AGP Executive Report

Transport Shutdown: Kenya’s nationwide matatu and PSV strike is now day two after talks failed over fuel prices, with operators keeping vehicles off the roads and commuters still stranded. Fuel Crisis: The unrest follows EPRA’s May review—diesel up by Sh46.29 and petrol by Sh16.65—linked to global oil disruptions from the Iran conflict. Violence and Accountability: Police report four deaths and dozens injured as protests turned deadly, with arrests made and an officer accused of releasing detainees during the unrest. Health Emergency: In the wider region, DR Congo says suspected Ebola deaths have risen to 118 as the outbreak spreads, prompting renewed vigilance across borders. Finance and Markets: Global markets are jittery as inflation fears hit bonds and spill into emerging-market stocks, while East Africa’s budget pressures clash with the need to trade more within the bloc. Business Mood: Kenya’s manufacturers are worried as manufacturing’s economy contribution slipped to 7.1% in 2025, under pressure from high costs and cheap imports.

Ebola Alert: WHO has declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a public health emergency as the death toll climbs and new cases surface across borders, prompting the U.S. to tighten airport and port-of-entry screening for travellers linked to Uganda, DRC and South Sudan. Fuel Protests Turn Deadly: Kenya’s nationwide transport strike over record fuel prices has paralysed Nairobi and other towns, with police reporting four deaths, 30+ injuries and hundreds arrested as tyres burned and clashes erupted. Government Response: Deputy President Kindiki says Ruto has ordered urgent talks with transport operators and manufacturers to stabilise prices, while EPRA moved to cap pipeline transport tariffs to cushion pump costs. Politics in the Heat: In Githurai, a torched Mazda CX-5 tied to a UDA politician has inflamed tensions amid the protests, while online gossip continues to swirl around MPs and public figures. Sports & Tech: Aaron Rai won the PGA Championship; Africa Bitcoin Corporation is upgrading its JSE listing to the Main Board, and Kenya’s AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya event kicks off May 19–21.

Fuel Protests: A nationwide matatu and PSV strike over fuel prices has paralysed commuting across Kenya, with hundreds stranded in Nairobi and other major towns, schools forced to close, and reports of tyres set ablaze as transport operators downed tools. Public Safety: Police and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen ordered a fast crackdown after gospel singer Rachel Wandeto was set on fire in Mwiki, with investigations now focused on motive and planners. Crime Crackdown: DCI arrested a woman linked to a fake gold scam that cost an American investor Ksh55.7m, after suspects went silent following the transfer. Digital Economy: Kenya’s blockchain and fintech players pushed for faster stablecoin adoption as regulators weigh new rules for digital assets and cross-border payments. Education Access: KUCCPS said high-demand courses like Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy and Engineering were removed from the portal because available slots were filled in the first phase. Sports Spotlight: Aaron Rai ended England’s 107-year PGA Championship curse with a composed final-round surge to win the Wanamaker Trophy. Environment Watch: Authorities are treating smuggling of Giant Harvester Ants as a new poaching threat, with queens reportedly harvested and shipped abroad.

Ebola Alarm: WHO has declared an international emergency as Ebola in DR Congo kills more than 80, with a fresh confirmed case reported in Goma—prompting Kenya to put counties on heightened alert. Fuel Pressure: EPRA’s latest fuel and power-related charges are landing hard on households, while a consumer rights activist has rushed to court seeking to suspend the May–June increases over alleged lack of transparency and public participation. Road Safety: A Climax Coach bus overturned on the Nakuru–Kericho highway near Chepsir, injuring scores of passengers as authorities move to confirm fatalities. Digital Tax Disruption: KRA says iTax will be down for scheduled maintenance from Sunday night to Monday early hours, affecting online filing and payments. Regional Sports: Harambee Stars will play Kyrgyzstan and Palestine in June friendlies ahead of AFCON 2027, while CAF’s AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifying draw is set for Tuesday in Cairo. Business & Trade: Kenya and Azerbaijan held talks in Baku on energy, oil and gas, and trade, as Kenya pushes renewable power partnerships.

TVET Crackdown: KNBS says it will census every TVET institution nationwide from May 20 to tackle fake accreditation claims, mapping enrolment, staffing, and equipment to guide funding. Ebola Alarm: Congo’s new Ebola outbreak in Ituri has hit 87 deaths, with Africa CDC warning of active community spread and WHO declaring a public health emergency of international concern. Fuel Shock Hits Food: Nairobi traders warn prices may rise as EPRA-linked fuel hikes push up transport costs, with produce taking longer to sell. Nairobi Roadworks: KURA will partially close the Ngong/Naivasha stretch near Junction Mall at night (8pm-4am) from May 18–31 for final asphalt works on the flyover. Sports Buzz: Eldonets and Stanbic Aces win in the KBF Women’s Premier League; AFC Leopards close in on Gor Mahia after beating Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1. Global Spotlight: Kenya’s Athena Diamantidis wins gold and bronze at the World School Games in London, while KU’s Kenyan-born Emmah Jemutai grabs two Big 12 titles in Tucson.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: Congo’s new Ebola outbreak in Ituri has surged to at least 80 deaths, with frequent burials reported in Bunia as health teams push harder screening and contact tracing. Fuel Price Pressure in Kenya: Kenyans are venting fury after EPRA’s latest fuel hike, with reports of shortages and hoarding at some stations leaving motorists and riders squeezed. Regional Energy Deal Talks: Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu met Dangote in Dar es Salaam as the refinery debate heats up, with Dangote floating a regional partnership model involving Tanzania and other East African states. Kenya’s Health Tech Push: Kenya hosted a workshop on accessible medical imaging with China-Africa partners, aiming to expand diagnostic access using digital tools. NSSF Reform Defence: Ruto defended National Social Security Fund changes, arguing Kenya must stop relying on borrowing by boosting savings. Urban Upgrade: Nairobi rolled out modernized CBD walkways with better lighting and pedestrian spaces under the “Let’s Make Nairobi Work” push. Sports Spotlight: In Shanghai, Gift Leotlela pipped Omanyala in the 100m photo finish, while Duplantis won pole vault but missed his world record bid.

World U20 Trials Set-Up: Athletics Kenya has invited 200+ athletes for the World Under-20 Championships trials (May 21–23, Nyayo Stadium), with age verification now compulsory as AK tightens the fight against age cheating. Fuel Shock Fallout: Fresh EPRA fuel hikes are already hitting Kenyans hard—long-distance bus fares have gone up on key routes, and MPs like Ndindi Nyoro are pushing VAT and levy changes to cut pump prices. Transport Rules: CS Davis Chirchir says the government will run public awareness before rolling out mandatory annual vehicle inspections for private cars older than four years. Business & Consumer Moves: Vodacom is driving smartphone financing to boost data growth, while Vivo Energy opens a new Shell destination service station in Kilimani. Sports & Politics: The Ingo derby is framed as a title test for AFC Leopards, while grief and claims of State House intimidation surround the burial of Dr Job Obwaka.

Fuel Shock Fallout: EPRA’s latest fuel price jump is already hitting the economy’s nerves—diesel is up sharply, and the Kenya Chamber of Commerce warns transport and production costs could rise fast, with food prices projected to climb by up to 7%. Regional Security: The EAC has kicked off a major joint military exercise in Nairobi, “Ushirikiano Imara,” running to May 28 to strengthen counter-terror and disaster response. Aviation & Trade: Kenya Airways has signed on as FedEx’s ground-handling partner at JKIA, boosting Nairobi’s role as a cargo hub. Human Rights & Reparations: The KNCHR is rolling out a framework for reparations, building on years of documentation of protest-era abuses. Sports Politics: In Kakamega, the High Court dismissed a Malava by-election petition, dealing a blow to Seth Panyako. Global Watch: Google-backed geothermal firm Fervo surged to a $10bn valuation after its Nasdaq IPO, riding AI-driven demand for steady power.

Fuel Pain Hits Hard: EPRA has pushed diesel to a record Sh242.92 a litre and petrol to Sh214.25, with matatus already raising fares after the latest review—another blow to households already squeezed by rising costs. Health & Science Watch: Researchers say an East African bat coronavirus can enter human cells, though Kenya tests suggest it hasn’t spilled into people yet; separately, NACADA flags a growing uptake of synthetic drugs and emerging psychoactive substances. Security & Crime: DCI detectives arrested two suspects in Ruaka after a raid on a garage shop where cannabis was packaged for distribution; in Nairobi, a former MP is also facing land-fraud allegations after a Ksh6.4m deposit linked to a disputed Ngong plot. Border Politics: President Ruto told France 24 the Kenya–Somalia border stays closed because instability inside Somalia derailed the April reopening plan. Regional Trade Story: A UAE–Kenya corridor narrative is gaining traction as logistics and long-term industrial integration—not just aid—drive East Africa’s next growth push.

Aviation & Courts: A U.S. jury in Chicago awarded $49.5m to the family of a woman killed in the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crash—marking the second major verdict from the disaster. Fuel Prices: Kenya’s EPRA set a new May 15–June 14 cycle with petrol up Sh16.65/litre and diesel up Sh46.29/litre, with kerosene unchanged. Wildlife & Health: A new report warns Kenya’s live reptile exports have surged tenfold over the past decade, raising conservation and disease risks. Regional Travel: flydubai will launch non-stop flights to Benghazi from June 17, adding another link for East and North Africa. Politics & Governance: A TIFA poll says support for Kenya’s Broad-Based Government has fallen, while DP Kindiki remains the most preferred running mate for 2027. Education & Integrity: EACC charged a KMTC accountant over alleged KCSE certificate forgery used for admission and promotions. Research Push: APHRC unveiled its Ulwazi II Knowledge Hub as it marks 25 years of health research in Nairobi.

Mombasa Port Push: CMA CGM is set to pour about Sh104b into upgrading two container terminals, as Kenya deepens its port expansion race with partners like Maersk and the Kenya Ports Authority. Fuel & Cost Pressure: Kenyans brace for another EPRA fuel price review after April’s hikes, with global Middle East tensions still rattling oil supply. Africa Forward Fallout: France’s Macron faced backlash after interrupting a summit panel to demand silence, even as Paris pledged major Africa financing. Digital + Energy Deals: Proparco, Yas and AXIAN Energy signed an MoU in Nairobi to accelerate Africa’s digital and clean-energy transitions. Security Tech Shift: Kenya’s security approach is evolving fast with more tech use, but coordination and resources remain a weak link. Politics Watch: Voting is underway in Emurua Dikirr, Porro and Endo by-elections, a fresh test of the Ruto–Gachagua rivalry. Courtroom Tension: Dr Gikonyo defended medical records in the Gachagua impeachment-related case, while lawyers also argued the impeachment process was lawful. Coast Property Boom: Lifestyle migration is driving sharp land price jumps in places like Diani and Watamu.

Education Funding Crunch: Basic Education PS Prof. Julius Bitok has asked MPs to plug a Sh71.77 billion gap to prevent disruption to capitation, textbooks, exam invigilators, school feeding and Grade 9 CBC classroom construction. Courtroom Update: In the Obwaka death probe, a woman at the centre of investigations, Beatrice Wangari, was released on Sh100,000 bond after the High Court said her detention was no longer justified. Land Dispute in Court: A businessman has rushed to the Environment and Land Court to stop the sale/transfer of a disputed Sh70 million Nairobi property. Njoro Boys Allegations: A teacher at Njoro Boys High School accuses the principal of assault, intimidation and victimisation linked to a transfer dispute. Election Logistics: IEBC says preparations for Thursday’s by-elections are on track, with campaigns closed and polling rules reiterated. Africa Forward Fallout: Anti-France protesters were dispersed with teargas near the KICC as the summit continued. Aviation Rewards: Kenya Airways and Accor sealed a loyalty partnership letting customers earn and convert points across flights and hotel stays.

Africa-France Summit Fallout: French President Emmanuel Macron faced sharp backlash after interrupting a panel in Nairobi, demanding silence and accusing the crowd of “total lack of respect,” as the Africa Forward talks pushed a new France-Africa investment push. UN Expansion: The UN broke ground in Nairobi for a new 1,600-seat hall and unveiled net-zero office upgrades, aiming to deepen Nairobi’s role as a global hub. Trade & Agriculture: Kenyan specialty tea farmers secured direct access to premium global markets through a Nairobi offtake deal, while lawmakers also urged France to extend visa validity for Kenyans to boost cooperation. Local Economy & Mobility: A report says riders taking boda boda credit average 33 years, and the State is pushing PPPs with 51 projects in the pipeline amid tight public finances. Security & Justice: Court temporarily clears the way for Kenya–US health cooperation to proceed, while DCI arrests suspects in Nairobi land fraud cases.

Africa Forward Summit Wrap: Nairobi’s Africa–France summit has ended with leaders pushing a new financial deal for the continent, with French President Emmanuel Macron announcing €23bn in investment aimed at energy transition, digitalisation and agriculture, while UN chief António Guterres renewed calls for urgent climate financing reform. Jobs & Partnerships: The summit’s pitch is “investment over aid,” with co-hosts Kenya’s William Ruto and Macron framing the current global system as unequal and urging sovereign, equal partnerships. Local Security Shock: In Parklands Road, dashcam footage shows thugs stealing a Toyota Harrier’s front grille in broad daylight—reportedly worth up to Ksh100,000—fueling fresh fears of syndicates. Everyday Governance Tension: In Mirema, members of the public confronted alleged rogue traffic officers harassing a motorist, with bribery suspicions swirling online. Energy & Aviation Deal: Kenya Airways and Rubis signed an MoU for Africa’s first sustainable aviation fuel refinery in Nairobi, targeting low-carbon fuel from waste oils. Health & Work: EACC arrested three officials over forged academic certificates, while KMPDU issued strike notices for Meru and Isiolo over delayed salaries and staffing gaps.

Africa Forward Summit: France’s Macron announced €23bn for Africa from Nairobi, pitching energy transition, digital/AI, maritime and agriculture deals as job-creating partnerships, while UN chief Guterres urged faster action on conflicts and climate shocks. AFCON 2027 Prep: Kenya’s AFCON hosting drive is pushed forward via a steering committee and early CAF payment, but delivery at venues like Talanta Sports City remains the real test. Transport & Jobs: NTSA moved to calm fears over e-logbooks, saying 200+ manual logbook staff won’t be sacked but redeployed. Roads & Infrastructure: KeNHA kicked off procurement for a 142km Mandera highway upgrade after securing a KSh28bn AfDB loan. Elections Watch: Campaign finance caps for 2027 are still delayed, raising fresh integrity concerns. Health & Social Protection: SHA revised benefits to expand free maternity at Level 2/3 and raise cancer support to KSh800,000. Sports: Kenyan Lionesses Chajira and Adhiambo land in India’s inaugural women’s Rugby Premier League; Kelvin Loti targets continental glory in Accra. Climate Impacts: Charity warns climate change is already altering tea flavour, hitting farmers hardest.

Africa Forward Summit: France’s Emmanuel Macron used Nairobi’s Africa Forward summit to announce €23bn for Africa—€14bn from French public/private sources and €9bn from African investors—targeting energy transition, digital/AI, maritime and agriculture, with a promise of 250,000 jobs across France and Africa. Global Governance Push: UN chief António Guterres backed African demands for fairer global finance and Security Council reform as AU leaders renewed calls for permanent UN Security Council representation. Diplomacy, but with friction: Macron also snapped at a noisy youth forum at the University of Nairobi, while Ruto told partners Africa wants investment and equal voice, not loans. Local pressure points: Kenya Met warned heavy rains will continue into mid-May, and Kenya Power listed Tuesday shutdown areas including parts of Nairobi. Business & jobs: KNEC told Grade 10 principals to register as Senior School assessment centres ahead of CBC exams. Disaster response: West Pokot’s gold mine collapse recovery shifts to humanitarian support after rescue operations wound down.