AGP Executive Report

Diplomatic Pushback: Kenya’s UK Embassy has moved to shut down a viral claim that Prime Minister Kier Starmer refused to meet Rigathi Gachagua in London, saying the circulating letter is fake. Human Rights Accountability: The U.S. sanctioned a senior Tanzanian police officer, barring him from entering the U.S., over alleged torture and assault of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire. Ebola Watch: Health CS Aden Duale says tests on three suspected cases and four contacts came back negative, while Kenya boosts preparedness as Ebola risk rises regionally. Trade Tensions: A Tanzanian glass firm is protesting Kenya’s proposed 35% excise duty on imported glass bottles, even as leaders push to remove trade barriers by June 30. Sports & Youth: Junior Starlets held Uganda to a 1-1 draw in U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, setting up a decisive return leg in Nairobi. Public Safety: Nyeri Polytechnic was shut indefinitely after violent student clashes with police.

EV Push: President Ruto says Kenya’s first 100,000 imported electric vehicles will be duty-free, aiming to cut fuel-shock risk and speed up electric mobility, with 3,000 already procured for security and administration. Transport Rules Backtrack: Ruto overturns NTSA’s “nganya” graffiti ban on PSVs, allowing artwork and graffiti again—while warning operators to keep safety and respect for other road users. Powering E-Mobility: Kenya Power reports KSh382M earned from EV charging in 34 months, with charging revenue rising sharply and Nairobi leading uptake. Ebola Watch: Kenya is on alert for possible spillover as regional outbreaks grow, with intensified screening and surveillance. Trade Finance Deal: AfCFTA Secretariat and Ecobank sign an MoU to expand trade finance for SMEs, women-led and youth businesses. Human Rights: The African Commission hears calls to protect digital freedom and the right to protest in Kenya. Business Earnings: NCBA posts Sh6bn net profit on strong digital growth.

Privacy Probe: Texas AG Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, alleging a Kenya-based subcontractor can access users’ private video, including moments like bathroom visits, despite claims of face blurring. Digital Safety Push: Google has relaunched Hustle Academy in Kenya, offering free training for small businesses, while a separate Google.org-backed programme (Be Internet Awesome) targets 28,000 children, teachers and parents to improve online safety. GBV Spotlight: Nairobi hosted African women’s rights groups drawing a continent-wide line against gender-based violence, aiming to finalise a shared GBV action agenda. Fuel & Transport Tension: With another matatu strike looming, President Ruto has summoned transport stakeholders for urgent talks in Mombasa. Crime & Justice: In Mombasa, police arraigned a suspect linked to a child trafficking ring after rescuing 22 girls. Tech Funding: Sorted Wallet raised Sh570m to expand a low-data crypto wallet across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Sports Mood: Zimbabwe’s Warriors Afcon 2027 qualifiers draw has split fans, with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as co-hosts.

UCI Gravel World push: The battle for qualification slots for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships heads to Naivasha, with the June 13 LOOP Safari Gravel Series leg at Hell’s Gate offering a rare African pathway—finish top 25% by category, or grab automatic qualification for top three in each category. Commonwealth Games momentum: Kenya’s medal charge after a strong Accra campaign is now shifting focus to Glasgow, as Team Kenya builds for the Commonwealth Games. Rugby Lionesses selection: Head coach Simon Odongo names 28 players for the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, calling up eight debutants as Kenya opens against Uganda on May 23. AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo says the squad is ready for a tough Pamoja group with South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea, despite Kenya starting as the lowest-ranked side in the group. Ebola response: Canadian aid workers are deploying to Congo as the outbreak worsens, with contact tracing and support set to ramp up. Fuel crisis pressure: Inflation hits 5.6% in April amid fuel-linked transport and food costs, keeping protests and policy debate simmering.

Devolution & Appointments: COTU boss Francis Atwoli’s wife, media personality Mary Kilobi, has been shortlisted for a government role in the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC), with interviews set for June 8–18. Public Health & Regulation: The government has launched a crackdown on “milk hawking,” warning that unregulated raw milk is unsafe and undermines Kenya’s dairy value chain. Crime & Investigations: In Isiolo, police say remains found near Uhuru Primary School are linked to missing boda rider George Gitonga; in Kilifi, detectives arrested two suspects after recovering cannabis worth about Ksh 4.2 million. Courtroom Rights: Kenya’s High Court ruled that people can change gender markers on official documents, with applications to be handled within 60 days. Politics & Power Claims: Activist Boniface Mwangi reignited debate by calling Deputy President Kindiki a “prefect,” saying others are effectively running the country. International Spotlight: Kenya and Kazakhstan pushed trade and investment plans during Ruto’s state visit in Astana.

Court Challenge on KRA Appointment: A Milimani High Court petition has moved to block the appointment of former CS Adan Mohamed as Kenya Revenue Authority commissioner general, arguing the recruitment may breach public service eligibility rules; the matter is set for a May 27 hearing. Revenue Push: KRA says it has collected Sh7.8bn from 97,000 first-time direct taxpayers in four months, signaling a shift from new levies to compliance expansion. Everyday Banking Gets Cheaper: Pesalink transfer fees are falling, with transfers under Sh1,000 now free and larger payments capped at Sh20 up to Sh999,999, as banks compete for routine use. Tech and AI in Services: Kenya Airways has rolled out an AI pricing platform to speed fare updates and tighten pricing control, while Google expands its AI Pro bundle in Kenya with YouTube Premium Lite. Digital Safety: TikTok says it removed 820,552 videos in Kenya in Q4 2025 and banned 108,752 accounts, mostly for underage access. Sports Focus: Junior Starlets press for an away win over Uganda’s Teen Cranes in U17 qualifiers, while Kenya’s Junior Starlets and other teams also gear up amid heat-safety calls ahead of the World Cup.

Fuel Protests Fallout: Kenya’s nationwide transport shutdown over fuel prices is still dominating headlines, with fresh flashpoints including an MP being stoned in Rongai and forced to flee, while reports also highlight how stranded commuters are being targeted by opportunistic muggers. Police Accountability: The National Police Service has moved to dismiss social media claims that Nairobi Central OCS Dishen Angoya was being processed for court, saying internal mechanisms handle such matters and any court appearance follows legal thresholds. Tech & Money: Nairobi is hosting GITEX with a push for homegrown AI that can run on tiny hardware, while Kenya’s betting sector continues to drive faster mobile payments habits. Capital Markets: Kenya’s first infrastructure-focused listed fund, backed by UK support, has been launched on the Nairobi bourse to help mobilise local long-term investment. Sports: The AFCON 2027 qualifying draw in Cairo sets Ghana against Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and Somalia, with Kenya co-hosting the finals.

Transport Shutdown: Kenya’s nationwide matatu and PSV strike is now day two after talks failed over fuel prices, with operators keeping vehicles off the roads and commuters still stranded. Fuel Crisis: The unrest follows EPRA’s May review—diesel up by Sh46.29 and petrol by Sh16.65—linked to global oil disruptions from the Iran conflict. Violence and Accountability: Police report four deaths and dozens injured as protests turned deadly, with arrests made and an officer accused of releasing detainees during the unrest. Health Emergency: In the wider region, DR Congo says suspected Ebola deaths have risen to 118 as the outbreak spreads, prompting renewed vigilance across borders. Finance and Markets: Global markets are jittery as inflation fears hit bonds and spill into emerging-market stocks, while East Africa’s budget pressures clash with the need to trade more within the bloc. Business Mood: Kenya’s manufacturers are worried as manufacturing’s economy contribution slipped to 7.1% in 2025, under pressure from high costs and cheap imports.

Ebola Alert: WHO has declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a public health emergency as the death toll climbs and new cases surface across borders, prompting the U.S. to tighten airport and port-of-entry screening for travellers linked to Uganda, DRC and South Sudan. Fuel Protests Turn Deadly: Kenya’s nationwide transport strike over record fuel prices has paralysed Nairobi and other towns, with police reporting four deaths, 30+ injuries and hundreds arrested as tyres burned and clashes erupted. Government Response: Deputy President Kindiki says Ruto has ordered urgent talks with transport operators and manufacturers to stabilise prices, while EPRA moved to cap pipeline transport tariffs to cushion pump costs. Politics in the Heat: In Githurai, a torched Mazda CX-5 tied to a UDA politician has inflamed tensions amid the protests, while online gossip continues to swirl around MPs and public figures. Sports & Tech: Aaron Rai won the PGA Championship; Africa Bitcoin Corporation is upgrading its JSE listing to the Main Board, and Kenya’s AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya event kicks off May 19–21.

Fuel Protests: A nationwide matatu and PSV strike over fuel prices has paralysed commuting across Kenya, with hundreds stranded in Nairobi and other major towns, schools forced to close, and reports of tyres set ablaze as transport operators downed tools. Public Safety: Police and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen ordered a fast crackdown after gospel singer Rachel Wandeto was set on fire in Mwiki, with investigations now focused on motive and planners. Crime Crackdown: DCI arrested a woman linked to a fake gold scam that cost an American investor Ksh55.7m, after suspects went silent following the transfer. Digital Economy: Kenya’s blockchain and fintech players pushed for faster stablecoin adoption as regulators weigh new rules for digital assets and cross-border payments. Education Access: KUCCPS said high-demand courses like Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy and Engineering were removed from the portal because available slots were filled in the first phase. Sports Spotlight: Aaron Rai ended England’s 107-year PGA Championship curse with a composed final-round surge to win the Wanamaker Trophy. Environment Watch: Authorities are treating smuggling of Giant Harvester Ants as a new poaching threat, with queens reportedly harvested and shipped abroad.

Ebola Alarm: WHO has declared an international emergency as Ebola in DR Congo kills more than 80, with a fresh confirmed case reported in Goma—prompting Kenya to put counties on heightened alert. Fuel Pressure: EPRA’s latest fuel and power-related charges are landing hard on households, while a consumer rights activist has rushed to court seeking to suspend the May–June increases over alleged lack of transparency and public participation. Road Safety: A Climax Coach bus overturned on the Nakuru–Kericho highway near Chepsir, injuring scores of passengers as authorities move to confirm fatalities. Digital Tax Disruption: KRA says iTax will be down for scheduled maintenance from Sunday night to Monday early hours, affecting online filing and payments. Regional Sports: Harambee Stars will play Kyrgyzstan and Palestine in June friendlies ahead of AFCON 2027, while CAF’s AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifying draw is set for Tuesday in Cairo. Business & Trade: Kenya and Azerbaijan held talks in Baku on energy, oil and gas, and trade, as Kenya pushes renewable power partnerships.

TVET Crackdown: KNBS says it will census every TVET institution nationwide from May 20 to tackle fake accreditation claims, mapping enrolment, staffing, and equipment to guide funding. Ebola Alarm: Congo’s new Ebola outbreak in Ituri has hit 87 deaths, with Africa CDC warning of active community spread and WHO declaring a public health emergency of international concern. Fuel Shock Hits Food: Nairobi traders warn prices may rise as EPRA-linked fuel hikes push up transport costs, with produce taking longer to sell. Nairobi Roadworks: KURA will partially close the Ngong/Naivasha stretch near Junction Mall at night (8pm-4am) from May 18–31 for final asphalt works on the flyover. Sports Buzz: Eldonets and Stanbic Aces win in the KBF Women’s Premier League; AFC Leopards close in on Gor Mahia after beating Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1. Global Spotlight: Kenya’s Athena Diamantidis wins gold and bronze at the World School Games in London, while KU’s Kenyan-born Emmah Jemutai grabs two Big 12 titles in Tucson.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: Congo’s new Ebola outbreak in Ituri has surged to at least 80 deaths, with frequent burials reported in Bunia as health teams push harder screening and contact tracing. Fuel Price Pressure in Kenya: Kenyans are venting fury after EPRA’s latest fuel hike, with reports of shortages and hoarding at some stations leaving motorists and riders squeezed. Regional Energy Deal Talks: Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu met Dangote in Dar es Salaam as the refinery debate heats up, with Dangote floating a regional partnership model involving Tanzania and other East African states. Kenya’s Health Tech Push: Kenya hosted a workshop on accessible medical imaging with China-Africa partners, aiming to expand diagnostic access using digital tools. NSSF Reform Defence: Ruto defended National Social Security Fund changes, arguing Kenya must stop relying on borrowing by boosting savings. Urban Upgrade: Nairobi rolled out modernized CBD walkways with better lighting and pedestrian spaces under the “Let’s Make Nairobi Work” push. Sports Spotlight: In Shanghai, Gift Leotlela pipped Omanyala in the 100m photo finish, while Duplantis won pole vault but missed his world record bid.

World U20 Trials Set-Up: Athletics Kenya has invited 200+ athletes for the World Under-20 Championships trials (May 21–23, Nyayo Stadium), with age verification now compulsory as AK tightens the fight against age cheating. Fuel Shock Fallout: Fresh EPRA fuel hikes are already hitting Kenyans hard—long-distance bus fares have gone up on key routes, and MPs like Ndindi Nyoro are pushing VAT and levy changes to cut pump prices. Transport Rules: CS Davis Chirchir says the government will run public awareness before rolling out mandatory annual vehicle inspections for private cars older than four years. Business & Consumer Moves: Vodacom is driving smartphone financing to boost data growth, while Vivo Energy opens a new Shell destination service station in Kilimani. Sports & Politics: The Ingo derby is framed as a title test for AFC Leopards, while grief and claims of State House intimidation surround the burial of Dr Job Obwaka.

Fuel Shock Fallout: EPRA’s latest fuel price jump is already hitting the economy’s nerves—diesel is up sharply, and the Kenya Chamber of Commerce warns transport and production costs could rise fast, with food prices projected to climb by up to 7%. Regional Security: The EAC has kicked off a major joint military exercise in Nairobi, “Ushirikiano Imara,” running to May 28 to strengthen counter-terror and disaster response. Aviation & Trade: Kenya Airways has signed on as FedEx’s ground-handling partner at JKIA, boosting Nairobi’s role as a cargo hub. Human Rights & Reparations: The KNCHR is rolling out a framework for reparations, building on years of documentation of protest-era abuses. Sports Politics: In Kakamega, the High Court dismissed a Malava by-election petition, dealing a blow to Seth Panyako. Global Watch: Google-backed geothermal firm Fervo surged to a $10bn valuation after its Nasdaq IPO, riding AI-driven demand for steady power.

Fuel Pain Hits Hard: EPRA has pushed diesel to a record Sh242.92 a litre and petrol to Sh214.25, with matatus already raising fares after the latest review—another blow to households already squeezed by rising costs. Health & Science Watch: Researchers say an East African bat coronavirus can enter human cells, though Kenya tests suggest it hasn’t spilled into people yet; separately, NACADA flags a growing uptake of synthetic drugs and emerging psychoactive substances. Security & Crime: DCI detectives arrested two suspects in Ruaka after a raid on a garage shop where cannabis was packaged for distribution; in Nairobi, a former MP is also facing land-fraud allegations after a Ksh6.4m deposit linked to a disputed Ngong plot. Border Politics: President Ruto told France 24 the Kenya–Somalia border stays closed because instability inside Somalia derailed the April reopening plan. Regional Trade Story: A UAE–Kenya corridor narrative is gaining traction as logistics and long-term industrial integration—not just aid—drive East Africa’s next growth push.