AGP Executive Report

Oil & Industry: Dangote Industries has started preliminary works for its $17bn, 700,000-bpd mega-refinery in Kenya, with Lamu Island selected for the project that will process crude and cut East Africa’s fuel import dependence. Agriculture & Jobs: The government launched the KSh1.081 trillion NASIP 2026-2030 to modernise agri-food value chains, expand irrigation, raise farmer incomes and create over two million jobs. AI Beyond Pilots: Kenya is urged to scale AI in agriculture and health beyond donor-funded pilots, integrating it into public systems for real, sustainable impact. Public Health Integrity: The Social Health Authority introduced fingerprint checks for child dependants aged 7–17 to curb Taifa Care fraud, while SHA and DHA say claims and payments remain under lawful government processes. Governance & Rights: The High Court struck down Kenya’s envoys pay structure for lack of public participation, and human rights activists have petitioned Parliament to investigate alleged abuses during protests. Security & Accountability: DCI recovered military-style gear in an Eldoret gang hideout raid, and activists petitioned Parliament over protest deaths as Saba Saba tensions continue.

Co-operatives Reform: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says SACCO savings have crossed Sh1 trillion as government pushes governance, accountability and tech-driven reforms to strengthen member value. Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC are scrambling to contain a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda, warning they’re “playing catch up” as a $518m plan targets the Bundibugyo strain. Saba Saba Crackdown: Police blocked Saba Saba Day protests in Nairobi, with roadblocks and arrests reported, while Kenya and Tanzania deploy heavy security to deter demonstrations. Ol Kalou By-election Tensions: Rigathi Gachagua alleges voters are being pressured to surrender IDs for free LPG cylinders and mattresses, as the government also rolls out speedboats ahead of the July 16 vote. Finance Overhaul: CBK reforms take effect, expanding powers to manage reserves (including gold) and creating an Emergency Liquidity Assistance framework for troubled but solvent banks. Politics & Courts: High Court says MP recall petitions can’t proceed until Parliament enacts enabling law. Sports & Schools: KSSSA Term Two regional games kick off with new disciplines like chess and lacrosse, while Kenyan mountain runners dominate international events.

Energy & Industry: Dangote Industries says it will build a 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Kenya, with work now focused on choosing the best site around Mombasa and Lamu to boost fuel supply across East Africa. Finance & Banking: President Ruto has signed the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, giving CBK clearer powers to buy, sell and hold gold—positioning Kenya for a regional gold hub—while also tightening emergency liquidity rules. Devolution & Compliance: Counties will now have to follow tougher environmental, social, health and safety standards for projects under the World Bank-backed KDSP II framework. Health & Payments: Government plans “Lipa SHA Pole Pole” and telco integration to help more Kenyans register with the Social Health Authority and access Universal Health Coverage. Security & Protests: Police in Nairobi declare Saba Saba Day demonstrations illegal and announce tighter CBD screening and checkpoints ahead of Tuesday’s commemoration. Conservation: KWS begins hippo translocation in Nyandarua to reduce human-wildlife conflict after drought pushed animals toward farms.

Health Summit Prep: Health CS Aden Duale has officially kicked off preparations for the Presidential National Health Summit 2026, promising a review of reforms toward Universal Health Coverage, with focus on financing, primary care, digital health and regulation. Court & Environment: A judge will explain why Nema’s accounts were temporarily unfrozen after a week-long freeze linked to the Owino Uhuru lead poisoning compensation and cleanup orders. Justice for Lawyers: The Law Society of Kenya mourned the murder of advocate Edward Muthee Kariuki in Athi River and demanded swift, impartial investigations. Politics & Security: Rift leaders are backing National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula as a 2032 successor, while Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen renews attacks on Rigathi Gachagua amid warnings over political rhetoric. Land & Revenue: Kakamega unveiled a new County Valuation Roll to guide land rates collection for 2026/27. Energy & Clean Cooking: Government began distributing subsidised LPG cylinders in Nyandarua, while the KRA exempted bottled water from excise duty and excise stamps from July 1. Trade & Diplomacy: Kenya-EU trade rose 20% since the EPA took effect, and Uhuru hosted US Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns at Ichaweri. Public Health Watch: Nairobi’s “Birdman” Rodgers Oloo Magutha remains viral, but officials are raising disease-risk concerns. Road Safety: A dramatic Kisii chase followed an alleged hit-and-run involving a Subaru driver and boda boda riders.

Public Finance Watch: Counties are running 6,500+ commercial bank accounts without submitting required approval letters to the Controller of Budget, with Kitui, Nakuru and Kirinyaga topping the list—raising fresh transparency worries. Debt & Budget Discipline: The government used emergency spending to settle over Sh144bn in sovereign bond obligations, with the Controller of Budget warning that reliance on Article 223 is becoming a growing concern. 2027 Election Readiness: The EU says Kenya risks repeating 2022 electoral flaws as “hardly any” observer reforms were implemented, while the IEBC pushes sweeping legal changes for the 2027 General Election. Labour Diplomacy: Kenya expands overseas jobs after signing a migration deal with Italy under the Kazi Majuu framework, aimed at safer, structured employment. Security & Politics: Human rights activists plan a peaceful Saba Saba march to Parliament over alleged extrajudicial killings and disappearances, as President Ruto again warns against tribal politics. Business & Trade: Seed Co posts a strong earnings jump on climate-smart seed demand, while Dangote outlines plans for a 700,000 bpd East Africa refinery in Kenya. Travel Disruption: A Kenya Airways flight to New York was diverted back to Nairobi after a flight control spoiler malfunction.

Payroll Crackdown: Government says suspected Sh6.2bn payroll fraud will trigger action against public officers, with DCI investigations set to target human resource managers who tampered with the system. Education & Tech: WITIA launched a smart library at Mbukoni Comprehensive School in Machakos to narrow the digital divide, while education stakeholders warned teachers not to over-rely on AI in classrooms—technology should support, not replace, teachers. Security & Crime: Police are probing an armed robbery at Chaiwali Restaurant in Westlands after CCTV showed two gunmen robbing patrons at gunpoint, and a separate hit-and-run in Ruiru left a traffic officer seriously injured as the matatu crew fled. Politics & 2027: Ruto told Mt Kenya voters no one “delivered” the region to him in 2022, Ndindi Nyoro quit UDA, and Sifuna announced a Bungoma rally as ODM leadership tensions simmer. Infrastructure & Development: A new contractor takes over the stalled Suneka airstrip expansion in Kisii, and the Nairobi International Financial Centre says it has certified 15 firms to mobilise over Sh2.6bn in investments. South Africa Evacuation: Kenya’s final evacuation flight is set for July 9, with citizens urged to register and present for vetting by July 7.

AFCON Hosting Bids: CAF has opened bidding for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 Africa Cup of Nations, inviting its 54 member associations to submit proposals under technical, financial and operational criteria, with the process backed by advisers including PwC. Politics & Security: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen says police will trace “goons” fuelling political violence and vows close monitoring of Rigathi Gachagua until the 2027 election. Local Politics: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro hints he has left UDA but says he’s still consulting before his next move. Road Safety: A crash on the Nakuru–Eldoret highway at Mau Summit killed seven and left five injured, with relatives recounting last moments before the tragedy. Crime Watch: Police seized 122 drums of suspected illicit ethanol near Namanga, valued at Sh45m, arresting two suspects. Economy & Trade: Pakistan-Kenya bilateral trade has crossed $1bn for the first time, reaching $1.023bn in FY26. Weather: Kenya Met forecasts mostly dry conditions, with rainfall mainly over Rift Valley, Nyanza, Western and Central Kenya.

Agribusiness Boost: Kilifi’s Milly Fruit EPZ processing plant has been commissioned in Sabaki, turning mangoes, oranges, passion fruit and pineapples into concentrates, pulp and dried snacks—aimed at creating hundreds of jobs and steady income for 1,000+ growers. Trade & Logistics: ProCharter launched four new Nairobi cargo corridors to strengthen East Africa air-freight links for e-commerce and time-sensitive goods to Europe and the Middle East. Tax Relief: KRA reintroduced a six-month tax amnesty from July 1, 2026, offering up to 100% waivers on penalties, interest and fines for debts up to Dec 31, 2025, with disputes directed to ADR. Public Health & Safety: Pharmacy and Poisons Board pushed back on claims that “90%” of Nairobi pharmacies sell illegal drugs, saying the study didn’t mean the medicines were unsafe. Crime Crackdown: Police arrested two suspects in Bungoma over a phone theft and hacking syndicate, recovering 73 stolen devices and tools used to erase data and alter IMEIs. Education Pressure: A BBC report highlights mass school closures in rural Kenya, leaving some schools with only a handful of pupils. Weather Alert: KEMSA forecasts rain and unusually cold conditions in parts of the Rift Valley, Nyanza, Western, Central and Coastal regions over the next five days. Politics & Peace: Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru urged peaceful campaigns ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou by-election, condemning goonism and vandalism.

Top Court Ruling: Kenya’s Supreme Court dismissed a widow’s bid to force prosecution over the 2022 killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, while upholding KSh10m damages, reaffirming prosecutorial independence. Food Security: Farmers warn fertilizer shortages and global shocks could cut maize harvests, threatening livelihoods across major growing areas. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Laikipia coffee farmers report rising earnings through Nairobi Coffee Exchange auctions, while dairy farmers are urged to prioritise parasite control to protect milk yield and reproduction. Economy & Currency: Central Bank says forex reserves hit a record $14bn, boosted by World Bank funding, supporting the shilling. Tax Relief: KRA reintroduced a six-month tax amnesty offering 100% waiver on penalties, interest and fines for pre-2026 debts if conditions are met. Climate & Water: Nairobi River regeneration and sewer upgrades aim to curb pollution and flooding, while a new digital climate reporting platform targets climate-smart farming resilience. Politics & Society: Reports of cash handouts and voter-buying ahead of elections continue to spark concern over political violence and accountability. Road Safety: A matatu-trailer crash on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway killed six and left five injured.

Tax Relief Push: KRA has opened a six-month tax amnesty, effective July 1 to Dec 31, offering 100% waiver on penalties, interest and fines for tax debts accrued up to Dec 31, 2025. Justice Speed-Up: Chief Justice Martha Koome says Judiciary cleared more cases than filed, hitting a 104% case clearance rate and cutting backlog by 27% in 2024/25. Roads Crackdown: KeNHA wants courts to apply tougher penalties for overloaded trucks, warning that light fines are undermining axle-load rules and damaging roads. Public Service Overhaul: The Public Service Ministry says promotions will shift to merit, performance and innovation, with AI used to track productivity and KPIs. AI Governance & Tools: Cabinet forms a standing AI committee to coordinate national AI policy, while Kenya’s Fikra API launches an OpenAI-compatible inference service with M-Pesa payments built in. Health & Rights: Court of Appeal rules abortion is not a constitutional right, allowing it only in limited cases; Social Health Authority also warns of fraudsters impersonating SHA officials. Business & Travel: Emirates prepares for 3,500+ unaccompanied children on peak summer routes, including Kenya; Kenyan investors explore Zanzibar SEZ opportunities.

Ebola Preparedness: Health CS Aden Duale chaired a high-level review of Kenya’s readiness for a possible Ebola outbreak, keeping the country on heightened alert despite no confirmed cases. Migration & Jobs: Kenya and Italy signed an MoU to expand lawful employment for Kenyans, strengthen protection of migrant workers, and promote safe, ethical labour mobility. El Niño Update: DP Kithure Kindiki told Kenyans not to panic over forecasts of moderate-to-strong El Niño rains, saying ministries are on high alert to prevent flooding and health disruptions. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: More Kenyans returned via JKIA after anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, with arrivals describing fear and threats driving repatriation. Governance & Accountability: Government moves to dismantle payroll fraud as reports point to “ghost workers” siphoning public funds, while courts and institutions face pressure over compliance. Sports Integrity & Kenya’s Track Stars: Athletics Integrity Unit’s June doping list puts India top and Kenya second, while Kenyan athletes target major Diamond League moments, including Faith Kipyegon’s Prefontaine Classic push. Local Development: Kisumu County Assembly approved a Sh14.46bn budget for FY 2026/27, and Lari’s Shauri–Karia–Karenju road upgrade continues to improve connectivity.

Agriculture Jobs Push: Kenya launched the NASIP 2026-2030 plan worth about US$8.4B to modernize farming, boost irrigation, raise incomes and create over 2 million jobs. Housing Finance: NBK and Centum Real Estate signed an MoU to expand mortgage and construction financing, aiming to make home ownership more accessible. Healthcare Partnership: Nairobi Hospital will provide on-site emergency medical support to Nairobi Polo Club and sponsor the 2026 Pink Polo Tournament tied to cancer awareness. Transport Rights: A High Court blocked Kenya Railways from evicting Muthurwa residents until earlier eviction rules are followed. Road Safety Scrutiny: NTSA is facing backlash after claims motorists are being pushed to pay fines into private accounts. Ebola Readiness: CS Aden Duale warned Kenya’s Ebola preparedness score is at 66% and urged partners to quickly fund isolation, PPE and lab upgrades. Youth Skills: Over 2,700 young Kenyans graduated from a digital media mentorship programme, showing growing demand for creative economy skills. Finance Hub Drive: Kenya certified 15 firms under NIFC, targeting $200M+ investment and 1,000+ jobs. Crime Crackdown: Police arrested two in Malindi after recovering 200kg of cannabis worth about KSh6M. Cost of Living Abroad: Australia raised student and temporary graduate visa fees, hitting Kenyan applicants planning to study or work there.

Political Drama: Mike Sonko’s NEDP feud deepened after he threatened to leak alleged CCTV video showing ousted party officials Sally Mwihaki and Eva Njau in a Kakamega hotel “mechi” incident, sparking fresh infighting. Media & Society: Citizen TV’s Lillian Muli faced backlash after viral videos showed her partying heavily, with critics questioning her image as her career and relationships reportedly wobble. Public Safety & Justice: Mathare protests turned deadlier as fatalities rose to two, with families alleging abductions and unclear security involvement; Interior PS Raymond Omollo denied “abductions” under Ruto. Courts & Governance: The High Court ordered Ruto to reconstitute his Cabinet to meet the two-thirds gender rule, while another ruling suspended mandatory annual private vehicle inspections pending a July 22 hearing. Economy & Telecom: Safaricom’s control shifted further as Vodacom bought a 15% stake from the government, injecting Sh244.2bn into Treasury and lifting Vodacom’s effective stake to 55%. Transport & Business: Kenya Railways confirmed a Magadi freight train fire at Simba Station in Kajiado, with preliminary reports pointing to fuel-tank damage and sparking. Health & Rights: RUPHA chair Dr Brian Lishenga quit after saying relations with Health ministry and SHA became hostile, citing payment and access challenges. Sports & Youth: Kenya hosts NFL Flag Africa in Nairobi from July 9-11, with teams from five countries and an Under-13 talent ID workout.

Menstrual Health Push: Government backed the Kenya Menstrual Economy Conference (KMEC) 2026 Declaration, pledging tax incentives for sanitary products and support for local manufacturing to keep costs down. NTSA Fraud Crackdown: NTSA moved instant traffic fine payments off eCitizen to bank deposits to curb scams targeting motorists. Wilson Airport Standoff: Senators and aviation officials clash over whether to demolish 41 encroaching buildings at Wilson Airport or build a new runway instead. UAE Travel Update: Eligible Kenyans can now access a UAE pre-approved visa-on-arrival via Emirates, easing short trips for travellers. Utumishi Girls Case: Kibera High Court denied bail to eight minors accused over the dormitory fire deaths, with strict reporting rules protecting identities. Transport & Trade: Kenya Railways began construction of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR in Narok County, while Nairobi and Kigali signed fuel import agreements to boost supply security. Telecom Deal: Vodacom completed taking a 55% majority stake in Safaricom, with Kenya retaining a 20% holding. Tourism & Sports: Kenya targets MICE tourism to close the visitor gap, and hosts the World Rafting World Cup Series leg in Sagana from July 6–12.

Cabinet & Courts: The High Court ordered President William Ruto to reconstitute his Cabinet within 120 days after ruling the current lineup breaches the Constitution’s two-thirds gender rule. Governance & Pay: Teachers and civil servants are set for a July salary boost as the government rolls out the next phase of public sector wage increases. Security & Rights: Fresh protests in Nairobi over alleged abductions left at least one person dead as police opened fire, while rights groups renewed calls for accountability over enforced disappearances. Health Diplomacy: Cabinet approved a Kenya–US public health framework to strengthen HIV, malaria and TB control, improve disease surveillance and labs, and absorb over 13,000 US-supported health workers into Kenya’s system. Finance & Business: Vodacom completed its Safaricom takeover, raising its stake to 55% and taking control of M-Pesa. Regional Tech: Central banks across Africa backed interoperable payment systems to boost cross-border trade and inclusion. Infrastructure: Mandera got Cabinet approval for key road upgrades, including Modogashe–Samatar and Rhamu–Mandera links. Sports: Moses Shumah has left Power Dynamos for AmaZulu as the club reshapes its squad ahead of the 2026 season.

Protest Crackdown in Nairobi: Fresh running battles in Mathare erupted after activists reported enforced disappearances, leaving one person shot dead and two wounded as police used tear gas while residents demanded the release of Maxwell Kiarie and Abdulaziz Molu. Tax & Transport Digitisation: Little Cab says its corporate invoicing now auto-generates KRA eTIMS-compliant invoices, while KRA also moved licensing for customs-controlled transit vehicles to a fully digital RECTS/ICT system from July 1. Court Rules on Wages: The Employment and Labour Relations Court said employers can’t stop paying salaries just because a business is struggling, warning that unpaid wages can amount to constructive dismissal. Health Sector Update: Kenya expanded Mama Rachel Ruto Specialist Hospital–Mutuini from 40 to 400 beds to boost specialised care, and KMPDC set a July 17 deadline for ambulance registration. Business & Telecom: Vodacom completed an extra 20% stake in Safaricom, taking control at about 55%, and Airtel Kenya appointed Djibril Tobe as managing director. Sports: Gor Mahia received an invite to face Rayon Sports in Rwanda ahead of the Kagame Cup, while Jacob Krop and Edmund Serem won medals at the Paris Diamond League.