AGP Executive Report

Ebola Watch: Africa CDC says Kenya is among 10 countries at high risk as Ebola outbreaks continue in DRC and Uganda, warning that delayed detection and symptom confusion could worsen spread. Coastal Restoration: Equity Bank-backed community teams planted 20,000 mangrove seedlings in Tudor Creek to cut erosion and boost coastal resilience. Security Crackdown: DCI arrested a terror suspect on the Garissa–Dadaab Road and recovered an IED, plus jungle gear and phones. Finance & Credit: Kenya’s lenders were urged to adopt AI and modern credit scoring as CRB-linked credit profiles expand beyond “blacklisting.” AI & Industry Push: The World Bank says the Iran war is driving 27 countries to seek crisis funding, while Kenya’s financial sector is being pushed to modernize for the next wave of AI-driven credit. Transport & Trade: Kenya and Uganda railways reaffirmed plans to strengthen regional freight connectivity. Waste Management: Zoomlion Kenya says it has started clearing Nairobi’s illegal dumpsites and is upgrading Dandora operations.

Fuel Crisis Fallout: Kenya’s nationwide transport strike has been called off after talks with President William Ruto in Mombasa and a further diesel cut for June–July, easing pressure on commuters and businesses that had been paralysed and even forced universities to postpone exams. Political Friction: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki pushed back on claims he was absent during the negotiations, saying he chaired internal meetings before the transport talks—while ODM MP Mishi Mboko sparked backlash with comments on how “Ruto’s kazi” has made it easier for women to find husbands. Energy & Cost of Living: Ruto reiterated that fuel taxes won’t be scrapped, arguing the state is cushioning Kenyans with VAT cuts and price stabilisation spending. Digital Divide: A new drive highlights a huge ICT gap in public schools, warning that AI-ready skills are being locked out for rural learners. Health Security: Kenya has heightened Ebola preparedness amid regional outbreak concerns, including intensified screening and lab testing. Regional Trade: A World Bank document says 27 countries are seeking rapid crisis funding instruments after the Iran-war shock.

Fuel Crisis Aftermath: President Ruto says fuel prices will hold steady for now, but EPRA will cut diesel by Sh10 in the June/July cycle, with the government pointing to billions spent on tax relief and stabilisation to cushion Kenyans from the global shock. Transport & Rights: Human rights groups report at least four deaths and 30+ injuries tied to protests and a nationwide transport strike over fuel hikes, while the government warns against politicising the crisis. Judicial Accountability: The Judiciary will start publishing individual judges’ performance data, aiming to boost public trust without undermining independence. Energy Access: Ruto flagged off a Sh616m Lamu electrification push to connect 1,667 families, part of a wider Coast grid expansion. Local Governance & Land: Marsabit residents in Uran, Sololo and Turbi wards are electing community land management committees and registering communal land under the Community Land Act. Trade Tensions: Tanzania’s glass maker protests Kenya’s proposed 35% excise duty on imported glass bottles, testing the EAC’s push to remove barriers by June 30.

EV Policy Push: President Ruto says Kenya’s first 100,000 imported electric vehicles will be duty-free, covering both public and private use, as fuel shocks bite and the state courts local EV production. Power Market Signal: Kenya Power reports KSh382M in e-mobility electricity sales over 34 months, with EV charging revenue rising sharply and Nairobi leading uptake. Public Sector Delivery: Nairobi will host a major public-sector project management forum next week, as officials push for better delivery and fewer delays/cost overruns in infrastructure and PPPs. Fuel Crisis Fallout: A High Court move declined to fast-track a petition against EPRA’s fuel price changes, after protests and a transport strike forced EPRA to revise diesel downward. Health & Aid Pressure: Ebola responders in DR Congo warn that Western aid cuts left them under-equipped as the outbreak accelerates. Climate Governance: UN-backed climate justice momentum grows as countries endorse the ICJ’s climate duties ruling, even as implementation gaps remain.

Digital Infrastructure & Cyber: Liquid’s Richard Muthua argues Kenya must decide where cloud/AI data infrastructure sits as demand rises and local rules tighten under the Data Protection Act. Fuel Crisis Politics: Former CS Eliud Owalo says Kenya’s pump prices are driven as much by over-taxation and weak import competition as by global oil, while Treasury CS John Mbadi links the latest spike to the US-Iran shock and says cushioning funds were deployed. Safety for Kids Online: Google.org partners with Junior Achievement Africa and ZanaAfrica to train 28,000 children, teachers and parents on online safety through 2027. Kenya–Kazakhstan Trade Push: Presidents William Ruto and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev back a Kazakhstan-Kenya business council and a proposed Kenyan trade hub in Kazakhstan, with GovTech/FinTech and logistics on the agenda. Energy & Industry: Kenya Power reports KSh382m e-mobility revenue in 34 months, signaling EV charging is going mainstream. Protests & Power: Residents in Siaya reject a planned nuclear plant, while protests over fuel costs continue to shape business disruption. Regional Integration & Climate: AUDA-NEPAD urges faster AfCFTA-style integration; IGAD warns of below-normal rains in much of the Greater Horn, with parts of Kenya less affected.

Fuel Shock Hits Households: Kenya’s inflation jumped to 5.6% in April as fuel-driven transport and food costs bite harder, reviving the same pressure that earlier paralysed commuting and commerce. Transport Disruption Fallout: With diesel and petrol hikes feeding into fares, logistics and prices, businesses and workers are still feeling the aftershocks of the recent fuel protests and strike disruptions. Clean Energy Push, Power Limits: Kenya is pitching green hydrogen and AI investment hard, including a Germany-backed hydrogen symposium, but a major data-centre plan has reportedly stalled over insufficient electricity capacity—a reminder that ambition is colliding with grid reality. Digital Security Warning: Kenya’s cyber threat load is rising fast, with AI flagged as a new accelerant for attacks. Environment Under Pressure: The EAC has released its first Lake Victoria Basin report, warning of worsening pollution and ecosystem decline. Health Emergency: Canadian aid workers are heading to Congo to support Ebola response as cases climb. Sports & Society: Odongo names eight debutants for the Lionesses Rugby Africa Cup; APS Bomet edge Bandari 2-0 as league schedules keep getting reshuffled by disruptions.

Fuel Crisis Fallout: Kenya’s fuel price squeeze is still driving politics and disruption, with Jubilee leaders turning the recent strike into a direct attack on Kenya Kwanza’s handling of the crisis. Energy Regulation Pressure: EPRA has approved higher pipeline transport tariffs, adding fresh cost pressure on consumers even after earlier pump-price moves. Food Security Tech: AGRA rolled out ClimVAT, a satellite-backed climate vulnerability tool that helps planners pinpoint where drought and soil stress hit hardest—down to sub-county differences. Dairy Crackdown: CS Kagwe announced a crackdown on raw milk hawking, warning it’s a public health risk and a brake on value-added dairy growth. Digital & Cyber: Kaspersky warned at AI Everything Kenya that AI adoption is widening cyber risks, while CAK’s bootcamp awards push more local cybersecurity talent. AI Startup Pipeline: MEST opened applications for its 2027 AI Startup Program, aiming to fund and scale Africa’s next wave of AI founders. Trade Diplomacy: Ruto’s Kazakhstan visit produced new agreements to deepen trade, logistics, energy and technology links.

Transport Strike Fallout: Kenya suspended its nationwide transport strike for one week after deadly fuel-price protests left at least four dead and dozens injured, with talks continuing as diesel costs were cut by Ksh10. Court Scrutiny: A petition challenges the appointment of former CS Adan Mohamed as KRA commissioner general, arguing possible public-service eligibility and retirement-age issues, with a hearing set for May 27. Capital Markets: The NSE listed Kenya’s first infrastructure fund, the Spearhead Africa Infrastructure Fund, raising Sh3.4bn to finance projects in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, logistics and electrification. Banking for Everyday Use: Pesalink transfer fees were slashed—Sh0 for transfers under Sh1,000 and Sh20 up to Sh999,999—pushing cheaper bank-to-bank payments for routine use. AI & Cyber: Google expanded its AI Pro bundle in Kenya with YouTube Premium Lite, while Kaspersky warned at AI Everything Kenya x GITEX about AI-driven fraud, deepfakes and “Shadow AI.” Energy Pressure: South Africa signalled possible rate hikes as the Iran-linked inflation shock spreads, keeping the region’s cost-of-living squeeze in focus.

Fuel Crisis Fallout: Kenya’s nationwide transport strike was suspended for one week after talks with transport associations, ending two days of deadly protests that left four people dead and 30+ injured, as commuters and schools had been disrupted by the fuel-price shock tied to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz risks. Capital Markets: Kenya listed its first infrastructure-focused fund on the Nairobi bourse—Spearhead Africa Infrastructure Fund—raising KES 3.4bn for renewable energy, digital infrastructure, logistics and electrification, with UK support. Tech & AI: GITEX Nairobi opened with local AI ambition on display, including a startup pitching production-grade AI on a US$5 server, alongside sign-language tech aimed at real services. Stablecoins & Payments: Checker raised US$8m to help banks launch stablecoins via a single API, signaling faster rails for digital finance across emerging markets. Regional Integration: EAC and IGAD stepped up digital systems integration to boost trade and cross-border payments. Health Watch: Kenya reaffirmed its push to end TB and called for fair access to future vaccines, while DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak response intensified.

Fuel Protest Fallout: Kenya’s nationwide transport shutdown over EPRA’s latest fuel hikes turned violent again, with at least four deaths and 30+ injuries reported as roads were blocked and police fired tear gas; the strike also stranded commuters and kept schools shut. Policy Clash: A late-night government “breakthrough” claim on diesel–kerosene pricing was publicly rejected by matatu operators on camera, and talks ended without a deal—so the strike is set to continue. Accountability: Police arrested the Central Police Station OCS over alleged release of 64 fuel-protest suspects, adding pressure on enforcement amid rising unrest. Business Pressure: Manufacturers are also sounding the alarm: KNBS data shows manufacturing’s economy contribution slipped to 7.1% in 2025, while cheap imports and high costs bite. Finance & Tech: In parallel, Mastercard and Yellow Card announced a stablecoin payments push with initial focus markets including Kenya, as EM markets brace for volatility from Iran-war inflation fears.

Fuel Crisis Turns Nairobi Violent: Kenya’s nationwide public transport strike over record fuel prices shut down the city, with commuters stranded, schools shifting to online learning, and protesters burning tyres and blocking major roads. Casualties and Crackdown: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said four people were killed, 30 injured, and 348 arrested as police opened fire in some areas. Price Shock: EPRA’s latest cycle pushed diesel up 23.5% and petrol up 8% after Iran-linked Middle East disruptions and Strait of Hormuz risks. Regulator Move: EPRA also capped Kenya Pipeline Company pipeline transport tariffs to limit “silent” pump-price pressure. Digital Finance Push: At a Nairobi fintech conference, leaders urged clearer stablecoin rules to speed cross-border payments—while regulators keep tightening oversight. Health Emergency: In the region, DRC’s Ebola outbreak escalated as WHO declared it an international public health emergency, with cases reported in Uganda and spread feared beyond borders.

Fuel Strike Hits Nairobi Hard: A nationwide transport shutdown over rising fuel prices took effect at midnight, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded and forcing long walks and school disruptions, with roads blocked in places like Kitengela as operators and saccos—including Super Metro—suspended services. Fuel Price Fallout: The strike follows fresh EPRA fuel hikes that are already pushing up costs of basic goods, while politicians and transport stakeholders escalate calls for relief. Regulators vs Digital Money: Kenya’s blockchain and fintech community is pushing for faster stablecoin adoption to cut cross-border payment delays, even as regulators weigh new rules for digital assets. Education Portal Confusion: KUCCPS says high-demand courses like Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Engineering disappeared from the portal because slots filled in the first phase, prompting a fresh round of student complaints. Power Constraints for AI: Microsoft’s proposed $1bn AI data centre faces resistance over electricity demand fears, with officials warning it could strain the grid. Cyber Pressure: New threat data shows Africa’s financial and government sectors are under heavier cyber attack than the global average, with Kenya among the targeted countries.

Fuel-price pressure hits the courts and politics: A consumer rights activist has filed a High Court petition seeking to suspend EPRA’s latest May–June fuel increases, arguing the review lacked proper public participation and that authorities failed to clearly explain how about KSh5bn from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund cushioned pump prices. Fuel-price pressure spills into street-level action: ODM’s Oburu Oginga says the hikes are crushing households and businesses and will push President Ruto and Treasury CS John Mbadi for tax relief on fuel. Power bills get pricier: EPRA says new charges will raise May power costs, including forex and fuel-related adjustments plus a water levy for some hydro power. Energy expansion continues: Government has launched construction of 114 solar mini-grids across 14 counties under KOSAP. Digital economy push: Kenya’s blockchain and crypto conference renewed calls for faster stablecoin adoption, while regulators move to formalise the market. Business operations hiccup: KRA announced a scheduled iTax downtime for maintenance during the filing rush. Security and enforcement: DCI and Coast Guard recovered six suspected stolen Yamaha boat engines in Homa Bay and arrested three suspects. Regional deal-making: President Ruto held talks with Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev on oil, gas and renewables as fuel prices stay in focus.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: Congo’s new Ebola outbreak in Ituri has hit 87 deaths, with Africa CDC warning of active community transmission as cases surge and WHO declares a public health emergency of international concern, including spillover risk for border countries like Uganda. Nairobi Mobility: KURA orders night-time partial closures on the Ngong/Naivasha road near Junction Mall (8pm–4am, May 18–31) for final asphalt works on the flyover. Crypto Crackdown: Kenya moves into a tighter compliance era for digital assets under the VASP Act and new draft rules—licensing, reporting, and tougher penalties for unlicensed operators. AI + Power Pressure: Schneider Electric flags that AI-driven data centres will strain electricity demand, pushing Kenya to accelerate electrification alongside digital growth. Africa Industry & Health: Kenya hosts a China-Africa medical imaging workshop to expand diagnostic access using AI and digital health. Trade/Regional Energy: Dangote and Tanzania’s Samia meet on a proposed $15–$17bn East Africa refinery partnership as site debates continue.

Fuel Crisis Escalates: Kenya’s latest EPRA fuel hike has sparked fresh public anger and operational chaos, with motorists and boda riders reporting shortages and higher daily costs, while transport operators have announced a nationwide strike starting Monday, May 18. Policy Pushback: MPs are moving to respond fast—Ndindi Nyoro has asked the Speaker to recall Parliament from recess to debate amendments aimed at cutting fuel prices. NSSF Reforms: President Ruto defended National Social Security Fund changes, arguing Kenya must stop relying on borrowing by fixing weak national savings. Tea Levy Update: The Tea Board targets about US$9.3m annually from a new 0.8% export levy under Tea Regulations 2026 to fund a stabilisation fund for roads, factories and marketing. Regional Deals & Investment: In Dar es Salaam, Samia Suluhu met Dangote as the refinery location debate heats up, with Dangote floating a regional partnership model. Tech & Compliance: Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority is stepping up crypto regulation, pushing for local registration/representation for virtual asset service providers. Health & Education: Ruto pledged a Level 6 hospital upgrade in Bungoma, while KUCCPS reopened applications for 2025 KCSE candidates to revise choices or seek new placements.

Fuel Relief Push: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has tabled amendments to cut the VAT on petroleum to zero and roll back the Road Maintenance Levy increase, arguing EPRA’s latest hike could push petrol from about KSh214 to KSh187 and diesel from about KSh243 to KSh189 per litre. Market Pressure: Trade and business lobbies warn the diesel jump will ripple through transport, manufacturing, logistics and food costs. Currency Watch: The shilling stayed steady versus the US dollar even as oil prices rose on US–Israel–Iran tensions, per the CBK’s weekly bulletin. Tech & Finance: Vodacom is pushing smartphone financing for prepaid users to boost data growth, while Safaricom’s M-PESA Kadogo keeps expanding free small-value transactions. Retail Expansion: Vivo Energy Kenya unveiled a new Shell “motorist’s destination” service station in Nairobi’s Kilimani. Policy Debate: Senators again questioned the Sh45.8bn Talanta Sports City Stadium project as costs and procurement details face renewed scrutiny.