AGP Executive Report

Public Health: Kenya has confirmed a second Bundibugyo Ebola case in a close contact of the first patient, who died. Authorities report no wider spread, while WHO urges vigilance and contact tracing continues. Cost of Living: President William Ruto signed tax amendments cutting VAT on petroleum products from 16% to 8% for 90 days, with a possible extension, as the government seeks to cushion households after fuel prices surged. Political Affairs: Raila Odinga’s first death anniversary brought tributes alongside fresh political manoeuvring, including Winnie Odinga’s Nairobi Senate bid and renewed tensions within ODM. Government Reform: A bill could dissolve six regional development authorities and transfer their assets and functions to the Treasury; public hearings are scheduled for October 23. Business: Kenya plans to fast-track its appeal in the R31.28 billion Safaricom–Vodacom deal, while Vodacom retains control pending the outcome. Courts: Former Nairobi provincial commissioner Davis Chelogoi was convicted of fraudulently acquiring land valued at Sh1.35 billion and awaits sentencing.

Ebola Watch: Kenya confirmed a second Ebola case in a close contact of the first patient, who died earlier this month. Officials report no signs of wider community spread as surveillance and contact tracing continue. Cost of Living: Fuel prices have climbed to record levels amid higher import costs, raising pressure on households and prompting matatu operators to warn of fare hikes. Economy: IMF figures show Kenya overtook Ethiopia in 2025 to become East Africa’s largest economy, with GDP estimated at $135.9 billion. Kenya Airways: The Cabinet approved $350 million in financing for the debt-laden national carrier’s turnaround plan. Politics: Leaders and supporters marked one year since Raila Odinga’s death, while his daughter Winnie declared a Nairobi Senate bid, adding to attention on ODM’s future. Tax Fraud: Three traders denied charges in a case alleging a Sh3.9 billion VAT fraud scheme involving fictitious invoices.

Ebola Response: Kenya has confirmed a second Ebola case: a close relative of the first patient, who died earlier this month. The man was already in quarantine when symptoms emerged, and health officials say he had little contact with others as tracing continues. Cost of Living: Fuel prices have hit record highs after subsidies ended. In Nairobi, petrol now costs Sh226.96 a litre, diesel Sh227.76 and kerosene Sh219.85. Raila’s Legacy: Thousands gathered in Bondo to mark the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death, with family and supporters calling for politics to stay out of the commemoration. Health Services: Murang’a County says services have been disrupted after its digital health system was switched off, leaving patient records and claims inaccessible as facilities transition to a new platform. Energy and Business: Kenya Pipeline’s profit rose 13 per cent to Sh11.58 billion, as the company plans a Sh35 billion oil trading hub in Mombasa.

Ebola Response: Kenya confirmed a second case in a 39-year-old relative of the first patient, who developed symptoms while in quarantine. Officials report no wider community spread as contact tracing continues. Tech Jobs: Microsoft plans to close its Nairobi engineering hub, putting nearly 400 jobs at risk and dealing a blow to Kenya’s ambitions to grow its technology sector. Cost of Living: EPRA raised petrol by Sh12.93, adding pressure on households and businesses already facing higher fuel costs. Kenya Airways: The government approved a Sh45 billion loan to help restore grounded planes, alongside a plan to restructure about $940 million in existing debt. Public Safety: Kenya Power recorded 127 public electrocutions and five staff deaths in the year to June, despite stepped-up safety campaigns. Tax Fraud: Investigators say three suspects generated 62,869 fake e-invoices worth about Sh42 billion, enabling nearly Sh4 billion in fraudulent VAT claims.

Ebola Watch: Kenya has reported no further cases eight days after its first imported Ebola death, with contact tracing helping contain the risk. The outbreak in neighbouring DR Congo has reached 9,066 cases and 4,381 deaths, prompting calls to protect frontline health workers and strengthen border screening. Kenya Airways: The national carrier is in advanced talks with potential investors as it prepares to raise capital. The government has approved a Sh45 billion financing package to support its turnaround, including repairs to grounded aircraft. Education: University students face mounting costs as the lecturers’ strike drags on, while Kuppet is maintaining a threat to boycott national exam duties over low pay, days before KCSE rehearsals. Cost of Living: Inflation rose to 6.8% as the Central Bank held its rate steady, adding pressure on household budgets. Health Services: President William Ruto pledged Sh500 million to complete and equip the stalled Ziwa Hospital, a planned 400-bed facility for the North Rift.

Ebola Response: Kenya has gazetted screening, isolation and quarantine rules after its first imported Bundibugyo Ebola case. No further infections were found in 293 tests, while the outbreak in the DRC has surpassed 9,000 cases and 4,381 deaths, raising concern about cross-border spread. Cost of Living: The government is seeking to extend the 8% VAT rate on fuel until mid-December as global oil prices threaten to push up pump costs. Food Security: The World Food Programme warns that more than 13 million people in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia face severe hunger as drought damages crops and kills livestock. Economy: The IMF forecasts Kenya’s growth will edge up to 4.7% in 2027, with inflation easing to 5%, though households remain under pressure. National Airline: Cabinet has approved $350 million in financing for Kenya Airways as it works to return grounded planes to service and restructure its debt. Football: FKF president Hussein Mohammed says Benni McCarthy has his backing and that the coach’s work-permit issue is being resolved.

Ebola Response: Kenya has declared Bundibugyo Ebola a formidable epidemic disease and set out rules for screening, isolation and contact tracing. No further cases have been detected in 293 tests since the first imported case, while nurses are urging stricter checks at borders and airports. Kericho Crash: Five people, including Environment PS Festus Ng’eno, survived a helicopter crash during take-off at Kericho Golf Club. The cause is under investigation. Lecturers’ Strike: Pay talks with the government have collapsed, and lecturers say their strike will escalate. Protesters drew attention in deras, with male dons joining the unusual dress code. Tech Jobs: Microsoft plans to close parts of its Nairobi engineering operation, putting 400 to 500 jobs at risk; the company says it will remain in Kenya. Public Affairs: EACC arrested a Bungoma teacher accused of demanding KSh300,000 from jobseekers seeking help to secure TSC jobs. NTSA has also told buyers to complete pending vehicle transfers to clear a backlog. Transport and Roads: Kenya Airways has approval for a KSh45 billion government loan to support its turnaround, while President William Ruto announced a KSh20 billion road programme in Nandi County.

Ebola Response: Kenya has declared Bundibugyo Ebola a formidable epidemic disease, bringing tougher rules for screening, isolation, quarantine and contact tracing. No new cases were detected in the latest tests as authorities continue monitoring contacts. Crash Investigation: A Kenya Forest Service helicopter carrying government officials crashed during take-off at Kericho Golf Club; five people were injured, and officials later said they were safe. 2027 Politics: President William Ruto accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of betraying him in the 2022 election. Meanwhile, officials plan to test AI deepfake detection tools before the next polls, as a government committee warns politicians are financing organised gangs. Public Finances: Sh44.6 billion in SGR fares and freight revenue remains locked in accounts under loan terms with China, prompting the Treasury to seek changes. Education: University lecturers have rejected a Sh12 billion offer, with strike talks collapsing. Sport: Shujaa retained the Safari Sevens title for a fifth straight year, while Amos Kipruto won the Chicago Marathon.

Ebola Watch: Kenya has recorded no new cases after 293 tests, with 108 contacts still in quarantine following the first imported Bundibugyo virus case, which proved fatal. Kenya Airways: Cabinet approved Sh45 billion in shareholder financing to return grounded aircraft to service; a separate plan would restructure existing debt, not provide another cash injection. Athletics: Amos Kipruto won the Chicago Marathon, while Eliud Kipchoge set a course record in Melbourne for his first marathon victory in three years. Environment: Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika says KURA must obtain county approval before cutting trees, after public anger over felled jacarandas; separately, 2,000 indigenous trees were planted at Oloolua Forest. Politics and Sport: Rigathi Gachagua says the opposition will field one candidate against President William Ruto in 2027. Harambee Starlets face Seychelles today with an 11-0 aggregate lead in their Olympic qualifying tie.

Ebola Response: Kenya reported no new cases after 293 tests, with 108 contacts of its first imported-case patient quarantined and monitored. All 122 contacts have been identified; none has developed symptoms. Athletics: Amos Kipruto won the Chicago Marathon in a personal-best 2:01:09, while Sharon Lokedi finished second in the women’s race. Eliud Kipchoge also claimed his first marathon win in three years, setting a Melbourne course record. Energy Politics: Presidential aspirant Patrick Osoi says he would halt Aliko Dangote’s proposed $16 billion Lamu refinery, arguing Kenyan investors should build it instead. The project has also faced local disputes over land, compensation and environmental concerns. Public Finances: Kenya faces Sh1.7 trillion in public debt repayments before next June, while the revenue authority missed its first-quarter target by Sh58.2 billion. Party Politics: ODM chair Gladys Wanga says the party will retain all its Busia seats in 2027, rejecting claims it has weakened since Raila Odinga’s death. Tourism: Uganda is pursuing joint holiday packages and easier cross-border travel with Kenya, with a regional tourism summit planned in Mombasa this month.

Ebola Response: Kenya is tracing contacts after its first imported Bundibugyo Ebola case ended in the patient’s death. The man travelled from the DRC through Uganda and passed airport screening undetected, raising concerns about cross-border surveillance. Electricity Costs: EPRA’s October adjustments add about KSh4.10 per kilowatt-hour, increasing costs for households and businesses. Athletics: Eliud Kipchoge, 41, won the Melbourne Marathon in a course-record 2:09:10—his first marathon victory since 2023. Media Regulation: The Communications Authority has given 22 TV stations seven days’ notice before revoking their licences. Crime: Nairobi has been linked to alleged online fraud networks targeting victims abroad; investigators say a July raid led to the arrest of nearly 20 Chinese nationals. Infrastructure: The National Land Commission has listed 59 Nyamira parcels for compulsory acquisition for the SGR extension towards Kisumu and Malaba.

Ebola Response: Kenya’s first imported Bundibugyo Ebola case exposed gaps in airport screening after the patient travelled from the DRC through Uganda to Nairobi and died. Contact tracing is under way; health workers are demanding a place on the response taskforce and reliable protective gear. Cost of Living: October electricity charges are rising by about KSh4.10 per kilowatt-hour, largely due to higher fuel costs and foreign-exchange adjustments. 2027 Politics: ODM chair Gladys Wanga ruled out working with leaders she says promote tribalism, while President William Ruto urged ODM and UDA politicians to curb internal rivalries. Environment: Ruto led Mazingira Day tree-planting events as Kenya targets 17.2 million trees this week, part of its longer-term 15-billion-tree goal. Football: Harambee Starlets thrashed Seychelles 11-0 in the first leg of their Olympic qualifying tie, putting them on course for the next round.

Ebola Alert: Kenya’s first imported Bundibugyo virus patient travelled through DR Congo and Uganda before dying in Nairobi, exposing screening gaps. Health teams are tracing contacts and urge vigilance without panic. Public Finances: Debt repayments are projected to consume nearly 80 per cent of ordinary revenue this financial year, squeezing funds for services and development. Coast Water: The Sh45 billion Mwache Dam is over 90 per cent complete and could begin filling before December, helping ease chronic shortages in Mombasa and Kwale. Environment: Kenya plans to plant 17.2 million trees for Mazingira Day, with seedlings tracked to measure survival. Sport: Kenyan marathoners head to Chicago on Sunday hoping to extend the country’s dominance in both races.

Ebola Response: Kenya is tracing people exposed to its first imported Bundibugyo Ebola case, whose patient died after travelling from the DRC through Uganda. A suspected case in Wajir tested negative, while the DRC outbreak continues to grow. China has provided $2 million for Kenya’s Ebola preparedness and drought relief. Public Finances: Cabinet approved Sh45 billion in new financing for Kenya Airways, alongside plans to convert Sh122 billion in existing loans and interest into an equity-linked instrument. The Treasury projects the budget deficit will reach 5.9% of GDP in 2027/28. Food and Farming: President William Ruto proposed exploring buffalo farming to diversify milk production, as Kenya faces a shortage. Building Safety: Cabinet approved a bill proposing fines of up to Sh2 million or two years in prison for people who falsely claim professional registration or licences. Football: Coach Benni McCarthy’s doubts about Kenya’s ability to win AFCON have drawn criticism as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 tournament.

Ebola Response: Kenya has expanded contact tracing and health checks after an imported Bundibugyo Ebola case became the country’s first recorded death from the strain. A suspected case in Wajir tested negative and was diagnosed as malaria; Somalia has approved a national preparedness plan, while Canada has urged travellers to exercise heightened caution. Kenyans in Ukraine: Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi says 84 Kenyans involved in the war have died or gone missing. Kenya is seeking the return of five captured citizens and wants them treated as trafficking victims, saying they were recruited with false promises of civilian jobs. Public Finances: Treasury forecasts the budget deficit will rise to 5.9% of GDP in 2027/28, from 5.5% this fiscal year. Trade and Sport: Lamu Port has recorded increased calls from major global shipping lines, while Safari Rally Kenya has secured a place on the 2027 World Rally Championship calendar.

Ebola Response: Kenya is tracing contacts after confirming its first imported Bundibugyo Ebola case, in a patient who died in Nairobi. Ten people are in quarantine and officials are seeking dozens more; a separate suspected case in Wajir tested negative. China has pledged Sh259 million for Ebola and drought preparedness. Weather Alert: Heavy rain and strong winds damaged property and brought down trees in Kisumu. The Met department has forecast rain across multiple counties and urged residents to stay alert. Agriculture: President William Ruto says digital farmer registration has curbed fertiliser cartels, while warning that smuggling of raw hides deprives Kenya of local jobs and value. He also said court disputes have blocked use of Sh4 billion in sugar-levy funds for farmer support. Public Finance: The Central Bank has lifted its monthly bond-sale target above Sh100 billion as the government leans on domestic borrowing to finance its budget. Safari Rally: Kenya will remain on the 2027 World Rally Championship calendar, with Naivasha set to host the event.