study in Kenya shows couples-focused HIV counselling during pregnancy can dramatically raise joint testing and improve maternal and child outcomes. Education & Youth: Kisumu teachers are being trained to use virtual science laboratories to strengthen practical learning under CBC. Tourism: Kenya is betting on MICE events to close a 2.3m visitor gap, targeting 5m international arrivals by 2028.

MP Performance Watch: Infotrak’s latest citizen poll puts Embakasi East MP Babu Owino top (80%), with Majimbo Kalasinga second (78%); Kiharu’s Ndindi Nyoro slips to third (76%), tied with Taveta MP John Bwire. Accessibility & Services: Huduma Kenya expands sign-language interpreter support to 20 centres nationwide, including Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and others, following passage of the Kenyan Sign Language Bill. Education Calendar: KNEC says Grade 10 and vocational SBA projects/practicals will be available from July 2 via the CBA portal, with written tests in Term 3 and scores due by Oct 31. Digital Kenya: Safaricom’s My OneApp tops 4.7 million users as legacy apps wind down, alongside tighter controls against social engineering fraud. Diaspora Safety: Kenya steps up evacuation of citizens from South Africa amid anti-immigrant violence, with the first batch of 26 arriving and more expected. Infrastructure & Politics: KURA defends the green/mustard Ngong Road–Naivasha flyover colours as official branding, not UDA party affiliation. Security & Cyber: IGAD’s regional cyber drill ends with calls for stronger cooperation and plans for an information-sharing centre.