AGP Executive Report

Dangote Refinery Push: The Port of Lamu received the first heavy machinery cargo—2,930 tonnes—moving Kenya’s Sh2.2tn Dangote East Africa Refinery closer to next week’s groundbreaking, with the project set to process 700,000 barrels per day and boost regional energy and logistics. Weather Watch: Kenya Met issued a 24-hour forecast with light-to-moderate rains in parts of the coast and west, plus strong winds over northern counties. Sports—AFCON Qualifiers: Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana began their 2027 AFCON campaign with a 2-1 win over Guinea, while Eritrea held Kenya to a 1-1 draw in the same Group D race. Local Governance: Busia’s minister Balaam Barugahara ordered the closure of Yalelo Fish shop over traders’ complaints of illegal operations and lack of proper licensing. Education & Labour: Teachers will take part in a nationwide run as TSC marks 60 years, while KUSU issued a seven-day strike notice over delayed CBA. Environment & Planning: NEMA opened public review for a proposed 10,000-seat Nairobi Railway City indoor arena, inviting comments before a decision is made. Politics & Public Life: COTU boss Francis Atwoli fired back at Rigathi Gachagua over criticism of his TV appearances.

Payments Shake-Up: Kenswitch is expanding into a domestic card scheme, giving banks a local alternative to Visa and Mastercard as Kenya’s card use and POS spending keep rising. Oil Milestone: A South Lokichar commercial drilling rig has arrived in Mombasa, with Gulf Energy targeting first oil in December 2026. Energy Rules: EPRA has introduced a dumping surcharge for homes and businesses that export excess solar power into the KPLC grid without an approved net-metering deal. Digital Credit Boom: CBK says regulated digital lenders nearly doubled their loan book to Sh110.1bn in 2025, with more borrowers using mobile channels. UN Security Council Reform: President Ruto told the UN General Assembly that equality ends at the Security Council doors, pushing for Africa’s permanent voice. Politics & Trust: Uhuru’s renewed claims that Raila won 2022 have reopened old election disputes, with calls for scrutiny. Sports & Health: NOC-K urges stronger athlete health systems as Kenya targets sustainable sporting success. Crime: A woman was arrested at JKIA with cocaine worth about Sh13.53m. Dangote Power Plan: Dangote says the Lamu refinery will generate electricity and sell 500MW to Kenya.

Gender-Based Violence: A man in Mombasa, Richard Matiko, surrendered to police after allegedly killing his wife and child in Shauri Yako, with police saying the bodies were dumped in a pit latrine following a domestic dispute. Devolution Under Fire: Nairobi MCAs led by Esther Waithera Chege accused Governor Johnson Sakaja of failing to deliver devolved services fairly, arguing some projects were left to the national government. Floods and Infrastructure: KeNHA is again in the spotlight after floods and gully erosion in Lanet, Nakuru, damaged homes and livestock, with residents blaming incomplete drainage works linked to the highway. Youth Voice to Policy: A survey across Kenya and other African countries finds young people are confident speaking up, but many struggle to turn concerns into sustained advocacy that reaches decision-makers. Oil and Jobs: An oil drilling rig has arrived in Mombasa for Kenya’s first commercial drilling in Turkana, targeting first oil in December 2026. Climate Security: Britain, the EU and Kenya warned at the UN that climate change and environmental damage are increasingly tied to instability, displacement and resource conflicts. Digital Finance: Absa launched “Absa Next,” letting customers bring accounts from other banks into one app, intensifying competition in Kenya’s digital banking space.

Crime & Justice: A man from Kipkelion West faces a long jail term after police say he was found with a missing Grade 10 girl in his house; the child was rescued and taken for medical checks. Public Safety: Parklands detectives arrested two suspects after recovering a stolen KenGen HP laptop and iPad, following a theft reported earlier this month. Tax & Housing: KRA says landlords living abroad must follow new Finance Act 2026 rental tax rules, paying 30% of gross rent for non-residents, with deadlines and withholding rules for agents. Corruption Watch: EACC secured orders to forfeit KSh426.85m in unexplained assets from former Kilifi Principal Land Registrar Felix Mecha Nyakundi, his wife and linked firms. Health & Rights: UNAIDS boss Winnie Byanyima defends meeting President Ruto at UNGA, while renewing calls over the detention of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye. Weather: Kenya Met issued a five-day forecast (Sept 26–30) with light to moderate rains expected across parts of the Coast, Rift Valley, Western and Nairobi. Sports: Harambee Stars camp turbulence grows as players protest unpaid allowances and work-permit issues for coach Benni McCarthy; in AFCON qualifiers, Côte d’Ivoire beat Ghana 2-0 with Yalcouyé scoring. Regional Economy: EAC trade hit $52.3bn in Q2 2026, with Kenya staying the bloc’s biggest hub. Human Interest: A Kajiado student who scored B+ at KCSE is now selling water after sponsorship ended, leaving his medicine dream on hold.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Nigeria’s Super Eagles open their campaign against Madagascar in Uyo, with players promising a winning start as the race for a tournament hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania begins. Wildlife Rescue: A young elephant was pulled to safety after getting trapped overnight in a drying waterpan near Mount Kenya, with rescuers using ropes instead of sedation to avoid further risk. Drug Crackdown: Kenya destroyed over 1,000kg of crystal meth worth about $63m, warning traffickers they will be pursued beyond seizures to target money, property and networks. Economy & Aid: Kenya’s cash outflows fell by Sh25bn after US NGO cuts, with CBK data showing remittance outflows dropping sharply in 2025. Politics & Credibility: Defence CS Soipan Tuya and governors hit back at Uhuru Kenyatta’s 2022 election remarks, saying they risk undermining IEBC credibility. UNGA & Digital Agenda: African leaders, including Kenya, pushed AI and digital transformation at the UN, arguing for sovereignty and better public services. Business & Markets: Quickmart’s planned NSE listing signals dividends for investors, targeting payouts of at least 80% of net profit. Sports & Welfare: Kenya’s Sports ministry says it has settled some Harambee Stars allowances and is processing outstanding payments ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

UN & Ukraine: Zelenskyy told the UN General Assembly that Russia is using citizens from 47 countries in the war, naming Kenya among others, and urged leaders not to let Putin “drag” their people into fighting. Sports (Kenya): President Ruto attended the WNBA game in Brooklyn to support Kenyan-born Madina Okot as Atlanta Dream beat New York 83-65, with Ruto and First Lady Rachel sharing moments with the star. AFCON 2027 (Ghana): Ghana’s Kurt Okraku urged fans to stay positive ahead of their AFCON qualifier opener against Ivory Coast, despite key player withdrawals. Local security: Limuru residents report a spike in night-time thefts targeting water meters, taps and livestock, with suspected gangs stripping homes and causing flooding. Banking & money: CBK says regulatory breaches by banks jumped 318% to 35 lenders, while another report shows bank deposit accounts fell sharply as Kenyans shift savings to mobile money. Economy & business: Quickmart eyes an NSE listing after turnover crossed Sh50bn, and Kenya Airways is overhauling its booking system with a new Sabre platform.

Central Banking: CBK has fined a record 33 commercial banks for loan rate breaches after inspections found lenders failed to cut rates in line with the Central Bank Rate, keeping borrowing costly for households and businesses. Digital Credit: Average digital loans rose to Sh16,341 in December 2025 as more Kenyans borrow for food and school fees, with total digital lending nearly doubling to Sh110.1bn. Livestock & Exports: Kenya is pushing livestock into a major export industry, including handing over the Bachuma National Livestock Quarantine Centre to a private investor to boost quarantine, inspection and certification for international markets. Clean Cooking: Ruto says Kenya will host Africa’s Clean Cooking Summit in January 2027, targeting concrete policy, financing and projects to expand access to clean cooking. UNGA Spotlight: Ruto was seen rehearsing and preparing his UNGA national statement in New York as Kenya takes its global agenda forward. Road Safety: Bolt and the Kenya Red Cross trained 500 boda riders in first aid and emergency response, aiming to cut crash deaths and injuries. Tax Enforcement: KRA seized 53,000 under-declared smartphones at Eldoret Airport, flagging potential tax loss of Sh21.5m. Local Politics: IEBC set the Migwani Ward MCA by-election for November 17.

UNGA81 Diplomacy: President William Ruto is set to address the UN General Assembly today, pushing for reform of the UN and the global financial system and highlighting Africa’s need for fairer representation and lower borrowing costs. Global AI Governance: UN chief António Guterres welcomed a new push for “control of frontier AI models,” backing international standards and verification as risks to safety grow. Education Reform: Parliament’s Education committee is holding public participation forums on six education reform bills in Kiambu, Nakuru, Murang’a and Baringo, including changes to placement, funding, assessments, teacher training and curriculum. Cost of Living: Kenya is likely to see higher cooking gas prices next month as global propane and butane costs rise. Security & Justice: The High Court postponed plea-taking in the Dr Victoria Mutiso murder case after two accused refused virtual appearance; police also recovered 120 smartphones and laptops in a Makadara raid. Transport Safety: A Dreamline bus crashed into a trailer on the Nairobi–Mombasa highway, injuring passengers and trapping at least one person. Business & Regional Trade: Thunes expanded cross-border remittances with J.P. Morgan Payments, routing transfers to bank accounts and mobile wallets across 100+ corridors.

Food Security & Trade: A USDA Food for Peace shipment has unloaded at the Port of Mombasa nearly 20,000 metric tons of hard red winter wheat and 30,000 metric tons of rice for delivery to Kenya’s refugee camps. Energy & Industry: Engineers India has won a $450m role in Aliko Dangote’s planned 700,000-bpd Kenya refinery in Lamu, as the wider project targets stronger East African fuel production and energy security. Finance & Regulation: The government is pushing a National Payment System Bill that would force banks and mobile money platforms like M-Pesa to share customer data with licensed third parties under open finance rules. Health Governance: The State has ordered an inquiry into NHIF Sacco’s finances and governance after concerns over its cash position and membership disruption following the shift to SHA. Power & Housing: Kenya Power says it cut finance costs after settling its last Standard Chartered loan instalment, while mortgage lending hit a decade high as rates fell and banks offered larger, longer loans. Weather Watch: Kenya Met warns of enhanced rainfall in Kakamega, Bungoma, Kisumu and Vihiga, with strong winds expected across parts of the country.

Postal Digital Push: Posta Kenya is set to reinvent itself as a digital payments, e-commerce and logistics powerhouse, with CEO John Kipyegon Tonui pointing to declining traditional mail revenue and faster growth from couriers and digital services. Urban Safety Under Scrutiny: A four-storey building collapse in Mamboleo, Kisumu, left eight injured and has raised fresh questions about whether repeated safety warnings were enforced. School Fire Response: Fire gutted a dormitory at Hill School Girls in Eldoret, affecting about 340 Form Three and Four students; authorities say all students were safe and investigations are ongoing. Rights and Rules Debate: A Nairobi-based commentary argues international law is applied unevenly, calling out selective enforcement when powerful states are involved. Global Diplomacy: UNGA sidelines saw India’s Jaishankar push for multilateral “guardrails” on fuel and food supplies, while Kenya is among partners backing UN reform efforts. Sports Spotlight: Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich broke the women-only half marathon world record in Copenhagen, and Kenya also named 16 open-water swimmers for Zone III in Kampala.

Dangote IPO Warning: Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority has cautioned investors over the Dangote Petroleum Refinery IPO, saying the offer hasn’t been submitted for approval under Kenya’s rules, even as President William Ruto pushes the Lamu refinery plan. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky says cybercriminals are using torrent trackers disguised as popular films like The Odyssey to spread a new multi-stage malware campaign, with victims including Kenya. Wildlife & Safety: Ten lions were found dead in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area in a suspected poisoning case, raising fears of deliberate harm. Housing & Cities: UN-Habitat and housing experts meeting in Nairobi urged integrated national housing policies that link land, finance, urban planning and social needs. Energy & Transport: EPRA has adjusted EV charging tariffs, removing a hard monthly cap to make charging costs more predictable. Finance & Payments: KCB is set to buy a 22.23% stake in Pesapal as banks deepen fintech bets. Mobile Money Trend: Kenya’s mobile money subscriptions hit 54m, but registered agents fell by 5.6%. Sports: FKF says Kenya’s Premier League kickoff was delayed by conflicting court orders.

Security & Terror: Suspected al-Shabaab probed KDF teams in Garissa and Lamu with RPG attacks, with no casualties reported as troops combed areas. Crime & Justice: EACC secured an eight-month jail term for a former IEBC officer over a fake university degree used for promotion. Public Safety: Kenya Ports Authority is investigating an RTG crane incident at Mombasa port; no fatalities, but the RTG operator suffered minor injuries. Health & Society: Kenya Women Senators Association wants investigations after reports that 36 students at Bakisa Secondary School in Webuye became pregnant. Land & Services: ArdhiSasa users reported limited access after a system outage, affecting land searches and transactions. Agriculture & Exports: KTDA began distributing fertiliser to tea factories after 99,000 metric tonnes arrived in Mombasa; Agriculture CS says livestock traceability is key for market access. Innovation for Farmers: A Kenyan coffee estate won Rainforest Alliance regenerative agriculture certification, aiming for higher-value global buyers. Infrastructure & Risk: Nairobi rolled out a Sh2.4bn El Niño flood-mitigation plan as rains loom. Sports & Politics: COTU’s Atwoli dismissed Edwin Sifuna’s 2027 presidential readiness while Bomas contract documents remain a Senate flashpoint.

Telco Jobs & Digital Push: Kenya’s mobile operators added 3,672 jobs in the year to June 2026, lifting workforce to 11,660 as demand for mobile data and digital financial services grows. Internet Growth: Fixed internet subscriptions rose 32.4% year-on-year, with fibre leading and radio and LEO satellite services surging as operators expand connectivity. Banking Rules: The Central Bank proposes tighter dividend controls for banks with lower capital buffers, forcing weaker lenders to retain more earnings to manage risk. Fuel Deal Debate: Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi defended the G-to-G fuel import arrangement, saying it was adopted during a US dollar crunch to protect supply. Politics & 2027: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged Eugene Wamalwa to quit the opposition and join Kenya Kwanza, while Wajir’s Dahiye campaign is drawing attention for direct village-by-village mobilisation. Nairobi Projects: Bomas International Convention Centre is reported only 38% complete by June 2026, raising completion concerns. Sports & Health: Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich set a women-only half-marathon world record in Copenhagen; meanwhile, KNCHR warned of rising threats to life and political participation amid killings and border violence. Business & Courts: A Bidco executive testified in a forex fraud case seeking recovery of over Sh102 million.

Politics & Security: Protesters plan to march to the President’s Office over the reported abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, as fresh claims in his treason trial allege Kenyan police planted pistols and fake currency. Devolution: The Senate will hold “Senate Mashinani” in Kilifi next week, taking plenary and committee work to residents on healthcare, land, insecurity, electricity, roads and stalled projects. Mt Kenya Power Play: Rigathi Gachagua says “gods of Mt Kenya” rejected DP Kithure Kindiki’s coronation after his headgear fell during a elders’ gathering. Healthcare Costs: Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council fee disputes and rising research permit charges are spotlighted as affordability pressures grow for patients and students. Regional Integration: EAC regulators move toward common insurance supervision rules, while the EAC launches a circular economy platform to attract investment as waste generation surges. Energy & Industry: Ruto heads to New York to push the Ksh2.2trn Lamu refinery with Dangote; the U.S. questions Kenya’s coal financing. Wildlife: Ten lions die in suspected poisoning in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro, with investigations ongoing. Sports: Kenya’s hosting of the 2029 World Athletics Championships faces renewed scrutiny over doping concerns as the debate heats up.

UNGA Push: President William Ruto has flown to New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, pitching Kenya’s KSh 2.2 trillion Lamu refinery and an AI investment agenda, and seeking partnerships across energy, infrastructure, health, agriculture and technology. Energy & Infrastructure: Kenya Power has scheduled power outages in parts of Nairobi, Laikipia and Garissa on Sunday, while the government also faces fresh regional scrutiny after Museveni rejected lake-based fuel transport on Lake Victoria, putting a Shs393bn logistics project in limbo. Elections 2027: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen says security will be in place before, during and after next year’s General Election, warning politicians against incitement and violence. Football Crisis: FKF postponed the 2026/27 Premier League start after court orders, raising fresh uncertainty for clubs and fans ahead of continental and national team commitments. Weather Watch: Kenya Met issued a 24-hour forecast for rain in 22 counties, with the coast expected to get the heaviest showers. Sports Spotlight: CAF president Patrice Motsepe urged Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to accelerate preparations for AFCON 2027, insisting there should be no postponement. Child Protection: Police in Bungoma are investigating after 36 girls at Bakisa Senior School became pregnant, with authorities saying adults may be involved.

Major Infrastructure Push: Kenya is in talks with China to move the Nairobi Northern Bypass dualling and other priority projects from planning into implementation, with upgrades expected to include interchanges, walkways and drainage. Sports & Events: Nairobi is set for a new 10,000-seater indoor arena worth about KSh38.2 billion, part of a wider railway-city entertainment hub. AFCON 2027 Confidence: CAF president Patrice Motsepe says Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will deliver AFCON 2027 despite remaining gaps, urging faster preparations. Economy & Currency: The shilling edged down as forex reserves fell by about KSh21 billion to keep cover at 6.1 months. Health Insurance & Regulation: Jubilee Health Insurance won Best Digital Insurance Provider at the Kenya E-Commerce Awards, while East African regulators agreed to standardise insurance supervision. Public Services: Healthcare providers have 12 days to sign new SHA contracts, and Kenya Power scheduled outages in parts of Nairobi and two other counties. Safety & Tragedy: A student pilot and instructor died in a training crash near wind turbines in Kajiado, while a Samburu helicopter crash killed all seven after striking a rock. Politics & Media: Citizen TV journalist Trevor Ombija alleges Gachagua sought his dismissal after a clash, and IEBC transferred over 20 senior county election officials ahead of 2027.