AGP Executive Report

Aviation Safety: A helicopter crash in Samburu County killed all aboard, with Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirming no survivors and investigations ongoing after the aircraft left Loisaba for Ewaso Nyiro. Energy & Industry: Kenya has tripled its long-term renewable power target to 5,500MW, adding nuclear and geothermal, but analysts warn cheaper power may require grid, financing and contract reforms. Digital Payments: Standard Bank and UnionPay expanded e-commerce acceptance to nine African markets including Kenya, boosting cross-border merchant reach with nearly 900 participating merchants. Anti-Financial Crime: Sendwave and Wise restricted Kenya transfers amid heightened AML scrutiny, while users were advised to withdraw wallet balances as fintechs tighten compliance. Consumer Protection: Anti-Counterfeit Authority raided Eastleigh, seizing suspected fake Nivea and Vaseline products worth about KSh 1.1m. Governance & Integrity: EACC and Sweden deepened cooperation to tackle sophisticated financial crimes, including digital asset concealment and illicit flows. Food Security: Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe said Kenya will import 25 million 90kg bags of maize to cover a projected shortfall. Local Economy: Construction of Nairobi’s new Gikomba Market is advancing with multi-storey blocks rising to house up to 7,000 traders. Transport Regulation: NTSA issued eight mandatory compliance requirements for school transport ahead of reopening.

Cement Probe: FCCPC says its cross-border study has uncovered possible price manipulation in Nigeria’s cement market, comparing Nigeria with Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Togo, after complaints that prices rose despite surplus capacity; Capital Markets: NSE firms are set to pay about Sh74.95bn in dividends by October, with pension and other investors shifting more money into equities as bond yields ease; Banking Results: Family Bank profit jumped 62% to Sh3.7bn while Absa Bank Kenya declared an interim dividend even as earnings dipped; Housing Levy Crackdown: KRA moves to recover unpaid housing levy arrears after Finance Act 2026 changes, with enforcement expected to hit defaulters; Corporate & Real Estate: KCB has been allowed to place Northcote Business Centre apartment blocks under administration in a Sh2bn loan recovery dispute; Governance & Police Reforms: Ex-CJ David Maraga gives President Ruto 7 days to publish the police reforms report or he will release it himself; Security & Politics: Police ask two suspects linked to Homa Bay rally chaos to surrender for DCI questioning as investigations continue; Business Expansion: Hemas Holdings buys 75% of Kenya’s Twiga Stationers and Printers for $16.2m, signaling a push into East Africa consumer markets.

Health Reforms Under Spotlight: President Ruto opened the National Health Summit 2026 at KICC, with focus on digital health, KEMSA efficiency, specialised care and the Social Health Authority as Kenya pushes Universal Health Coverage under Taifa Care. Funding & Access Debate: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula said the reforms are tackling corruption and changing how care is financed, while Health CS Aden Duale defended progress in medicines supply and health worker capacity. Local Cancer Push: Kisumu announced a World Bank/partner-backed push to expand early screening and bring specialised cancer diagnosis closer to western Kenya, including plans for a new cancer centre. NSSF to Healthcare Proposal: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro proposed halving NSSF contributions from 2028 to redirect about KSh40bn into healthcare funding. Power & Infrastructure Pipeline: Kenya moved six major transmission lines and substations into feasibility for a KSh71.1bn PPP package, aiming to attract private investment and expand grid capacity. Water Security Investment: World Bank and Kenya committed KSh13.5bn for groundwater projects in drought-prone counties to cut reliance on water trucking. Digital & Security Partnerships: Kenya’s ICT ministry met Guodong Network on digital transformation, while Rapid7 and StarLink expanded security distribution across Africa including Kenya. Road Tech Upgrade: The Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway PPP plan includes intelligent traffic management systems under a KSh184bn project. Public Services Disruption: Teachers’ unions asked TSC to clarify what counts as misconduct under its social media directive to avoid intimidation of educators. Business & Labour: Kakuzi signed a CBA with KPAWU granting a 15% wage increase for over 3,500 employees across 2026/27. Crime & Enforcement: Police recovered suspected fake US$259m notes in Eldoret and seized Sh35m cannabis in Busia. Politics & Violence: Opposition’s Linda Mwananchi rallies in Homa Bay drew large crowds amid reports of attacks on journalists and road block disruptions.

Public Finance Pressure: Kenya’s public debt has crossed Sh13 trillion, while the Auditor-General flags Sh7.65b in fees on undisbursed external loans—raising fresh questions on how borrowing is managed and whether it’s delivering value. Trade & Energy Costs: The goods trade deficit is nearing Sh1 trillion as fuel import costs surge, with fuel and lubricants driving much of the first-half widening. Fuel Subsidy U-turn: Treasury is seeking funds to reinstate retail fuel subsidies as Middle East hostilities keep prices elevated, despite earlier policy withdrawal. Security & Political Violence: Homa Bay’s Linda Mwananchi rally turned violent again—police report 37 arrests, crude weapons recovered, and an officer killed—while journalists were also assaulted. Local Politics & Debt Narrative: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro says Kenya should use oil and minerals to tackle debt and warns resources must benefit Kenyans, as his opposition move sparks debate in Murang’a. Regulation & Markets: The competition regulator proposes reserve funds for EABL ahead of Diageo’s sale to Asahi, while the Registrar of Companies begins dissolving 200 firms and flags 550 more. Infrastructure & Growth: Kenya Railways land acquisition expands for SGR Phase 2A, and Treasury plans monthly switch bonds to ease domestic debt pressure. Innovation Ecosystem: A new platform maps Kenya’s startup, investment and policy landscape in one place, aiming to reduce fragmented data for decision-makers.

Electricity Costs: EPRA raised August power charges by about Sh4.70 per kWh, with fuel energy (Sh3.51), FX fluctuation (Sh1.1777) and a WRMA levy (Sh0.015) hitting bills for meter readings taken in August. Election Media Focus: NMG doubled down on voter-first election coverage, pushing jobs, cost of living, the economy and accountability over political spectacle, while a separate review warned print headlines can still skew public trust. Political Violence & Press Freedom: AFP journalists were assaulted in Homa Bay while covering the Linda Mwananchi rally, renewing calls for investigations into attacks on media and security lapses. EAC Integration Push: East African Business Council urged faster EAC reforms to cut non-tariff barriers, harmonise standards and lower logistics costs as Kenyan firms target a $51.7tn regional market. Digital Economy & Jobs: Kenya’s lenders are turning to AI and alternative data to expand credit access, while a startup JentaHub launched a verified talent marketplace for global hiring. Regional Sports Investment: EADB injected Sh11.6m into FEASSA Games as Team Kenya eyes title defence. Startup Gap in Africa: A report highlights how Nairobi and Lagos build different solutions based on what infrastructure already works. Tech Connectivity: Airtel and Starlink launched Africa’s first commercial satellite-to-phone service in DRC, enabling direct smartphone connectivity where coverage is weak.

Political Violence & Media Freedom in Homa Bay: Amnesty International and the Kenya Editors Guild condemned attacks on journalists and disruption of media coverage during the Linda Mwananchi rally, including tear gas, road blockades, and assaults on AFP reporters—raising fresh questions about security and rule of law. Mt Kenya Political Rift: Rigathi Gachagua and DP Kithure Kindiki traded barbs over unity in the region, with Gachagua accusing Kindiki of dividing Mt Kenya and Kindiki firing back on leadership and competence. Climate Action Shift: Kenya is moving from weather warnings to earlier action to prevent crises as drought and extreme conditions threaten food and livelihoods. Carbon-Free Transition Debate: A Strathmore University study argues Kenya must extend renewable power success into wider sectors to reach net-zero, needing stronger policy, investment and innovation. Housing Market Decision: A buyer-focused piece weighs buying completed homes versus building from scratch amid Kenya’s housing deficit and rising real estate growth. Labour Migration Boost: Qatar opened more pathways for skilled Kenyan workers after bilateral talks, potentially widening job opportunities for professionals. Public Finance Watch: National Treasury data shows Kenya’s public debt has crossed Sh13trn, renewing scrutiny on borrowing and how funds are used. Agriculture & Food Security: CS Mutahi Kagwe said interventions are planned to cushion farmers from drought impacts and warned against counterfeit seeds. Procurement Professionalisation: CIPS launched its East Africa office in Nairobi, positioning Kenya as a regional hub for procurement standards.

Court Ruling on Bank Rates: Kenya’s High Court temporarily lets banks raise loan interest rates without first seeking Treasury approval, pending an appeal—an immediate relief for lenders but a fresh uncertainty for borrowers. Telecom Connectivity: Airtel Africa commercially launched Starlink satellite-to-phone service in DRC, enabling compatible phones to connect without dishes (initially SMS and limited data), a major step for mobile coverage in underserved areas. Capital Markets & Tech Finance: Wall Street Africa says it’s moving toward becoming an ETF issuer, aiming to bridge Nairobi Securities Exchange liquidity and access gaps. Intellectual Property Push: Parliament invites public views on a proposed Kenya Intellectual Property Bill to merge KIPI, KECOBO and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority into a single Kenya Intellectual Property Authority, with an IP tribunal and stronger online enforcement. Trade & Currency Angle: A growing African push to use China’s CIPS network could expand yuan-denominated trade and payments, with institutions like Standard Bank already connected. Wildlife & Tourism: World Elephant Day coverage highlights the complex human-elephant relationship around Kenya’s parks, while tourism pieces stress the need to smooth revenue beyond peak seasons.

Education & Skills: A new senior school transition is being criticised for quietly ranking “STEM” over arts, with educators warning that music, drama, sport and debate build real confidence and creativity—not distractions. Healthcare Infrastructure: Health CS Aden Duale chaired plans for 13 new Level 5, 300-bed county referral hospitals (KES 29bn) to expand access and push Universal Health Coverage. Fuel & Cost of Living: Strait of Hormuz disruptions are tightening global oil supplies and could lift Kenya’s pump prices as refined product costs rise and inventories fall. EAC Trade Friction: Rwanda’s alcohol ban on Kenyan and Ugandan products is sparking a regional standards dispute, putting market access at risk for manufacturers and distributors. US Trade Scrutiny: A new White House report flags Kenya as a potential transshipment risk for Chinese goods, raising the stakes for exporters benefiting from AGOA. Digital Trade Push: Nairobi will host the Digital Trade Congress 2026 (Aug 28) to boost cross-border e-commerce for SMEs, women-led firms and youth. Connectivity Leap: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched satellite-to-phone service commercially in DRC, extending mobile access beyond tower coverage. Political Risk Ahead of 2027: Reports of convoy attacks and renewed warnings about political goonism and intimidation are intensifying concerns for election participation.

Agri-Exports Boost: Kenya’s macadamia value jumped 73% to about US$66M in 2025 after a ban on exporting raw nuts pushed more supply into local processing. Tea Industry Push: Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe says government is injecting Sh7.1bn to modernise tea factories and improve branding/marketing to open more global markets. Food Security & Inputs: Kagwe also reassured farmers that Kenya has enough seed maize in store despite drought-linked losses expected in seed production. Irrigation Jobs Plan: A Sh1.7bn Suba Clusters Irrigation project in Homa Bay will shift 66,000+ farmers from rain-fed farming, with completion targeted in two years. Coastal Cash Crop Expansion: Kenya plans to scale bixa output to at least 3,000 tonnes by expanding growers, certified seedlings and extension services in Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu. Trade & Investment Links: The UAE says it has signed 38 CEPA deals since 2021, with more agreements now in force—Kenya is among the partners. Procurement Professionalisation: CIPS opened a UK Kenya office in Nairobi to strengthen procurement standards across East Africa. Housing Cost Pressure: Research flags Nairobi rent taking up to 40% of household income, above the UN-recommended 30% threshold. Capital Markets Watch: Airtel Africa is considering a London listing priced in US dollars for its mobile money unit. Security & Justice: DCI recovered an M16 rifle in Isiolo tied to four murder investigations, pending forensic checks.

Tourism Boost: Kenya’s tourism revenue hit Sh564 billion in 2025/26 as visitor numbers surged to 7.91 million total activity, driven by better flight connectivity and the Magical Kenya push. Health & Consumer Safety: The Pharmacy and Poisons Board warned of falsified Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg), Batch T34197R, urging pharmacies to verify stock and quarantine suspected fakes. Food Security Watch: ICPAC flagged below-normal rainfall risk in western Kenya through September, raising concerns for farming, livestock and food prices if dry conditions persist. Finance & Insurance: Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) quadrupled half-year net profit to Sh124.6 million, citing higher gross written premiums and stronger capitalisation. Housing Finance: KMRC will host the 5th Kenya Affordable Housing Conference (Aug 20–21) focused on closing the financing gap to widen homeownership. Digital & Trade: KRA says iTax VAT filing issues are linked to network fluctuations, while an EAC trade fair in Mwanza (Aug 28–Sep 6) targets 600+ exhibitors. Agribusiness & Energy: KenGen Green Energy Park adds a $3.95m fish feed plant investor, Maxim Agri, aiming to cut feed costs and support aquaculture growth.

Internet & Telecom Policy: MPs are weighing a proposal for consumption-based internet billing, with industry warning it could mean higher costs for Kenyans after new metering and monitoring systems. Health & Consumer Safety: The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has warned of a falsified Postinor-2 (P2) batch T34197R in circulation, urging the public to avoid ineffective emergency contraceptive pills. Healthcare Capacity: Nurses and health stakeholders say staffing shortages are disrupting care in public hospitals, worsening queues and burnout. Agriculture & Food Security: Kenya plans to import maize from Comesa as drought threatens seed and harvest losses, while tea factories are told to reject low-quality leaf that fails the “two leaves and a bud” standard. Business & Finance: Absa is selling its 63.32% stake in First Assurance Kenya and Absa Life Assurance Kenya to First Assurance Investments, shifting ownership back to Kenyan investors while keeping bancassurance distribution via Absa Bank. Digital Economy & Jobs: MTN launched an AI-powered job board to match youth to roles and identify skills gaps, aiming to tackle Africa’s unemployment and digital skills mismatch. Governance & Integrity: EACC says it is boosting cross-border asset recovery training with Saudi Arabia’s anti-corruption authority. Transport & Infrastructure: Kenya Railways is dealing with a KCSE forgery case after an employee was arrested over an allegedly tampered certificate used for employment. Housing Finance: The Kenya Affordable Housing Conference opens Aug 20-21 in Naivasha, focusing on financing barriers to homeownership.

EAC Integration Push: Business leaders want faster EAC integration to unlock trade and investment, urging removal of non-tariff barriers, harmonised standards and lower logistics costs. Banking Leadership: Standard Bank CEO Sim Tshabalala says the lender will keep winning by focusing intensely on client needs and execution across corporate, commercial, personal and insurance units. Digital Transformation: Konza’s Technopolis Development Authority signs an AWS deal to boost cloud adoption, innovation and digital skills, positioning Konza as a regional tech hub. Health System Funding: Government sets aside Sh29bn for 13 new Level 5 referral hospitals to expand specialised care and support Universal Health Coverage. Cyber Café Rules: CA clarifies that new PCAC licensing rules require basic customer verification and limited session records, but not customers’ browsing histories. Agribusiness Tech: Kakuzi moves deeper into ag-tech with a dedicated digital transformation unit using AI and data analytics to support climate-smart farming. Household Finance: Britam launches KidNest, a children’s investment account starting from KSh1,000 to build long-term wealth early. Food Security Watch: Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe reassures Kenyans on food security despite drought, citing imports to cover maize gaps. Security & Politics: Jubilee fires back at President Ruto over renewed attacks on Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing the administration of scapegoating instead of focusing on delivery.

Climate & Disasters: Lake Baringo and other Rift Valley lakes are rising to levels unseen in decades, displacing tens of thousands and putting homes, livelihoods and even wildlife safety at risk. Policy & Governance: Economists and stakeholders are calling for Vision 2060 talks to be delayed until after the 2027 election to keep the process bipartisan and less politicised. Education Reform: Parliament is considering merging 32 teacher training colleges into one Kenya Teachers Training College under a new bill, shifting campuses under a single corporate body. Business & Regulation: Kenya’s new crypto rules are pressuring early-stage startups with steep paid-up capital deadlines, pushing some founders to consider relocating to markets like South Africa or Mauritius. Banking: KCB’s H1 results show profit growth and stronger balance sheet momentum, with interim dividends set for shareholders. Technology & Privacy: Meta smart glasses face fresh bans and legal scrutiny, raising new data-protection concerns for workplaces and customers. Jobs & Retail: Java House has advertised 150 roles for Kenyans, targeting KCSE C plain holders with relevant experience. Tourism: Nairobi gubernatorial hopeful Agnes Kagure urges a stronger tourism strategy, citing lessons from a Louvre visit. Regional Trade: Kenyan truckers are grounding cargo to the DRC over insecurity, threatening Northern Corridor flows from Mombasa. Travel Ease: VFS Global says Kenyan travellers on Emirates can apply online for a pre-approved 14-day UAE visit permit.

Vision 2060 Consultations: President William Ruto has kicked off a nationwide conversation on Kenya’s development beyond Vision 2030, gathering 5,000 delegates from all 47 counties at KICC to shape a long-term economic blueprint meant to outlast election cycles. IMF Talks: Kenya has revived discussions with the IMF for a new support programme, with CBK saying an IMF team is expected in Nairobi soon, potentially bringing tougher fiscal and reform conditions. Mombasa Port Efficiency: KRA and Kenya Ports Authority agreed to fast-track cargo clearance at Mombasa Port, including harmonised shifts and 24/7 gate operations, to ease congestion and support trade. Banking Results: Co-op Bank posted record H1 performance, with profit up 28% to Sh18b, driven by subsidiary revenue growth and an improving loan book. Regional Finance: KCB regained top spot as East Africa’s largest bank by assets, reporting stronger deposits, lending and profit growth. Tech & Privacy: A German rights group filed a criminal complaint against Meta over smart glasses privacy concerns, adding pressure to camera-enabled wearables. Road Safety Funding: NTSA told lawmakers it collects about Sh9–10b annually but can retain only a small portion, limiting its road safety interventions.

Standards & Trade: KEBS says it has cleared five Kenyan alcoholic brands temporarily suspended by Rwanda FDA after fresh lab tests, including Kenya King Gin, Safari Gin, Avalon and Sweet Berry Potable Spirits, and Gilbey’s Gin—showing Kenya’s export compliance push is holding. Energy & Costs: New fuel shipments have docked at Mombasa and Lamu ahead of EPRA’s Aug 14 price review, with Jet A1 and premium petrol arrivals likely to influence transport and business operating costs. Railways Court Case: A petition challenging Kenya Railways CEO Phillip Mainga’s tenure was withdrawn after court interim orders barred him from acting, leaving the dispute unresolved for now. Tax & Revenue: KRA Customs hit a record KSh 92.53bn in July, driven by non-oil revenue and tighter compliance and cargo controls. Long-Term Planning: President Ruto launched nationwide consultations for “Beyond Vision 2030,” while Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o urged Kenya to learn from Vision 2030 and plan beyond 2030 now. Agribusiness: Kenya Breweries opened applications for a sorghum contract farming programme with differentiated prices for commercial farmers, aggregators and smallholders. Politics & Governance: Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti called for dialogue with MCAs to end the county budget stalemate, while MPs raised concerns over possible revenue leakage on the Kampala–Entebbe toll system.

Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Kenya kept the Central Bank Rate at 8.75%, citing anchored inflation expectations and a stable shilling as oil-price and Middle East risks linger. Energy & Costs: Kenya Power warned that rising wind and solar on the grid is increasing the cost of keeping supply stable, forcing more standby generation when renewables dip. Roads & Transport: KeNHA called for a “second generation” approach to managing the Nairobi–Thika Superhighway, shifting focus from construction to safety, traffic flow and corridor integration. Public Finance: Treasury disclosed it borrowed Sh207.7bn for recurrent spending in the year to June, highlighting a breach of rules that require borrowing to fund development. Governance & Justice: The DCI rejected Rigathi Gachagua’s claims over criminal investigations, saying allegations are baseless and urging credible evidence. Business & Trade: Huawei pledged smart-grid and storage solutions to speed Kenya’s green transition, while KEBS moved to verify Kenyan alcohol brands after Rwanda temporarily suspended five products. Policy Dialogue: Ruto will lead the national dialogue on the proposed Vision 2060 plan, with Treasury stressing it is a constitutional public participation process.