AGP Executive Report

Pensions Showdown: Government rejects merging Kenya’s old DB civil service pension scheme with PSSS, warning the move could revive the fiscal pressures that drove reforms. Politics & 2027: Rigathi Gachagua accuses President Ruto of breaking promises, while MPs push for a UDA-ODM coalition push as the Naivasha retreat ends with a unified political directive. Power & Cost of Living: Kenya Power tightens new power purchase agreements to secure cheaper electricity, even as it warns grid strain from rising demand could force more generation and stability investments. El Niño Preparedness: National and county teams are urged to act now as 18 counties face high-risk El Niño impacts into early 2027. Accountability in Public Spending: MPs question Kenya Law Reform Commission over Sh2.1m unauthorised over-expenditure and missing budget reallocation approvals. Energy & Industry: Aliko Dangote demands Kenya protect his planned Ksh2.2 trillion Lamu refinery from cheap fuel “dumping,” tying success to policy and market stability. Sports Spotlight: Kiprono sets a new World U20 3,000m record and targets LA 2028; FEASSA rugby sevens and hockey finals set up big regional battles.

Central Banking Watch: The Central Bank of Kenya kept its lending rate at 8.75% for a third straight meeting, saying inflation is still within target as fuel costs and Middle East risks are watched closely. Energy & Cost of Living: Kenya Power says it wants more geothermal, hydro and imports to stabilise a grid increasingly reliant on solar and wind, which can drop suddenly. Politics & 2027: DCI dismissed Rigathi Gachagua’s claims of abductions and police brutality as baseless, while UDA faces fresh turbulence as Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe and Lamu Woman Rep Muthoni Marubu quit the party. Courts & Rights: A High Court ordered Sh105m set aside to compensate victims of enforced disappearances, torture and abductions, after complaints about how victims were verified. Local Safety: Lake Baringo communities say rising waters are pushing crocodiles and hippos closer to homes, turning daily chores into danger. Business & Tech: Kenya Airways completed its first in-house Boeing 787 landing gear replacement, boosting its MRO push. Health & Industry: Bio Usawa and Kenya BioVax announced a partnership to strengthen Kenya’s biologics manufacturing and access to affordable medicines.

Election Integrity & Planning: The ODPP has set up a special division to prosecute election offences ahead of the 2027 polls, targeting violence, hate speech, intimidation and cybercrime. IEBC Readiness: IEBC opened tenders for KIEMS kits, ballot papers and voter registers, as it gears up for a projected 28.5 million voters. Political Strategy: Ruto and ODM Oburu Oginga are reported to be working on a joint 2027 campaign manifesto, with talk of a formal alliance. Transport & Roads: KeNHA has started a PPP process to bring a private operator for the Nairobi–Mombasa Road, while KURA is pushing Nairobi’s Ksh10B smart traffic project into Phase II with CCTVs and e-police units. Public Services & Cost of Living: Nairobi County staff face July salary delays over budget upload approval; NTSA warns vehicle owners to collect physical logbooks soon or risk disposal. Energy & Climate: REREC plans to commission 120 solar mini-grids under the KOSAP project, and Kenya Met flags a very strong El Niño with heavy rains likely. Health & Safety: A court froze new gambling and casino licence fee hikes, and scientists warn climate change could shift malaria into new highland areas. Sports: Kenya’s U20 team finished top in Africa and second globally at the World Under-20 Championships in Eugene.

Coalition Politics: President William Ruto confirmed Kenya Kwanza and ODM have agreed to form a coalition for the 2027 General Election, with a 10-member team tasked to draft a joint manifesto and power-sharing framework. Election Spending: IEBC figures show campaign spending ceilings shifting for 2027, with party and constituency limits rising while some top posts drop. Public Order Ahead of Polls: IPOA urged a move to preventive policing to stop political violence early, calling for intelligence-led patrols and stronger community engagement. Infrastructure & Jobs: Ruto said the National Infrastructure Fund is already financing the JKIA redevelopment, alongside plans to expand road building. Finance Watch: Central Bank data shows gross non-performing loans fell 3.3% to Sh674.3bn in 2025, though bad loans remain a concern. Housing Debate: Nairobi’s Kibera redevelopment for affordable housing is underway, but critics question affordability and levy fairness. Weather: Kenya Met forecast rainfall in 12 counties over the next 24 hours. Health & Youth: NYOTA mentorship sessions begin for 122,000 business beneficiaries, while a free medical camp in Kakamega brought services closer to residents. International: A South Sudan graft whistleblower abducted in Kenya was released after two months; Tanzania’s Tundu Lissu treason trial resumed.

Road Safety Crackdown: An editorial backs NTSA and police for enforcing footbridge rules, but warns enforcement must be even-handed so matatus and boda boda riders also face the same scrutiny. Mobile Money Security: KARIUKI flags that Kenya’s SIM is now a banking credential as fraud and digital financial services complaints to the regulator jump sharply, urging tighter oversight. Nairobi Office Vacancy Puzzle: A business analysis says high rents alongside “To Let” signs point to a mismatch between outdated office designs and today’s need for flexible, smaller, better-located spaces. AI for Productivity: ONDITI argues Kenya should embrace AI to close productivity gaps, especially for SMEs still stuck in manual processes. Education Upgrade: M-Pesa Foundation and the Ministry of Education back a Sh52m modernisation of Nyaribo Primary School in Nyeri, adding science and computer labs. Port of Mombasa Efficiency: KRA and KPA vow coordinated reforms and digital transformation to speed cargo clearance while protecting revenue. Sports—Kenya on the Move: Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards step up preparations with regional friendlies and Kagame Cup lessons, while Cheptoo wins bronze in the U20 steeplechase and JOGA and Nyakach chase FEASSA glory in Tanzania. Politics—2027 Strategy: Ruto and ODM leaders hold Naivasha retreats to counter opposition momentum, as Gachagua’s Mt Kenya political plans and possible Ruto-Gachagua talks keep dominating headlines.

Aviation & Trade: Eldoret is set for a new international flight link to Jeddah via Nairobi after KCAA approved fresh air service licences, with cargo, passenger and aerial work routes also getting the green light. Politics & Unity: DP Kithure Kindiki urged Mt Kenya leaders to stay united and avoid 2027 politics turning into division or violence. Weather Watch: Kenya Met issued a 24-hour forecast for 47 counties, warning of thunderstorms and light showers in parts of the country. Public Health & Work: Workplace lactation rooms are helping mothers sustain exclusive breastfeeding, with Nakuru Level Five Hospital highlighted as a model. Crime & Security: Police in Busia seized 780.95kg of cannabis worth about KSh 23.4m and arrested three suspects; in Nakuru, seven suspected gang members were arrested at Githioro Market with crude weapons recovered. Justice & Accountability: KNH clarified that a bullet recovered from a Gikomba shooting victim was retained as part of medical and evidentiary records. Sports: Kenya’s Junior Sables beat Zimbabwe 35-23 to reach the Barthes Trophy final, setting up a third-place play-off for Zimbabwe. Politics & Allegations: Rigathi Gachagua renewed claims about the alleged Nairobi Sierra police unit being dismantled and officers at risk.

Election Finance Watch: IEBC has gazetted new 2027 campaign spending rules, setting the presidential campaign ceiling at KSh6.11 billion and rolling out limits across party and constituency races. Security & Accountability: Investigators say police officers were involved in the assassination of Dr Victoria Mutiso, renewing calls to expose “killer cops” fast and protect the public trust in law enforcement. Politics & 2027 Campaigns: ODM-UDA leaders are strategising for the next election, with fresh coalition talks and running-mate tensions bubbling as Western Kenya becomes a key battleground. Vision 2060 Debate: Commentaries argue Vision 2060 must not repeat past broken promises, stressing disciplined implementation over launch speeches. Governance & Productivity: A push to make productivity a culture in government targets higher compliance with constitutional values by 2028. Sports: Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana appointment is approved in principle, but talks continue over personal terms as qualifiers loom. Weather: Kenya Met forecasts showers in 27 counties with cold spells in parts of central Kenya, including Nyandarua.

Election Court Ruling: Malindi High Court says Kenya’s next presidential vote should be held in August 2026 (not 2027), though the order is suspended for now, keeping IEBC preparations on track. Politics & Unity: Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i urged leaders to cool down rhetoric and focus on cost of living, jobs, insecurity and education ahead of 2027. Public Service Pay: A court declined to halt the new civil servants’ salary structure, dismissing a union bid to stop implementation pending bargaining. Tech & Business: TekEasy launched Kenya’s first one-stop tech centre in Nairobi, betting on convenience as families go more digital. Data Protection: ODPC found Bar Next Door liable for unsolicited marketing SMS sent without consent, with plans to push the fight further. Health & Safety: Nairobi County plans to dispose of 475 unclaimed bodies as morgues stay congested. Sports: Pitso Mosimane is set to succeed Hugo Broos as South Africa coach, pending final contract details. Culture & Diplomacy: Kenya and China launched Season Two of “Sing for Africa” to deepen people-to-people ties through music.

Elephant Poisoning Row: Farmers near Amboseli dispute claims that cyanide-tainted tomatoes killed 15 elephants, as investigations continue and fears grow over expanding farming and human-wildlife conflict. University Governance: Egerton University students and staff clash over a proposed extension of Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kibwage’s term, renewing debate on leadership tenure. Fuel Prices Watch: International oil prices fell ahead of EPRA’s next fuel price review, raising hopes of lower pump prices for Kenyans. Clean Transport Push: UNEP and the Northern Corridor partner to roll out greener freight transport plans, aiming to cut logistics costs and emissions across the Mombasa-linked trade route. Higher Education Funding Debate: Commentaries warn Kenya’s shift toward more loans could turn university into a debt trap, urging safeguards so no student is locked out by poverty. Food Security & Climate: The Environment Ministry rolls out climate-smart farming support ahead of El Niño rains, while humanitarian groups call for moving from emergency food aid to long-term resilience. Lamu Refinery Plan: Aliko Dangote says construction of the Lamu oil refinery will start by October, targeting major regional energy supply. Poultry Health: Farmers are urged to stick to vaccination schedules to protect birds and boost productivity. Sports: Kenya’s Junior Sables’ dream ends in Kampala after a 35-23 loss to Zimbabwe, while Kenya’s U20 track campaign continues in Eugene.

Police & Justice: A protest reparations panel has approved Sh25.75m for 49 police officers, alongside payments to civilians hurt in the June 17–July 7, 2025 unrest, with IPOA recording 65 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Crime Update: In the Citadel cadet slaying case, Florida police have arrested the father of a 17-year-old suspect and charged him with felony accessory after the fact. Elections & Politics: Court timing disputes continue to ripple as FORD-Asili demands a snap general election within 90 days after a ruling it says fixes the date at August 11, 2026. Security Reform: President Ruto has ordered government agencies to stop using “watchman” and “guard” for private security staff, replacing them with “Private Security Officers” and promising career and training reforms. Wildlife & Food Safety: KWS says it has intensified surveillance after 16 elephants died in Amboseli, with preliminary lab work pointing to possible cyanide poisoning; farmers deny involvement. Trade & Ports: KRA and KPA unveiled plans to speed cargo clearance at Mombasa using a new digital cargo system, including Advanced Cargo Declaration and a Smart Gate pilot. Health Policy: Kenya has clarified a mandatory travel health insurance rule for non-citizens staying under 12 months, tied to Gazette Notice requirements. Regional & Global: The US announced a grant to preserve Nairobi’s August 7 Memorial Park, while CAF backed Infantino after FIFA’s apology over the FIFA Forward Enterprise process.

WAFCON 2026: Eight teams are out after Morocco’s tournament stage inched to the quarter-finals—Mali, Zambia, Cape Verde, Senegal, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt and Burkina Faso were eliminated, setting up clashes where Cameroon meets Nigeria and Ghana takes on Malawi. Environment & Water: Parliament’s Environment Committee will launch a nationwide inquiry into rising levels of lakes and dams, after concerns that Baringo’s lakes are disrupting communities, schools, farming and tourism. Agriculture & Food Security: MPs begin scrutiny of a Maize Bill that would create a dedicated Maize Board, research institute and development fund, while also shifting maize functions from existing laws. Economy & Shocks: Kenya is seeking a World Bank emergency buffer of about Sh58bn via an undisbursed-loan mechanism to cushion El Niño and Middle East-driven fuel risks. Transport & Cost of Living: Digital taxi operators warn proposed minimum fare rules could cut the sector’s activity by up to 40%, potentially wiping about Sh20bn from the economy. Sports: Kenya’s U20 stars made a strong start in Eugene, with Frankline Kibet winning the 5,000m and Mercy Chepng’eno targeting steeplechase gold. Safety & Justice: Chief Justice Koome urged urgent action against SGBV in Bungoma as reported cases rise.

Banking Expansion: Standard Bank’s Kenya unit says it will double its retail footprint by 2029, adding outlets and agent banking to win more small enterprises and mass-market customers. Health Tech Push: Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) rollout is driving multimillion-shilling upgrades in hospitals, from electronic records to diagnostics, as facilities adapt to faster, data-linked reimbursements. Security Crackdown: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen orders swift arrests of criminals impersonating security officers, warning that fake uniforms are being used to cause chaos at political events. Politics in Mt Kenya: Rigathi Gachagua proposes a “Hyena Coalition” for 2027, while Kindiki tells DCP and other Mt Kenya leaders to “come back home.” HIV Prevention Shock: Kenya faces wider HIV prevention strain after USAID-funded PrEP programmes were halted, leaving key groups without access for nearly 19 months. Road Safety Law: A bill could shift transport accident investigations away from NTSA to a new independent board. Weather & Safety: Kenya Met forecasts mixed conditions with rain in parts of western and coastal counties; residents in Ongata Rongai are warned after a dead hyena was found roadside. Sports: CAF Champions League draw sets Gor Mahia vs Pyramids FC; Kakamega School’s Green Commandos reclaim KSSSA boys’ football title.

World U20 Athletics: Kenya’s Josephine Sembeyo and Caren Chepchirchir have qualified for the women’s 1,500m semi-finals in Eugene, Oregon, after strong national trials, with Sembeyo targeting a podium finish. KSSSA Sports: Kakamega High and St Mary’s Yala set up a boys’ football final after semi-final wins, while Butula Boys reclaimed the KSSSA Rugby Sevens crown, beating Cardinal Otunga 26-0, and Kinale Girls made history in the girls’ rugby 7s. Banking Fraud Case: The DPP has charged CEOs of NCBA, KCB and Co-operative Bank over alleged failure to report suspicious transactions tied to a €2.8m theft probe, with court appearances set for August 11. Opposition Tensions: Cracks in the Opposition deepen as Peter Munya accuses Rigathi Gachagua of bullying and dictatorial tendencies. Health & Justice: A witness in the Shakahola case told court that followers celebrated deaths as “entering heaven.” Business & Finance: NCBA announced a Sh6.18b interim dividend as it pushes an AI-enabled property ecosystem, PropertyDuk. Labour Dispute: Striking nurses and allied health workers in North Rift threaten to extend action to private hospitals if county demands are ignored.

Health Emergency: Ruto launched the SHA 922 Lifeline and National Ambulance Dispatch Centre in Nairobi, creating one national emergency number to connect callers to ambulances, the nearest facility and the first 24 hours of treatment. Education & Land: The Lands CS told the Senate the government is speeding title deeds and surveys to protect public schools from land grabbing, including cases like Martin Luther Primary. Parliament Watch: MPs began a consultative review of four education reform Bills on student funding, including a push to merge HELB, Universities Fund Board and TVET Funding into one TEFA. Elections & Rights: Edwin Sifuna urged changes so police and security officers deployed during elections can vote by secret ballot without intimidation. Transport Costs: Senators rejected plans to toll the Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway, arguing it would be double taxation on top of the fuel levy. Justice & Police Accountability: IPOA took over investigations into the death of 19-year-old Erick Otieno after a post-mortem cited internal bleeding. Labour Dispute: Tharaka Nithi nurses resumed duty after a court order, even as the wider strike continues. Business & Energy: Kenya’s coffee auction hit Sh994m; and Kindiki called for long-term vision to drive Africa’s economic transformation at Africa50/Infra for Africa in Dar es Salaam.

Affordable Housing Systems: Kenya’s housing push is not just about building units; it hinges on financing, land administration and governance, with 277,000 affordable homes under construction and digitised land records like Ardhisasa helping cut fraud. Conservation Under Pressure: The Kaptagat Forest fence debate is heating up, but conservation groups warn it must not erase years of restoration work and the wider ecological value of the landscape. National Dialogue Beyond Vision 2030: President Ruto’s Aug 12 “futuristic” national conversation is framed as a roadmap for Kenya’s next development chapter, with lessons drawn from China’s Five-Year Plans. Wildlife and Public Health: Fifteen elephants in Amboseli are suspected to have died from cyanide-tainted tomatoes, raising fears of pesticide contamination and renewed calls for independent probes. Urban Planning: Counties have launched an urban expansion planning programme to protect land for roads and services early, aiming to curb informal sprawl and traffic chaos. Politics and Hate Speech: Eldas MP Aden Keynan backs reforms to strengthen the fight against hate speech, with tougher penalties and better coordination for NCIC and prosecutors. Sports Spotlight: Louis Khawel targets a historic World U20 100m breakthrough in Eugene, while KSSSA football semi-finals shape up after Takaba’s fairytale run. Road Safety: NTSA is urged to act decisively on recurring fatal crash hotspots, with stronger signage, engineering fixes and enforcement.

Carbon Markets: Kenya unveiled a detailed carbon trading rule book, setting a 10 million metric ton CO2e cap for overseas carbon credit sales up to 2030, with annual allocations capped at 1.67 million metric tons to protect its climate commitments. Sports—AFCON Qualifiers: French coach Hervé Renard returns for a second spell as Ivory Coast boss, replacing Emerse Fae, with the Ivorians set to start 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Ghana. WAFCON: Burkina Faso go into their clash with South Africa aiming to “write footballing history,” needing at least a point to reach the last eight. Aviation Disruptions: Kenya Airways cancelled its Cape Town–Nairobi return flight after a tyre burst on landing; Cape Town’s main runway was also temporarily closed, diverting flights. Water & Jobs: Government launched public participation on diverting surplus Lake Baringo water for irrigation, targeting 100,000 jobs and 100,000 irrigated acres while protecting nearby lakes. Road Safety Fines: Motorists complain NTSA speed cameras are issuing penalties without enough warning or clear signage, sparking calls for transparency and review. Governance: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen says village elders have been formally integrated into national administration, backed by a new legal framework. Politics: Mt Kenya leaders reject calls to dissolve parties and join DCP, warning against coercion in coalition politics.