AGP Executive Report

2027 Election Media Readiness: Victor Bwire warns that Kenya’s media must prepare early for the 2027 general election—setting up election desks, training journalists, and working with IEBC and the registrar of political parties to tackle misinformation and protect credibility. Parliament and Taxes: MPs clashed over the Finance Bill 2026 as the Finance Committee challenged parts of Ruto’s tax proposals, recommending deletions or softer measures. Food Security Alarm: Severe drought is drying up maize in Kenya’s grain basket, raising fears of an acute food crisis. Anti-Graft Goes Digital: EACC says “sophisticated” digital corruption is rising, draining billions from taxpayers. Teachers Promotions Shake-up: TSC plans major changes to promotions, including fewer job groups and stronger focus on academic qualifications. Blue Economy Push: Kenya launched a Blue Carbon Ecosystems National Plan at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, targeting mangrove conservation and seagrass restoration by 2035. Agriculture Jobs Plan: Government unveiled the $11.4bn AgriConnect Compact to modernise agriculture and create 2.4 million jobs by 2030. HIV Funding Cut: Global Fund reduced Kenya’s HIV financing by 18.2% to Sh26.4bn for 2026-2028. Digital Safety for Minors: G7 leaders backed a safer digital space for children, with Kenya among partner countries supporting the push.

G7 Diplomacy: G7 leaders in France backed stronger sanctions on Russia, including oil and gas, and welcomed a US-Iran deal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. Kenya-Ukraine Ties: President Ruto met Ukraine’s Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the summit, agreeing to deepen cooperation in agriculture, education and high-tech, including joint projects. JKIA Expansion Scrutiny: The Law Society of Kenya demanded full disclosure on the Ksh375.4bn JKIA expansion, questioning procurement transparency and links to the cancelled Adani deal. Education Under Pressure: KUPPET warned of rising political violence in Nyandarua ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election, with teachers seeking transfers over threats. Public Health in Schools: Teachers in Karachuonyo raised alarm over poor sanitation and unsafe toilets in public schools. Infrastructure & Jobs: CS Mutahi Kagwe launched the Ksh1.47tn AgriConnect Compact to create 2.4m jobs by 2030, pushing climate-smart, investment-ready agriculture. Transport Upgrade: Kenya Railways invited firms to shape a World Bank-backed Nairobi commuter rail upgrade, including new trains and maintenance facilities. Business & Wealth: Britam launched Trust Services to help Kenyans transfer and protect wealth across generations. Environment: Kenya’s plastic pollution push highlighted results from the single-use bag ban and wider regional efforts to cut waste.

Blue Economy & Oceans: Global leaders renewed calls in Mombasa for stronger ocean protection, sustainable fisheries and more investment at the 11th Our Ocean Conference, with John Kerry stressing the ocean’s role in climate and life. Global Finance: At the G7 in Evian, leaders backed tougher action on escalating debt risks for developing countries, including middle-income states, and pushed for more private investment—Kenya was among guest countries. Ebola & Public Health: UN chief António Guterres visited Haiti’s new Gang Suppression Force as Ebola response remains a focus amid warnings of worsening outbreaks in Congo. Kenya’s Economy: Kenya’s remittances hit a record Sh931.8bn between June 2024 and May 2025, while coffee exports are projected to rise to 55,000 tonnes in 2026. Ports & Capital Markets: Kenya’s first blue bond is being structured for a multi-tranche $300m programme to fund coastal resilience projects. Energy & Food Systems: Petroleum PS confirmed stable fuel supply and adequate strategic stocks; solar cold storage is helping Kenyan farmers cut losses and earn more. Telecom Regulation: Kenya’s telecom pricing review echoes wider regional moves as regulators reassess interconnection rates after years of change.

G7 Diplomacy: World leaders at the G7 summit in Evian are pushing to keep Ukraine high on the agenda as US President Donald Trump signals a shift to the Iran deal, with Macron urging continued support for Kyiv and pressure on Russia. All Saints Cathedral Probe: Kenya’s rights watchdog KNCHR condemned goons who disrupted a church meeting on the budget, as DCI arrests linked to the attack rise to five. Ocean Conference Fallout: Taiwan says it has withdrawn from Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference after its delegates were denied entry and detained by Kenyan immigration, alleging pressure from China. Parliament Watch: MPs in Kisumu are investigating whether imported raw industrial sugar unfit for direct human consumption is being repackaged and sold, following inspections at Kibos Sugar. Public Service Pay Reform: SRC hints at changes to civil servants’ salaries and payment systems, including performance-based contracts and real-time payroll monitoring. Transport Update: Kenya Railways explains how to access new SGR seats, noting they’re not fully integrated online and may require in-person booking. Wildlife Safety: A nine-month-old baby died in a suspected elephant attack in Kibwezi as KWS moved in to drive away the herd. Climate & Resilience: A new study presented in Kenya suggests about one-third of the world’s coral reefs may survive major warming events, if resilient areas are protected.

AI & Media Skills: Xinhua trained nearly 200 African journalists in Nairobi on using AI for news reporting and visual storytelling, with KBC’s Samuel Maina saying Kenyan media is ready for large-scale adoption. Ocean & Climate Action: Leaders and partners are meeting in Mombasa for the Regenerative Ocean Forum ahead of the Our Ocean Conference, pushing ocean regeneration, climate resilience and sustainable blue economies. Ebola Travel Row: Israel lifted temporary Ebola entry restrictions for Kenya and Rwanda after Kenya’s protest, leaving Uganda, South Sudan and DRC still affected. Reparations for Protest Victims: President Ruto announced Kenya will compensate nearly 2,000 victims of protest-related human rights abuses, with payouts starting next week after vetting. Forests Under Pressure: Conservationists warn development is encroaching on forests and protected parks, including fresh concerns around Karura Forest. Security & Justice: Police volleyball teams stormed into KVF National League quarter-finals, while families continue demanding justice over police brutality and disappearances. Weather Alert: KMSA says cold nights will persist for a week, with Nairobi lows around 13°C and Nyahururu near freezing. G7 Diplomacy: Ruto flies to France to push Africa’s agenda at the G7, including lower borrowing costs and AI governance.

Reparations for Protest Victims: Kenya will start compensating over 1,000 victims of human rights violations linked to protests next week after State House unveiled a KNCHR reparations framework, with Sh2 billion already set aside and verification using an AI case system. Limits on Payouts: KNCHR says looting, vandalism and other ordinary criminal acts during protests won’t be covered, even as the programme targets gross human rights violations tied to state-linked abuses. Devolution Boost: President Ruto assented to the Division of Revenue Bill 2026, raising county allocations to Sh428 billion and setting aside Sh10.25 billion for the Equalisation Fund. Public Service Disruption: A power outage at a Nakuru data centre temporarily halted Huduma Centre services nationwide. Court Landmark on Inheritance: The High Court ruled daughters have equal inheritance rights regardless of marriage, rejecting cultural assumptions that exclude married daughters. Ebola Vigilance: Health officials say Kenya has no Ebola cases but remains on high alert, screening thousands daily and mobilising surge teams. Road Safety Push: WHO and partners gathered experts to strengthen vehicle safety rules and adopt new road-safety technologies. Business & Finance: Standard Bank eyes becoming Kenya’s biggest lender by 2030, signalling tougher competition in the banking sector.

Ebola Update: Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases rose to 782 with 181 deaths as contact tracing coverage fell to 56%, with the outbreak concentrated in Ituri and spreading across borders. Fuel Relief: EPRA cut diesel by Sh10 in the latest pricing cycle while petrol and kerosene stayed unchanged, easing costs slightly for motorists. Politics & Unity: President Ruto warned leaders against divisive, tribal rhetoric, urging critics to focus on plans and policies ahead of 2027. 2027 Campaign Moves: Mudavadi said Ruto is on track for a “petition-free” win in 2027, while Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata joined the Linda Mwananchi movement. Security & Public Order: Police launched investigations after goons disrupted a budget forum at All Saints Cathedral; two suspects were arrested. Human Rights & Inclusion: Kenya marked Albinism Awareness Day with calls for better protection and empowerment for persons with albinism. Sports: Tusker won the MozzartBet Cup, beating Police 2-1, and Kenya’s Junior Starlets set to face Somalia in the CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship.

Health Push: Prof Isaiah Wakindiki backs Kenya’s new National Physical Activity Guidelines, urging daily movement to curb rising non-communicable diseases that already account for about 39% of deaths. Fuel Relief: EPRA cuts petrol and diesel for June 15–July 14—super petrol by Sh0.22 and diesel by Sh10—setting Nairobi prices at Sh214.03 and Sh222.86 respectively, with kerosene unchanged. Ebola Transparency Row: A lobby group demands clear public details on a proposed Ebola research and containment facility, warning of public land encroachment and calling for full participation and independent reviews. Politics in Western: Rival rallies in Bungoma signal a tougher 2027 fight as Gachagua’s DCP allies trade barbs with Linda Mwananchi figures, including attacks on Cleophas Malala. Diplomacy & Trade: Finland backs Kenya’s UN Security Council reform push, while Kenya courts Slovakia for new markets and investment. Infrastructure: Ruto announces plans to dual the Kiserian–Ongata Rongai–Nairobi highway under the National Infrastructure Fund. Business: Kenya Airways targets fresh capital of about Sh194bn to fund its turnaround.

World Cup Focus: Kenya’s KBC holds free-to-air rights as the 48-team FIFA World Cup kicks off with hosts Mexico/Canada/US taking on South Africa, with 10 African teams chasing group-stage breakthroughs. School Safety & Accountability: Kenya marked the Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy with memorials and burials for victims, as leaders renewed calls to protect learners and curb unrest. Education Discipline Debate: Parliament is set to revisit dreadlocks rules after an Alliance High School student petitioned lawmakers to stop forced shaving and punishment. Politics & Public Order: President William Ruto hit out at opposition rallies and “goon” disruptions, while in Kisii police officers sent to disrupt Fred Matiang’i’s rally ended up saluting him. Justice System Scrutiny: Lawyers raised concerns over missing pages and signatures in the Gachagua impeachment judgment, warning about public confidence in courts. Local Crime & Safety: A man accused of killing a UK-based Kenyan bank executive was arrested at Namanga and is expected to face extradition. Transport Costs Watch: Matatu owners are waiting on the next diesel price review, warning of renewed unrest if promises aren’t met.

Politics & Governance: President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga traded barbs as Western Kenya became the weekend’s political battleground, with Ruto launching Shirikiana Sacco in Kakamega and Oburu promising ODM nominations will be free, fair and based on primaries, not direct tickets. Local Development: Kiambu scaled up Boresha Barabara works with rehabilitation on the Kimbo–Matangi–Ini Road in Juja to make it motorable while awaiting national tarmacking plans. Public Safety & Education: MPs will probe school fires and unrest after a wave of incidents, with the National Assembly Education committee citing overcrowding, drug abuse, weak support systems and fire safety gaps. Crime & Justice: Police arrested the prime suspect in the May 2025 killing of Catholic priest Fr. Allois Bett in Kerio Valley, marking a major breakthrough in the case. Economy & Finance: Access Holdings says it has completed major acquisitions and now wants to be judged by returns, while Jubilee Holdings pushes retail and digital insurance to close Kenya’s low insurance penetration gap. Health & Travel: Israel imposed a travel ban on Kenya and other African countries over Ebola-related concerns, while Uganda condemned “unfair” blanket travel restrictions tied to the DRC outbreak. Sports & Society: Nairobi Expressway will close for 24 hours for Airtel footbridge beam installation, and Kenya’s Harambee Stars defender Woodman impressed on debut as the team’s FIFA ranking improved. Deaths: Former Kilgoris MP Gideon Konchellah died after cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in Nairobi, drawing condolences from senior leaders.

Anti-Corruption Clampdown: The High Court has frozen Sh16.9 million in accounts of suspended Nairobi official Patrick Analoh Akivaga and his wife Damaris Sindavi Kayugira for six months, after EACC recovered Sh65 million cash during a raid. Debt Pressure on Kenyans: Analysts say President Ruto’s promise of fiscal discipline is being tested as the 2026/27 budget targets Sh4.82tn spending against Sh3.63tn revenue, leaving a Sh1.146tn deficit and a record Sh1.03tn borrowing plan. Digital Push: Kenya secured €102 million EU funding for digital transformation, plus €37 million for the Blue Raman submarine cable to boost regional connectivity. UHC Jobs Row: KEHPHPU accuses county governors of delaying absorption of 7,414 UHC healthcare workers into permanent, pensionable roles. School Fire Grief: Kenya mourns the 15 Utumishi Girls Academy students killed in the dormitory blaze, with memorials renewing calls for stricter fire safety enforcement. Diplomacy: A Kenyan parliamentary delegation in Morocco reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative on the Sahara. Health Travel Snag: Midwifery experts from Africa and Asia, including Bangladeshis, were denied visas for a major conference in Portugal, threatening progress on saving mothers and babies.

Budget 2026/27: Treasury CS John Mbadi presented Kenya’s record Sh4.8 trillion budget, with big boosts to education (Sh784.5bn), health (total Sh177.5bn after an extra Sh37bn), and governance/anti-corruption institutions including EACC and the ODPP. Health & safety: Siaya County will build a Sh300m mother-baby hospital complex at its Level 5 expansion to cut maternal and neonatal deaths. Security & crime: Police in Ruiru hunt a suspect who attacked staff of a motorcycle financing firm in Juja, while Embakasi residents report machete-wielding motorbike thugs robbing people at night. Public order & rights: The ACA responded to public debate over an alleged Shiquo Hii Style anti-counterfeit operation, stressing its legal framework and trader safeguards. Weather: Kenya’s Met warns the next three months will be largely dry before El Niño rains later in the year. Viral social issues: A teacher’s “favourite student” video, public confrontations over women’s outfits, and a child-trafficking allegation in Utawala dominate online debate.

Budget Spotlight: Treasury CS John Mbadi heads to Parliament to present the 2026/27 budget worth Sh4.84 trillion, with debt repayment set to take the biggest slice and a deficit of Sh1.17 trillion to be covered through borrowing. Public Order & Rights: Government has begun reviewing the legal framework for protests to better protect peaceful demonstrators while keeping order, after recent unrest. Ebola Tensions: Protests over a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki turned deadly again, with rights groups accusing police of excessive force and journalists being targeted. Gender Justice: DP Kithure Kindiki says the state is fast-tracking legal and policy reforms to tackle femicide and GBV, with some measures already underway. Aviation & Infrastructure: Kenya picks a Chinese firm for a $2.9bn JKIA upgrade after scrapping the earlier Adani deal. Health Systems: County health chiefs meet to speed up UHC reforms, including Social Health Authority reimbursements and digital health integration. Tech & Access: Google rolls out Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, expanding AI help for users. Transport Disruption: Protesters block the Busia-Kisumu highway, stranding motorists.

Ebola & Borders: Kenya’s Health Minister issued travel warnings over Ebola risk, urging nationals to avoid DRC, Uganda and South Sudan and tightening screening for arrivals from other high-risk countries. Health Funding: A Sh517m programme launched for Garissa, Mandera and Wajir aims to improve safe pregnancy and reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Public Finance Pressure: Treasury faces a budget squeeze as IMF and World Bank loan disbursements stall, deepening reliance on domestic borrowing and raising the stakes for the pre-election budget. County Devolution: MPs and senators agreed to allocate counties Sh428 billion as equitable share for 2026/27 after prolonged mediation. Education Disruption: Education CS Ogamba Migos confirmed Term 2 will be shortened from 2027 to calm unrest-linked school calendar strain. Food Security & Cost of Living: High cost of living is hitting feeding across Kenya, with renewed focus on hunger and affordability. Local Crime: Police recovered a gunpoint-stolen lorry after suspects repainted it and planned to smuggle it into Uganda. Press Freedom: A Kenyan media defence fellow highlighted mounting threats to journalists, from protest violence to digital surveillance. Sports: Kenya’s Olympic and Diamond League storylines continue as athletes trade advice and standout performances in Oslo.

Ebola Tensions: The US urged other nations to “step up” against Ebola, pushing for travel restrictions as Kenya faces protests over a planned US-backed Ebola quarantine centre; clashes have turned deadly, with at least one protester shot as officials argue the move is about preventing imported cases. Health Financing: Kenya is nearing World Bank approval for an emergency Development Policy Operation loan, with CBK saying talks are advanced though no funds have been disbursed yet. Education & Safety: Education CS Julius Ogamba said schools will not close early despite unrest in boarding schools, while confirming 16 pupils died in a Gilgil fire that investigators say was deliberately set. Governance & Courts: Legal debate continues after a High Court upheld Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment, with experts saying he may still contest elections while appeals run. Economy & Trade: CBK revealed new dates for a multimillion World Bank loan, and ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to boost East Africa value chains in coffee, leather and the creative economy. Digital Services: Huduma Kenya clarified how to replace lost birth certificates without photocopies, directing people to original registration points or Huduma Centres. Tourism & Culture: Kenya Tourism Board and EatOut launched culinary tourism to help visitors plan experience-led trips.

Ebola Protests Turn Deadly: Police fired tear gas and water cannons as hundreds protested the US-backed Ebola quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, with at least one death reported and arrests made, even after a High Court suspension and demands for disclosure of the deal. World Cup Shock: Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US despite a valid visa, forcing FIFA to remove him from the World Cup just days before kickoff. Politics & Governance: The High Court upheld Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment, dealing another blow to his political comeback plans. Infrastructure Debate: New photos of the Bomas International Convention Centre construction have reignited debate over President Ruto’s pace and spending. Power Supply Warning: Electricity Sector Association of Kenya warns of looming undersupply and load shedding tied to political meddling in power planning. Sports & Culture: Serena Williams returned to competitive tennis at Queen’s Club with a doubles win, while Corpus Christi celebrations drew crowds across cities worldwide. Local Crime: Patrol cops arrested a wanted city gangster after a dramatic chase, recovering a homemade firearm and a knife.