AGP Executive Report

Emergency Contraception Crackdown: Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has warned women and girls against a falsified Postinor-2 batch (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg, Batch T34197R), saying it may have wrong or no active ingredient and harmful contaminants; PPB urged pharmacies and clinics to verify, quarantine, and report suspected units. Climate & Food Security: ICPAC issued an August rainfall warning showing below-normal rainfall risks extending into western Kenya, with soil moisture and vegetation stress already reported—raising the odds of pressure on crops, livestock and food prices. Sugar Sector Revival: President Ruto toured Nzoia Sugar as milling resumes, citing reforms that speed up farmer payments (within seven days), bonuses, and lower input costs. Fuel Relief: EPRA cut diesel’s maximum price by KSh5 per litre in Nairobi, while petrol and kerosene stayed unchanged, citing lower import costs and stabilisation support. Cyber Hygiene: ESET flagged rising Kenya attacks using old Microsoft Office weaknesses and QR-code phishing, warning organisations are being hit through avoidable, long-known flaws. Insurance Expansion: Kenya Reinsurance plans to enter Tanzania with over $20m investment, aiming to launch operations on Sept 1, 2026. Green Industry Push: Maxim Agri Holding is investing in a fish feed plant at KenGen’s Green Energy Park, linking aquaculture feed production to reliable power and steam. Housing Finance Focus: KMRC will host an Affordable Housing Conference (Aug 20–21) to tackle the financing barriers blocking homeownership. Digital Connectivity Leap: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched satellite-to-mobile service commercially in DRC, extending coverage where networks can’t reach. Science & Talent: Ruto ordered State House recognition for Kenya Science and Engineering Fair winners from next year and rolled out a “Kenya Beyond 2030” theme for creative competitions.

Fake Medicines Watch: Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board has warned of a falsified Postinor-2 (P2) batch (T34197R) in circulation, citing packaging and leaflet mismatches and urging buyers and providers to verify and quarantine suspected stocks. Tea Quality Push: Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe ordered tea factories to reject green leaf that fails the “two leaves and a bud” standard, warning that mixing low-quality leaf cuts value and farmers’ earnings as a KSh7.1bn modernisation drive rolls out. Food Security & Trade: Kenya plans to import maize from Comesa as drought threatens seed crop losses, while the US flags Kenya as a “weak link” in a shadow transshipment network tied to tariff evasion risks. Digital Costs Debate: MPs are considering pay-as-you-use internet billing, with telecom firms warning it could raise costs due to new monitoring and billing systems. Affordable Housing Finance: The Kenya Affordable Housing Conference (Aug 20-21) shifts focus from building units to unlocking mortgage and financing barriers for homeownership. Livestock Breeding: Kakamega cut artificial insemination costs from KSh3,000 to KSh700 to boost cattle breeds and milk production, subsidising repeat services. Local Business Upgrade: Kutus town gets a KSh33m facelift with paving, drainage, and modern stalls under a World Bank-backed modernisation plan. Health Sector Tension: Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii snubbed striking health workers, leaving services paralysed across 138 facilities. Energy Skills Mentorship: Schneider Electric launched its Advancing Energy Tech mentorship programme across Kenya and the region to support engineering students entering energy and tech roles.

EAC Trade Push: CEOs and business leaders urged faster EAC integration, calling for removal of non-tariff barriers, harmonised standards and lower logistics costs to unlock billions for Kenyan firms. Rail Connectivity: Kenya and Tanzania renewed efforts to link their SGR lines to landlocked neighbours, with Kenya targeting Malaba completion by June 2027. Ag-Tech & Food Security: Kakuzi moved deeper into ag-tech, setting up a digital transformation unit and using AI for macadamia sorting, while CS Mutahi Kagwe assured Kenyans of food security despite drought risks and possible maize declines. Health & Consumer Safety: The Ministry of Health warned of falsified Postinor-2 emergency contraceptive pills, and Parliament passed a bill restricting strikes by teachers/exam staff during national exams. Transport & Logistics: Skyward Airlines launched direct Wilson–Garissa flights to boost trade and cargo, and Maersk extended a Viaservice container-deposit alternative for eligible Kenyan shippers. Cyber & Governance: Check Point reported Kenya among the most attacked African countries, and a court case saw BAT Kenya challenge a Sh4.5bn VELO marketing claim. Infrastructure & Industry: Sh29bn was set aside for 13 new Level 5 referral hospitals, and a Kenya Roads amendment bill approved dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians.

Air Connectivity & Trade: Skyward Airlines launched direct Wilson–Garissa flights four times weekly, boosting passenger movement and faster cargo for produce and time-sensitive shipments. Housing Finance: Kenya’s affordable housing conference (Aug 20–21) will focus on financing models—blended finance, mortgage liquidity and development finance—to widen homeownership. Food Security & Agribusiness: Cereal growers warn of a food crisis as maize aflatoxin levels allegedly spike, calling for stronger extension support and better farm guidance. Energy & Regulation: EPRA mourned Surveillance and Enforcement manager Silas Cheboi, underscoring enforcement focus in the energy and petroleum sector. Digital Economy & Compliance: Kenya’s crypto rules are pressuring startups ahead of a Nov 4 deadline, with some considering relocation to jurisdictions with lower capital barriers. Urban Upgrades: Kirinyaga County rolled out a Sh33m KUSP-funded Kutus town modernisation—paving, drainage, walkways and new market stalls. Maritime Security: The UK and Kenya deepened Indian Ocean cooperation with Royal Navy vessels visiting Mombasa for training and capability support. Climate Risk: Rift Valley lake flooding is displacing families and disrupting tourism and livelihoods, with wildlife risks rising near homes. Logistics Disruption: Truckers are grounding cargo to DRC over killings on the Beni–Kisangani route, threatening Port of Mombasa transit volumes. Mining Governance: Kenya backs a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining as more African states join calls for stronger science and safeguards.

Port & Logistics: KRA and KPA move to fast-track cargo clearance at Mombasa Port, agreeing 24/7 gate operations and shift harmonisation, while pushing use of inland depots to ease congestion. Shipping & Labour: India overtakes China as the world’s biggest seafarer supplier, as global demand rises to about 2.55m workers. Banking: Co-op Bank posts record H1 performance, with profit up 17.3% to Sh23.1bn, driven by stronger deposits and loan growth. Trade & Industry Policy: Ruto launches a nationwide conversation on Kenya’s development beyond Vision 2030, aiming for a Vision 2060 blueprint shaped by citizens. Energy Governance: Kenya’s energy sector remains devolved on paper but centralised in practice, with calls to speed up devolution of key functions. Agriculture & Compliance: Tea factory clerks arrested in Bomet over alleged green-leaf weighing fraud and tampered scales. Road Safety Funding: NTSA tells Parliament it collects Sh9–10bn annually but can retain only a small share, limiting road safety work. Digital & Telecom: Vodacom appoints ex-Airtel Africa CEO Segun Ogunsanya to its board as it reshuffles leadership. Kenya–Qatar Ties: Kenya and Qatar agree annual political consultations covering trade, agriculture, labour mobility, logistics, tourism and renewable energy.

Standards & Trade: KEBS says it has cleared five Kenyan alcoholic brands that Rwanda FDA had temporarily suspended, after fresh lab tests confirmed compliance with safety and quality standards (including methanol limits and alcohol content). Energy & Logistics: New fuel shipments have docked at Mombasa and Lamu ahead of EPRA’s monthly fuel price review, with Jet A1 and premium petrol arrivals noted as pump-price watchers brace for the August 14 update. Development Planning: President Ruto has launched the “Beyond Vision 2030” national conversation to shape Kenya’s long-term blueprint after Vision 2030 ends, with Vision 2060 consultations also underway and calls for continuity, jobs, skills, AI/digital transformation, and climate resilience. Power Sector: Kenya Power warns that rapid wind and solar uptake is pushing variable renewables above global grid-stability benchmarks, raising costs under the take-or-pay dispatch model. Manufacturing & Investment: Kenya and Qatar agreed to institutionalise annual political consultations to expand jobs, trade, labour mobility and investment, including talks to review the 2012 bilateral labour agreement. Roads & Revenue: MPs raised concerns about possible revenue leakage on the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway after a bus was charged the wrong toll category during an inspection. Skills & Tourism: KUCCPS opened applications for Kenya Utalii College September 2026 intake, targeting hospitality and tourism careers.

Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Kenya kept the Central Bank Rate at 8.75%, citing anchored inflation expectations and exchange-rate stability amid risks from higher oil prices and Middle East uncertainty. Power & Renewables: Kenya Power warned that rising wind and solar on the grid is pushing up the cost of keeping supply stable, as intermittent generation forces extra standby dispatch. Energy Transition Tech: Huawei pledged smart-grid and energy-storage support to accelerate Kenya’s green transition, pitching intelligent solutions for grid stability and industrial growth. Roads & Transport: KeNHA said the Nairobi–Thika Superhighway now needs “second generation” corridor management focused on safety, traffic flow, road reserve protection and integration with urban development. Agri-Industry Reform: Kenya granted autonomy to 10 KTDA tea factories under reforms aimed at improving governance, cutting costs and boosting farmer earnings. Standards & Trade: KEBS defended five Kenyan alcoholic brands after Rwanda FDA suspended them, saying fresh inspections and lab tests found compliance with Kenyan and East African standards. Biotech Push: Bio Usawa and Kenya BioVax partnered to strengthen Kenya’s biologics manufacturing ecosystem and expand access to affordable medicines across Africa. Wildlife & Community: Indigenous women groups are restoring the Mau Forest while building income streams and decision-making power through enterprises like nurseries, beekeeping and savings groups. Business & Industry: Kenya Airways completed its first in-house Boeing 787-8 landing gear replacement, expanding its MRO capabilities at JKIA.

Senate Energy Leadership: Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has resigned as chair of the Senate Energy Committee, with Elgeyo Marakwet’s William Kisang elected to take over and Beatrice Ogolla named vice chair—Oburu insists it was a peaceful, voluntary handover. Food & Trade Policy: Kenya KRA has changed rules on how consolidated cargo is valued, lifting the benchmark for general containerised consolidated cargo from KSh2.5m to KSh3.2m, prompting pushback from small importers after a temporary suspension to Aug 20. Sugar Industry Oversight: The Kenya Sugar Board is auditing informal sugar imports—especially via the Uganda border—to quantify volumes, routes and revenue losses tied to porous borders and weak traceability. Health & Regional Preparedness: The US pledged an additional $242m for Ebola response and preparedness across East and Central Africa, with Kenya highlighted as a regional transport hub at risk. Agribusiness & Jobs: Government confirmed a KSh12.9bn palm oil processing plant in Lamu (Witu Nyangoro Ranch) aimed at cutting imports and creating about 3,000 jobs. Logistics for Growth: Swissport invested in a 630 sq m cold chain facility at Kilimanjaro Airport to boost East Africa perishables exports, targeting up to 13,000 tons annually. Capital Markets: CMA approved Kenya’s WSA Banking Index ETF, set to become the first locally domiciled ETF on the NSE focused on banking stocks.

Infrastructure & Aviation Finance: Treasury says it negotiated new terms on three SGR loans with China, saving about USD 215m (over KSh27bn) annually, while President Ruto adds the National Infrastructure Fund is already backing JKIA redevelopment and broader road expansion. Capital Markets & Tech: NSE plans its first AI-focused ETF before end-2026 to broaden investor access to global AI-linked firms via one locally listed product. Energy Reliability: Kenya Power confirms 90% restoration after a Kakamega Musaga substation fire, using rerouting through alternative substations while some customers still face low voltage. Industrial Policy & Trade Narrative: A Kenyan expert rejects “China squeeze” claims, arguing China’s manufacturing support and infrastructure work have helped lower the cost of industrialisation across the Global South. Climate & Food Systems: AGN chair pushes that Africa’s just transition must prioritise industrialisation, value addition and jobs, as Accra hosts technical talks on the Global Just Transition Mechanism; meanwhile NDOC flags 18 counties at high El Niño flood risk for OND short rains. Youth Enterprise: NYOTA begins mandatory mentorship for 122,000 business support beneficiaries, with 4,879 mentors engaged nationwide. Housing & Urban Development: Kibera redevelopment continues under the affordable housing push, with debate over financing levies and affordability.

Investment & Exports: Parliament invites public views on the Investment and Export Promotion Authority Bill, 2026, proposing to merge KenInvest and KEPROBA into one one-stop investment and export body with faster approvals and advisory structures. Maize & Food Security: Kenya’s maize crisis deepens as poor rainfall withers crops across key counties, with Trans Nzoia reporting major acreage losses and maize prices rising, while government seeks World Bank support of Sh58bn to cushion climate impacts. Digital Trade & Tax Systems: Uganda’s URA expands EFRIS rollout with exemptions for the smallest businesses in targeted sectors (under Sh10m turnover), aiming to digitise invoicing without overwhelming micro-operators. Solar Supply Chains: At IECE 2026 in New Delhi, Abhinav Mahajan highlights the need for Global South collaboration to build resilient solar PV supply chains from manufacturing to deployment. Trade Boost from China: Xinhua reports early gains for African exporters after China’s zero-tariff treatment for 53 countries, citing surging imports including avocados and fruit. Energy & Industry Finance: Kenya Re moves to add solar to its Sh14bn property portfolio as part of energy-efficiency and sustainability upgrades. Wildlife Under Pressure: Conservation groups warn of rapid giraffe killings in northern Kenya, while climate heat records and drought pressures continue to raise risks for livelihoods and ecosystems. Ports & Logistics: A new push for digital single windows and smarter border processes is framed as a way to cut trade costs and speed clearance across Africa. Construction & Infrastructure: Dangote sets an October deadline to start Kenya’s planned 700,000 bpd refinery, aiming to strengthen regional fuel supply and reduce import dependence. Public Accountability: Courts schedule multiple corruption and economic crime hearings, including cases tied to alleged embezzlement and procurement irregularities.

Roads & Contractors: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the government has cleared Sh177bn in unpaid road bills dating back to 2020, unlocking resumption of stalled projects and reviving thousands of kilometres of works. Infrastructure Push: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirms Sh7bn has been set aside for a dual carriageway from Malaba to Nakuru, aimed at easing heavy truck congestion. Agriculture & Water Security: Kenya and Israel focus on irrigation and climate-smart farming solutions as farmers seek practical ways to cope with water shortages and El Niño-linked risks. Fresh Produce Exports & Skills: Exporters highlight a TVET skills mismatch as they struggle to find workers ready for phytosanitary-compliant fresh produce handling. Wildlife & Food Safety: Kenya Wildlife Service investigates the death of 15 elephants near Amboseli, with cyanide poisoning suspected from pesticide residues linked to nearby tomato farms. Energy & Storage Lessons: Malawi’s grid-scale lithium battery system shows how battery storage can stabilize solar-heavy power systems—relevant for regional energy planning. Digital & Business: Kenya’s customer loyalty push gets attention as firms argue retention is the real growth lever in mobile-first markets. Politics & Business Climate: Leaders keep urging unity ahead of 2027 while candidates trade barbs over “experience” and development delivery.

2027 Political Stakes: Lands CS Alice Wahome hinted she may run for Murang’a governor in 2027, setting up a potential showdown with incumbent Irung’ata Kang’ata. Wildlife & Agriculture Tension: Amboseli-Kimana faces a crisis after 15 elephants died in a month, with authorities suspecting cyanide poisoning linked to tomatoes; farmers dispute claims and KWS has launched a multi-agency probe. Skills for Export Jobs: TVET officials met fresh produce exporters after exporters said they struggle to find workers with practical skills, echoing a wider TVET-to-industry mismatch. Coast Vote Battle: Mining CS Hassan Joho and Youth Affairs boss Salim Mvurya pushed joint programmes and voter mobilisation in Coast politics as camps intensify outreach ahead of 2027. Campaign Finance Rules: IEBC gazetted new election spending limits, setting the presidential cap at about KSh6.11bn under a population/land-area formula. Digital & Industry Push: TekEasy unveiled Kenya’s first one-stop tech centre for “digital families,” while Kenya’s science exhibition highlighted youth innovation and STEM pipelines.

Lamu Oil Refinery: Aliko Dangote says construction of a proposed $16bn (about KSh2.1tn) Lamu refinery will start by October 2026 after soil testing and design work, aiming to reshape East Africa’s fuel market. Tech Retail Push: TekEasy opened Kenya’s first one-stop tech centre at Runda Mall, stocking major phone and appliance brands with warranty and after-sales support, and plans more branches across cities. Infrastructure & Jobs: Treasury urged engineers to move from design-only roles to become central players in Kenya’s economic planning as PPPs expand into roads, housing, energy, water, ICT and healthcare. Digital & Youth Science: Kenya marked youth-driven innovation at the 9th National Science and Technology Exhibition, showcasing 153 projects from 125 schools. Healthcare Strain: A nurses’ strike is worsening care at facilities including Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, where injured TUM students face delays due to nurse shortages. Energy Access (Regional): Ethiopia’s EEU reported $13.4m in foreign currency earnings and expanded electrification using off-grid solar for remote areas. Kenya Shilling: CBK data shows the shilling held broadly steady near KSh129.41 per US dollar, supported by adequate reserves. Trade & Logistics: KRA and KPA move to support faster cargo clearance with a push for 24-hour Mombasa port operations under a new cargo system.

Government Appointments: President Ruto gazetted fresh board changes across wildlife, agriculture, transport, roads, water and higher education, including new KALRO chair Benson Ngure and reappointments at the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund and Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority. Energy & Fuel Costs: CBK data shows international Murban crude falling by about KSh 735 per barrel ahead of EPRA’s Aug 14 fuel review, raising hopes of relief at the pump. Climate-Resilient Health: Kenya is pushing solarisation of off-grid health facilities to cut diesel dependence and improve service reliability in arid and semi-arid areas. Agri-Industry Support: The state raised the wheat producer price to KSh 5,100 per 90kg bag and launched a drive to double bixa production by expanding growers and using the full 3,000-tonne processing capacity. Food Security & Wildlife: Investigations continue after 15 elephants died in Amboseli over suspected cyanide poisoning linked to tomatoes, with farmers disputing the claims. Digital Jobs & Skills: Safaricom opened time-limited roles across fintech/cyber audit, engineering and HR, while MKU urged graduates to embrace AI and digital innovation. Trade & Logistics: UNEP and the Northern Corridor partners launched a green freight programme to cut emissions and lower logistics costs across the Mombasa–regional corridor.

Regional Trade Push: EAC leaders target 50% intra-regional trade by 2030, and the East African Business Council is urging firms to fully use the Single Customs Territory to cut cross-border friction ahead of a Nairobi CEO & Investment Forum (Sept 17–18). Green Freight Funding: UNEP-backed support will help NCTTCA roll out the Northern Corridor Green Freight Strategy 2030, including emissions tracking and port electrification studies, to modernise one of East Africa’s busiest cargo routes. Port & Logistics Reforms: KRA and KPA are moving to faster cargo clearance at Mombasa with an Advanced Cargo Declaration system, a Smart Gate pilot, and plans for round-the-clock Container Freight Station operations. Power Disruption: A fire at Kenya Power’s Musaga substation in Kakamega triggered outages across at least five counties, with engineers rerouting supply to restore service. Health Policy & Compliance: Kenya clarified mandatory travel health insurance for non-citizens under eTA rules, while SHA continues to drive hospital upgrades as claims processing speeds up. Crypto Regulation Gains Teeth: Kenya’s new VASP rules give licensed crypto firms a legal appeals path against regulator decisions, while global exchanges signal intent to apply. Food Safety Alarm: Kenya Veterinary Association urges testing of produce around Amboseli after suspected cyanide-linked elephant deaths, as farmers reject blame. Sugar Market Shock: Zanzibar reports a sugar shortage and price spike, citing supply disruptions and pointing to an India shipment plus an incoming consignment from Lamu.

Sugar Policy: Kenya will keep its sugar import licence ban in place, with Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe saying local production is enough to meet demand and protect sugarcane farmers; imports have fallen sharply to about 60,000 tonnes in 2026 from roughly 210,000 tonnes last year, helped by the KSh40/kg excise duty. Air Connectivity: Skyward Airlines launched direct scheduled Nairobi–Garissa flights four times weekly from Wilson Airport, aiming to cut travel time and boost trade and time-sensitive cargo. Climate & Food Risk: Forecasters warn Kenya faces a very strong El Niño with heavy October–December rains and flooding risks that could strain an already tight economy and food security. Wildlife & Agribusiness Tension: KWS opened a multi-agency probe after 15–16 elephants died in Amboseli-Kimana-Kitenden, with preliminary lab results pointing to cyanide poisoning; farmers dispute claims that contaminated tomatoes caused the deaths. Regional Energy Deals: Tanzania and Uganda signed an MoU with Vitol Bahrain to develop a regional energy hub at Tanga port, with potential investments topping $20bn. Blue Economy: Kenya Ports Authority commissioned a Msambweni fish cold storage and ice plant (plus a vessel) to cut post-harvest losses and expand cold-chain logistics. Digital & Telecom Oversight: CA met Liquid Intelligent Technologies to discuss cross-sector collaboration to grow Kenya’s communications industry. Labour Pressure: Kuppet issued a seven-day ultimatum to TSC over delayed teacher promotions, threatening a nationwide strike.