AGP Executive Report

Energy & Budget: Kenya has withdrawn Sh46bn for 41 energy projects, shifting them to the new National Infrastructure Fund, raising fresh worries on delivery timelines. Courts & Finance: The Supreme Court will hear Raphael Tuju’s appeal in a Sh4.5bn loan dispute with the East African Development Bank after earlier recusal issues were resolved. Housing & Capital Markets: Shelter Afrique plans a $500m (Sh64.83bn) sustainability-linked bond in East Africa in Q1 2027, with Nairobi Securities Exchange expected to host much of the issuance. Jobs & Skills: A new DALMA digital platform links TVET graduates from Mukuru and Kibera to employers, internships and industrial attachment. Youth & Livelihoods: An 18-year-old initiative is teaching children’s homes to generate income through a solar dehydrator model. Health & Regulation: The Pharmacy and Poisons Board urges tighter controls across the medicines supply chain to keep substandard products out. Public Safety: Court pardons IG Douglas Kanja over Nairobi roadblocks during the June 25 protests after he gave assurances on future compliance. Infrastructure & Land: Lamu residents rush to court over alleged damage and displacement fears tied to preparations for the Dangote refinery. Digital Payments: Meta will start charging WhatsApp Business service and utility messages from October 1, 2026. Demographics: Experts warn Kenya’s ageing population could reach 6.4m by 2045, calling for urgent healthcare and social protection upgrades.

Education Funding Pressure: Kenya’s education sector is set to spend Sh784.46bn this financial year, but schools still report funding gaps, debts and rising learner costs, with MPs pushing for answers from national schools over audit queries. Health & Maternal Care: A push is growing to save mothers faster as experts intensify the fight against postpartum haemorrhage, while sickle cell “warriors” in Bungoma call for mandatory screening—especially for couples planning marriage. Politics & 2027 Vote Integrity: Fresh concerns are swirling around voter registration and identity documents along the Kenya-Uganda border, as claims of irregularities put pressure on the National Registration Bureau and IEBC. Energy & Economy: Kenya Power says electricity sales to new customers fell by Sh1.07bn despite more connections, hinting at slower growth and more households turning to off-grid solar. Coast Development: President Ruto begins an eight-day Coast tour, including title deeds, infrastructure launches and a proposed Sh2 trillion Lamu refinery. Sports: Super Eagles arrive in Bissau ahead of Tuesday’s AFCON qualifier vs Guinea-Bissau, while Kenya’s education and health stories dominate local headlines.

Sports: Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa won the women’s Berlin Marathon in 2:11:04, setting a Berlin course record but missing the world mark after cramps and an Achilles tendon injury; Guye Adola won the men’s race in 2:02:50. Politics & governance: President William Ruto urged leaders to show restraint and discipline at public gatherings, warning against statements that reopen old wounds—remarks coming after Uhuru Kenyatta revisited 2022 election claims. Opposition dynamics: Kalonzo Musyoka signalled a possible truce with Ruto if the 2027 vote is fair, while his Ukombozi Alliance rebrand faces pushback from key allies. Health & labour: Doctors at Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital in Othaya can move from locum to permanent and pensionable terms by December after a recognition deal with KMPDU; Busia clinical officers end a strike after a return-to-work agreement. Business & policy: Kisumu hospitality traders oppose raising the minimum smoking age to 21 as impractical, while Kenya is pushing for stronger rules under a proposed UN global plastics treaty. Regional economy: AfCFTA officials say removing barriers to cross-border payments and customs could save African firms billions in currency conversion costs.

Health & Safety: A police officer died and four others were seriously injured after a crash on the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway at Kiboko, Makueni, as a trailer lost control. Energy Regulation: EPRA introduced penalties for households and businesses that push excess solar power into the grid without approval, warning Kenyans to regularise connections. Politics & Governance: Opposition and analysts continue to debate the direction of 2027 politics, while fresh criticism targets President Ruto’s UNGA messaging as Kenyans say realities at home don’t match the claims. Corruption Watch: EACC ordered a former senior lands official to surrender assets worth Sh426.8m after a court found unexplained wealth. Security & Rights: Activist Collins Otieno says he was abducted, tortured and later dumped along Thika Road, as investigations and public outrage grow. Sports: Harambee Stars opened AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea, with coach Benni McCarthy citing unpaid allowance disputes that disrupted preparations. Environment & Food: Kenyan researchers in Kisumu are turning human waste into fertiliser for about 1,000 farmers, aiming to cut pollution around Lake Victoria.

Flood Preparedness in Nairobi: Governor Sakaja is overseeing the removal of illegal structures blocking waterways along Naivasha Road in Kawangware, with similar clearance operations in Mlango Soko and other flood-prone areas as El Niño rains loom. Cyber Security: The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued an advisory after a suspected data breach tied to Ebola screening at Kenyan ports of entry, warning travellers from several countries may have had personal and health details exposed. Education & Labour: The High Court ordered Education CS Julius Ogamba to act within 14 days on CBC implementation concerns, while KUSU issued a seven-day strike notice from October 2 over delays in the 2025-2029 CBA. Justice & Crime: DCI Meru arrested a man accused of forging court documents for litigants, and police in Kabete/Muguga arrested a suspect manufacturing counterfeit alcohol. Health & Safety: Kenya recorded over 11.1 billion cyber threats in FY ending June 2026, and cancer experts warn screening uptake is low, pushing many patients to late diagnosis. Sports: Egypt rested Mohamed Salah for an AFCON qualifier in South Sudan due to artificial turf.

Dangote Refinery Push: President William Ruto toured Aliko Dangote’s 700,000-bpd mega refinery in Lekki, Lagos, ahead of next week’s groundbreaking for Kenya’s East African Refinery in Lamu, saying the project targets 60,000 jobs and fuel reliability. Airport Drug Bust: A woman was arrested at JKIA while allegedly trying to fly to Bangladesh with 3,383g of cocaine worth about Sh13.53 million, with investigations aimed at mapping the trafficking network. Devolution & Services: Nairobi MCAs renewed pressure on Governor Johnson Sakaja over uneven service delivery and accountability gaps, arguing some devolved projects are being taken over by the national government. Flood Risk in Nakuru: Residents in Lanet, Nakuru, say incomplete drainage and KeNHA diversions have worsened erosion and flooding, threatening homes and livestock. Education in Kiambu: Kiambu plans to promote ECDE teachers by December and hire more staff, partnering with Mount Kenya University to fund teacher upgrades. Youth Voice Gap: A survey across Kenya and other countries finds many young people feel confident speaking up, but fewer know how to turn concerns into sustained influence. Wildlife Science: A new study suggests elephants in Kenya’s Mount Elgon region may “self-medicate” using specific plants and minerals. Sports—AFCON Qualifiers: Morocco began AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 2-0 win over Gabon, with Kenya listed as yet to play in the tables.

Coast Development & Energy: President William Ruto begins a coastal tour Saturday, with plans to break ground for Dangote’s $16bn East Africa Refinery in Lamu and issue nearly 200,000 title deeds across the region, after high-level talks at UNGA. UNGA Protest: Nearly 70 delegations walked out or left seats vacant as Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, with countries including Türkiye, Palestine, Tunisia and others joining the protest. Regional Trade & Climate: An electric truck test on the Addis Ababa–Nairobi freight corridor is pushing East Africa to see if electric logistics can move from demos to routine commercial use. Court Watch: Kenya’s High Court rejected Wow Beverages’ bid to stop Namaqua Wines ending their distribution deal, saying no exclusive arrangement was formalised in writing. Justice System: Four suspects in lawyer Kyalo Mbobu’s murder will stay in custody for 15 more days as investigations continue. Business & Sports: NBC handed Tanzania’s Taifa Stars a Sh500m Yutong bus ahead of AFCON 2027, while Lupita Nyong’o announced she’s investing in Nairobi City Thunder. Security & Crime: Police detained suspects linked to a Nakuru property fraud case involving Sh5m, and courts continued to process major criminal matters.

Meth Crackdown: Kenyan authorities destroyed a $63m (Sh8.2bn) meth haul seized in the Indian Ocean off Mombasa, warning traffickers Kenya is both a transit hub and a market as six Iranian nationals face drug charges. UN Reform Debate: A fresh push for UN change is back in the spotlight, with renewed criticism of the UN’s relevance and effectiveness. Dangote Refinery Push: Engineers India signed a $450m deal with Nigeria’s Dangote Group to build a 700,000-bpd refinery in Lamu, with President Ruto expected to visit Dangote’s Lekki plant ahead of the Sept 30 groundbreaking. Trade, Ports & Regulation: Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority says cargo screening is being tightened at ports and JKIA as it works with KRA and KPA; meanwhile, court filings allege KPA lost Sh195m in a container handler deal after machines were diverted to Tanzania. El Niño Readiness: Narok is on high alert for above-normal rains, with county teams coordinating flood preparedness. Sports & Payments: The sports ministry says it has cleared Harambee Stars allowances ahead of AFCON qualifiers, while the government also says it has honoured past commitments to players and technical teams.

Banking Oversight: CBK flagged 35 commercial banks for breaching banking laws and prudential rules, up sharply from 11 last year, with issues ranging from loan concentration and capital requirements to governance. Power Crunch Watch: Kenya Power says the electricity reserve margin fell to negative 1.5% in the year to June 2026, raising fears of blackouts and higher costs if shocks hit the grid. Public Safety & Crime: Police in Maragua arrested a suspect behind illicit liquor trade after raids seized counterfeit brands; in Nairobi, a woman was drugged and robbed of her phone in Githurai 45, while EACC arrested two women impersonating officials and demanding money to “terminate” a case. Fraud Crackdown: DCI moved against the QVSE pyramid scheme, charging two women linked to losses running into millions. Health & Social Impact: A new Coast eye-care programme targets early screening, referrals and follow-up, as cataracts and refractive errors still leave millions needing treatment. Sports & Politics: AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off with Kenya among hosts, while the church warns leaders against ethnic mobilisation and political violence ahead of 2027. Economy & Food Security: A report warns Kenya is among IGAD countries facing acute food insecurity, with El Niño risks looming.

UNGA Diplomacy: Zelenskyy used the UN General Assembly to warn India and 46 other countries against Russia’s alleged recruitment of citizens from 47 nations, naming Kenya among them, and urging governments to “limit Putin’s room to act.” Resource & Industry: Kenya has suspended Tata Chemicals’ soda ash mining operations in Magadi and ordered the firm to leave while a joint technical committee reviews outstanding issues, reigniting debate over community gains from the century-old extraction. Regional Trade & Payments: AfCFTA’s Wamkele Mene says Africa must boost delivery capacity—payment systems, borders, and infrastructure—so businesses can trade without costly third-currency conversions, pointing to PAPSS as a practical step. Politics & Governance: The Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot says the Referendum Bill 2026 will seal legal gaps for referendums under the 2010 Constitution. Finance & Banking: CBK has fined a record 33 banks for loan rate breaches, while Access Bank Kenya’s assets and liabilities are set to transfer to National Bank of Kenya. Food Security: Questions are swirling over an opaque Sh26 billion maize import tender as Kenya races to secure supplies.

Tea Sector: KTDA factories are set to announce second tea bonus payments for 2025/26 early next month, after reviewing sales and costs; farmers delivered 1.0947bn kg of green leaf in the first 11 months, down from 1.1444bn kg the year before. Media & Press Freedom: Ghana will host the 6th Continental Congress of the Federation of African Journalists, after Kenya withdrew its bid; the meeting will focus on media freedom, journalist safety and information integrity. Politics & Unity: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged Mt Kenya residents to shun divisive politics and back President Ruto’s re-election, while also announcing a Murang’a consultative meeting on development priorities. Nairobi Flood Prep: Nairobi Governor Sakaja waived approvals for minor home repairs ahead of El Niño and warned against illegal dumping blocking drainage. Sports & AFCON 2027: Harambee Stars players boycotted training over unpaid allowances as AFCON qualifiers begin, while AFCON 2027 match details and groups were also published. Maritime Safety: KMA warned coastal communities and vessels to brace for rough seas and reduced visibility from September to December.

UNGA81 Diplomacy: President William Ruto pushed for UN and global finance reforms to better serve developing countries, while also meeting leaders on the sidelines, including Ghana’s John Dramani Mahama, as Africa seeks stronger representation. Jubilee Leadership Transition: Uhuru Kenyatta handed Jubilee Party leadership to Fred Matiang’i after a court ruling, as Ndindi Nyoro backed the move and framed it as a peaceful transfer of power. Opposition Party Moves: Nyoro also unveiled People’s Party officials, naming Benny Hinn Walubengo as secretary general, as the party signals closer work with other opposition groups. AI and Health: A study says long-acting HIV injections every eight weeks are more effective than daily pills for adolescents, and UNESCO warns museums’ AI use is outpacing policies and training. Environment & Conservation: Kenya ranked eighth in Eastern and Southern Africa for protected/conserved land coverage, with nearly 14% of its territory under conservation. Energy & Industry: Deputy President Kindiki said the East Africa Refinery in Lamu will break ground next Wednesday, promising major jobs and a shift from fuel imports to processing. Governance & Oversight: The Controller of Budget flagged oversight gaps that risk misappropriation of public funds, urging urgent legal changes.

El Niño & Farming: Experts warn El Niño rains from October could bring flooding, humidity and pest surges, urging farmers to step up surveillance and early action on locusts, armyworm and fungal diseases. Energy & Jobs: Deputy President Kindiki says Kenya’s Sh2.2 trillion East Africa Refinery in Lamu will break ground next Wednesday, targeting 700,000 barrels/day and over 50,000 jobs. Security & Justice: DCI has launched a manhunt for a suspected hacker who jumped bail in a Sh52m cybercrime case, while a High Court faulted ODPP over defective rape charges that led to an acquittal. Digital Economy: Kenya and UNODC agree to form a multi-agency team to craft a national strategy against cybercrime, drug abuse and border weaknesses. Politics: Uhuru Kenyatta hands Jubilee leadership to Fred Matiang’i, and reiterates his belief that Raila won the 2022 presidential election. Health: Novo Nordisk and UNICEF expand a programme to prevent childhood overweight and obesity, including support in Kenya. Sports: Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich breaks the women-only half marathon world record in Copenhagen.

UN Multilateralism Push: Canada’s UN envoy David Lametti spoke for PM Mark Carney after technical issues disrupted Carney’s UNGA attendance, as Kenya’s President William Ruto joined partners for a push on multilateral cooperation and international law. AI Governance: Kenya backed a new coalition urging binding safety rules for frontier AI, warning systems could outpace control and calling for human oversight. Transport Safety: NTSA launched free training for 4,000 PSV drivers, operators and SACCO managers to professionalise public transport, improve passenger care and cut crashes. Politics & 2027: DP Kithure Kindiki campaigned in Meru with a Sh39bn development promise, while court rulings keep Uhuru Kenyatta’s political return in focus. Tourism Deal: Emirates signed a partnership with the Kenya Tourism Board to boost inbound travel. Education & Welfare: Senators demanded investigations after reports that 36 students became pregnant at Bakisa Secondary School in Bungoma. Security & Faith: SUPKEM condemned missile and drone attacks targeting Mecca.

Snakebite Burden: Kenya marks International Snakebite Awareness Day as health officials report over 19,000 bites and warn that more than 1,000 deaths come with many survivors left with permanent injuries, with Baringo leading and the Ministry rolling out surveillance and trained community health promoters. Politics & Unity: Azimio la Umoja rebrands as the Ukombozi Alliance ahead of 2027, with Uhuru Kenyatta set to chair, while DP Kithure Kindiki pushes Mt Kenya unity after elders endorsed him as a unifying figure. Courtroom Battles: Nairobi Hospital defends its financial strength in a High Court dispute, and Parliament argues a Banking Act clause is constitutional in the fight over interest rules tied to the 14 Riverside asset. Energy & Economy: Kenya Power lifts dividends by 50%, sending Sh32m to MP Ndindi Nyoro, and EPRA clears a hurdle for Kenya’s EV expansion by adjusting e-mobility electricity tariff rules. Sports & Hosting: CAF boss Patrice Motsepe backs a successful AFCON 2027 for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, praising stadium progress and urging final VVIP upgrades. Business & Markets: Karakuta Fresh Produce begins steps to list on the NSE after 350% revenue growth, linking investors to thousands of avocado farmers. Public Safety: Police arrest a woman for trying to smuggle 12 rolls of bhang in bread to a detained boyfriend in Buruburu. Tech & Learning: Google runs a hands-on “Tutunge na Gemini” workshop for Kenyan Gen Z creators and students.

Climate & Food Security: Tea farmers in Kericho and Bomet warn climate shocks are cutting yields and quality, squeezing already “scarce” incomes and pushing up UK tea prices. Migration & Rights: Kenya’s churches and human rights groups warn Ruto’s migrant crackdown could spark xenophobic violence, after temporary residency extensions were issued. Public Finance Watch: The Controller of Budget says it cannot track spending of billions collected through standalone funds like the National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund, renewing transparency fears. Devolution Oversight: COB urges counties to plug revenue leakages as it begins monitoring in Kisumu. Sports: Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich shaves a second off the women-only half marathon world record in Copenhagen; in football, Nigeria’s Taiwo Awoniyi returns to the Super Eagles after Osimhen’s injury ruled him out of AFCON qualifiers. Infrastructure & Growth: Nairobi plans a Rwanda-style 10,000-seat indoor arena under the Railway City MICE project. Energy & Tech: Kenya’s telcos added jobs as digital services expand, while fixed internet subscriptions and satellite/radio links keep growing. Wildlife Crime: Ten lions found dead in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro reserve after suspected poisoning.