AGP Executive Report

Telecom & Cyber Fraud: Kenya is among 46 founding countries in a new China-led international alliance launched in Lianyungang to coordinate action against cross-border telecom and cyber scams. Nurses’ Strike Ends: Kenya’s nurses suspended a 42-day national strike after signing a return-to-work deal with government, including risk subsidies and work allowances, to restart services in 22+ counties. El Niño Livestock Plan: The government launched a KSh 2.1bn National Livestock El Niño Preparedness and Anticipatory Action Plan targeting 24 high-risk counties to prevent disease outbreaks and herd losses. Foreign Traders Crackdown Clarified: Musalia Mudavadi says the small-business restrictions on foreign nationals are not a blanket ban, but require compliance with immigration, work permits, registration and licensing. Health Access in Nairobi: Mama Lucy renal unit reported 181 dialysis sessions in August, showing growing demand and improved access for Nairobi kidney patients. Data & Connectivity: Digital Realty opened a 6.4MW NBO2 data centre in Nairobi, strengthening Kenya’s role as East Africa’s digital gateway.

Immigration & Trade: Kenya has shifted from a crackdown panic to regulation, giving foreign workers 90 days to regularise immigration and business status, after earlier directives sparked fears of xenophobia and prompted Burundians to seek help at embassies. Politics & Democracy: ODM has announced “Mwezi Wa Baba” for October, a month-long Raila Odinga memorial programme with rallies across counties. Security & Governance: Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya questions the motive behind targeting undocumented foreign traders, warning it could be used for voter enrolment. Weather Preparedness: Government officials warn of above-average El Niño rains between October and December, urging Kenyans to rely on verified advisories and prepare early. Water & Services: Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company schedules a Sasumua plant shutdown causing water supply interruptions in parts of Nairobi from Friday morning into Saturday. Education Integrity: TSC warns a fake circular about teacher deployment is circulating online and urges teachers to use official channels. Health & Tech: Kenyan researchers are deploying AI tools (VectorCam) to speed up malaria mosquito surveillance. Business & Infrastructure: Liquid Intelligent Technologies says it is layering AI, cloud and cybersecurity onto its fibre backbone as data-centre demand grows.

Critical Minerals & Industry: The US says it will back Kenya to process rare earth and niobium locally, aiming for factories, training and technology transfer around Mrima Hill in Kwale. Energy Push: Dangote plans a 1,000MW LNG power plant in Kenya to support its Lamu refinery, with talks reportedly aimed at doubling capacity. Health Crisis: Kenya’s nurses ended a 41-day strike after signing a deal with governors, but the shutdown left hospitals reeling, with reported deaths including mothers and newborns. El Niño Preparedness: Kenya is ramping up readiness for El Niño rains in high-risk counties as forecasts point to heavy rainfall and floods. Immigration & Trade Crackdown: Government moves to regularise Burundian nationals with a 90-day extension and a joint task team to manage concerns and any return “voluntarily, transparently and with dignity,” while warning against harassment. Economy & Borrowing: The Central Bank of Kenya reopens Treasury bonds in a Sh60bn sale as the state accelerates domestic borrowing. Local Development: Kisumu road upgrades are progressing, with key dualling and interchange works nearing completion. Public Safety: Motorists faced hours of gridlock on Waiyaki Way after an overpass closure near ABC Place–Red Hill Road.

El Niño Health Prep: WHO is working with Kenya to assess risks ahead of the 2026/27 rains, focusing on disease surveillance, early warning, safe water and keeping essential services running during floods. Nurses’ Strike Ends: Kenya’s nurses called off a 43-day nationwide strike after a return-to-work deal, with counties set to employ UHC staff on permanent terms and talks on the 2017 CBA to continue. Airport Security Tightened: Government tightened baggage rules at JKIA, warning passengers not to attach luggage to others and directing airlines to follow correct passenger vs cargo processing. Siaya Convoy Clash: Police arrested 12 youths accused of obstructing First Lady Rachel Ruto’s motorcade in Siaya and hurling stones at officers. Health Training Integrity: Stakeholders urged tougher action against fake college admissions and academic fraud, warning that unqualified nursing graduates can endanger patients. Trade Barriers: Kenya and other African states pushed for harmonised standards to cut technical barriers and boost intra-Africa trade. Business & Courts: High Court cleared NBK to take over Zingo Investments over a Sh733m debt, while Kuscco liquidation was temporarily paused after a court suspension of a gazette notice.

Immigration & Business Crackdown: Kenya has given foreign workers and business operators a 90-day ultimatum to regularise immigration, work permits, business registration and licences, after President Ruto’s directive to close small foreign-run businesses sparked backlash and fears of xenophobia. Public Health Crisis: Nurses’ strike has entered its 40th day, with maternity services disrupted and patients turned away in some public hospitals, while doctors warn the standoff could worsen maternal and newborn deaths if not resolved. Anti-Corruption Push: EACC is targeting Sports Ministry officials over a Sh746m air travel tender, alleging improper dealings. Accountability Demands in Nakuru: Nakuru PWDs have issued a five-day demonstration notice over alleged non-disbursement and lack of transparency in county PWD funds. Environment & Disaster Risk: Lake Baringo and Bogoria are on “merger brink” as water levels rise, with El Niño preparations including evacuation planning for schools and vulnerable families. Child Protection Online: UNICEF’s report flags a sharp rise in online sexual exploitation and abuse of children, urging urgent action by governments, platforms and parents.

Immigration & Trade: Kenya has told undocumented East African Community nationals, especially Burundians, to register with their embassies or high commissions, giving foreign small-scale traders a 90-day window to regularise immigration, work permits, business registration and licensing before enforcement resumes. Public Finance Oversight: President William Ruto signed the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill into law, tightening how government borrowing, accounting, audits and budget-making work, including a move toward accrual accounting. Parliament: The Senate is set to resume sittings after recess with a full in-tray of Bills and motions, including public participation and roads amendments. Digital Economy: Digital Realty opened Nairobi Two (NBO2) in Karen, adding 6.4MW capacity to boost Nairobi’s role as East Africa’s digital hub. Anti-Corruption: Ex-Sports PS Peter Kaberia was released on Sh1m bail in the Sh330.6m CHAN graft case as six suspects denied charges in court. Education: HELB has started processing first-time applicants, with many now in verification ahead of loan allocation. Transport/Power: Ruto announced a preferential electricity tariff of Ksh10/kWh for SEZ investors to cut production costs. Sports & Culture: Nairobi will host major rumba shows later this year, with Koffi Olomide and Ferré Gola set for confirmed dates.

Foreign Traders Crackdown: Hundreds of Burundians in Nairobi queued at the Burundi embassy to get travel documents after President William Ruto ordered closures of small businesses run by foreigners, with reports of harassment and threats pushing many to leave. Immigration Tightening: Kenya also moved to tighten rules for foreigners, warning that visa-free entry does not grant work rights and that work permits and proper documentation are required. Health System Pressure: Doctors warned they may join nurses’ strike if the government doesn’t resolve the labour dispute within seven days, as hospitals feel the strain. Parliament Oversight: MPs summoned KESSHA officials over questions on how millions paid by public secondary schools are spent, while another committee probed irregularities in the Miwani Sugar nucleus estate involving a ghost plaintiff and forged orders. Regional Economy: Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe will assume COMESA chairmanship in October 2026, succeeding Kenya’s Ruto, as regional integration remains a top priority. Digital Payments: Mastercard partnered with Kenya’s Flowcart to embed card payments into social commerce journeys, aiming to boost merchant sales across East Africa. Business & IPO Watch: Dangote Refinery advanced its $1.6bn IPO process, with plans to list later this year and consider cross-border listings including Kenya.

Gold Rush in Homa Bay: Residents of Maguje village in Homa Bay are upbeat after gold deposits were confirmed, turning idle land into a new mining hotspot. Courtroom Trade Fight: Royal Mabati Factory has sued Vintage Mabati Mills over alleged trademark and branding infringement, with a temporary order barring the rival from using similar marks. Milk Shortage & Substitutes: With cow milk harder to find, retailers say demand for plant-based milk remains low despite options like goat, camel, soy, oat and almond. Regional Diplomacy: Tanzania mourns the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, after a heart condition; Kenya’s Ruto and other leaders sent condolences. Foreign Traders Crackdown: Kenya warns visa-free entry doesn’t grant work rights as Ruto’s deadline for foreign small businesses takes effect, sparking queues at the Burundi embassy and fears of harassment. Health Alert: NASCOP links high Hepatitis C cases in Lamu’s older population to injecting drug use. Economy & Trade Rules: KRA defends cargo clearance requirements, saying export declaration rules are grounded in law. Coffee Sector: Henry Gichuhi Kinyua appointed non-executive chair of the Coffee Board of Kenya.

Minerals Push: President William Ruto says Kenya will stop exporting raw minerals and move to local processing, naming gold, limestone, iron ore, graphite, titanium and soda ash as targets. Politics & 2027: Justin Muturi calls for an ICC outreach office in Nairobi, warning that rising ethnic rhetoric could inflame tensions ahead of the 2027 vote. Opposition Unity: Ndindi Nyoro urges opposition leaders to end infighting and rally behind one presidential candidate to challenge Ruto. Media Freedom: Thomson Reuters Foundation warns Kenya may see more internet and media restrictions during the 2027 election period. Education & Labour: Education CS Julius Ogamba meets Kuppet to address teachers’ grievances and explore compressing the CBA cycle to avoid disruption of exams. Justice & Policing: Allegations around OSU commander Zachary Kariuki deepen after the abduction of Standard editor Alex Kiprotich. Local Economy & Jobs: Kenya’s gig-work boom faces a hit as AI reduces demand for student homework and other online tasks. Infrastructure: State begins emergency land purchases for the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit toll road after design changes add new interchanges. Health Systems: A “spectrum approach” study urges health policy makers to treat both tacit and scientific knowledge as valid inputs, not just lab-style research.

HIV Prevention Push: Chuka University warned 9,000 first-years against risky sex as new infections fall to about 13,000, but warned declining foreign support could strain HIV care. Nakuru Youth Violence: A viral video shows two high school girls fighting over a suspected bh@ng peddler in Nakuru, with bystanders watching as tensions escalated. JKUAT Freshers’ Night: JKUAT female students stole the show with high-energy dancehall-style moves during fresher celebrations. Family & Health: Murang’a Water boss Daniel Ng’ang’a says he will cover his ailing son’s cancer bills after online backlash and public fundraising. Crime & Justice: DCI arrested a suspect over a KSh2.4m Machakos land fraud using forged documents; separately, two women were nabbed at JKIA for allegedly smuggling 658g of gold to Dubai. Policy & Standards: KEBS proposed new Standards Regulations requiring mandatory calibration of specified measuring equipment and licensing for calibration providers. Politics 2027: Bishop Margaret Wanjiru declared her Nairobi governor bid for 2027 on the Kenya Moja ticket. El Niño Watch: Scientists explain El Niño is natural climate variability that can reshape East Africa’s weather, not just “floods.” US Green Card Lottery: The US State Department released DV-2026 figures, with African countries featuring prominently and selectees urged to act before Sept 30, 2026.

Tata Chemicals Exit: President William Ruto has ordered Indian firm Tata Chemicals to “pack up and leave” Kenya’s Lake Magadi operations, accusing it of failing to deliver local benefits and exporting raw soda ash instead of deeper processing; the government says two new investors will take over. Security & Justice: Kenya’s DCI is collecting forensic leads after the abduction of Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich, as pressure mounts for arrests. Election Rules: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has set up a multi-agency team to identify and risk-monitor non-profits vulnerable to terrorism financing ahead of 2027. Sports: Kenya’s Dorcus Ewoi finished second in the women’s 1500m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels, while Julius Yego’s javelin highlight came as Kenya’s Julius Yego placed fifth in the men’s javelin. Tech & Agriculture: Kenyan researchers are using AI-powered smart beehives to help farmers monitor colonies and detect threats remotely. Weather & Food: Kenya braces for heavy rainfall as El Niño strengthens, with knock-on pressure on food and milk supplies.

Public Order Ahead of 2027 Polls: Kenya’s National Police Service says political organisers must notify police at least three days before rallies or processions, with details on names, venue/route, and timing (6am–6pm), to improve security planning while protecting peaceful assembly. Community Policing in Kisumu: Police and youth in Kisumu swapped confrontation for football in a trust-building match aimed at tackling insecurity and police-youth tensions. Youth to Russia Festival: A Kenyan delegation heads to Russia for the International Festival of Youth in Ekaterinburg (Sept 11–17), with cultural exchanges, volunteering and regional programmes. Diplomacy in Morocco: Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei dismissed claims of a language gap at Kenya’s Rabat embassy, pointing to growing bilateral engagement. Magadi Mining Push: President Ruto orders fresh tendering for Magadi minerals in Kajiado, insisting on local value addition and ending monopoly-style extraction. Health Sector Pressure: The Controller of Budget flags KSh 30.69b travel spending in 2025/26, raising questions on government cost-cutting commitments. Water Project Delays: Kakamega’s Sh220m Ikolomani/Shitoli water project is seven months behind, with officials citing slow contractor progress. Global Governance: China says its Global Governance Initiative has gained broad support since launch, as it presses for a more representative global order.

Tata Chemicals Exit: President William Ruto has ordered Tata Chemicals to stop operations and exit Kenya’s Magadi soda-ash business, saying the country hasn’t benefited enough from the resource; Tata says it will engage through legal and regulatory channels. Health Crisis: Nurses’ strike continues to hit public hospitals hard, with reports of more deaths as services stall and leaders remain deadlocked over full implementation of the 2017 CBA and arrears. Sports—Diamond League: Emmanuel Wanyonyi powered to victory in the 800m at the Brussels Diamond League Final in 1:41.80, while Faith Cherotich and Wanyonyi also starred as multiple meeting records fell. Sports—Volleyball: Egypt dethroned Kenya’s Malkia Strikers, winning the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship 3-0 and securing the LA 2028 Olympic ticket. Weather Watch: El Niño is strengthening, with heavier rains expected across parts of the Greater Horn, including Kenya, raising flood and humanitarian risks. Police Debate: Ruto defended the new police uniforms, saying changes followed consultations with officers and Kenyans.

Industrial Policy Clash: President William Ruto has ordered Tata Chemicals to “pack and leave” Kenya’s Lake Magadi soda ash operation, saying the firm failed to create jobs or build local processing, and government will seek new investors to set up glass/chemical manufacturing in Kajiado. Tax Compliance Push: KRA says businesses using TIMS/eTIMS must keep accurate, up-to-date stock records for every purchase, receipt, sale, transfer, return, adjustment or disposal to improve oversight and reporting. Public Health Data Drive: Africa CDC is advancing a Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management framework after a Mombasa workshop, aiming to combine community feedback and social listening into public health decision-making. Local Politics: Nyandarua Senator John Methu visited ODM leader Oburu Odinga in Nairobi with livestock gifts as health concerns linger; elsewhere, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and Eldas MP Adan Keynan traded barbs over the Equalisation Fund’s impact. Security & Safety: Isiolo’s Burat remains tense after herder clashes left at least one ranger dead and teens injured; in Kitui, a lorry crash on Ikutha-Kasaala Road killed five and injured 21. Economy & Social Services: Kenya’s insurance penetration hit an eight-year high, driven by life insurance growth. Nairobi Jobs: Sakaja’s “Green Army” clean-up drive says it has employed 4,500 Nairobians in permanent roles.

High Court on revenge porn: Kenya’s High Court set a precedent limiting the “teach them a lesson” excuse for sharing private nude images online, stressing a duty of care once someone has such material. El Niño and floods: With El Niño strengthening, Kenya is bracing for potentially heavy October–December rains, raising fresh concerns for disaster readiness as flash-flood risks return. Milk shortage hits chai culture: Nairobi and other towns face dwindling milk supplies, with retailers rationing and prices rising as drought cuts pasture and fodder; officials say it’s temporary but could worsen. Ruto’s foreign trader crackdown: President William Ruto ordered foreigners running small shops and hawking to shut down from September 7, sparking debate over protecting local traders versus the impact on refugees and urban livelihoods. Tata Chemicals exit: Ruto ordered Tata Chemicals Magadi to leave, pushing for new industrial operators to build glass and chemical plants in Kajiado—while legal and investment questions loom. Nurses strike toll: Kenya’s nurses’ strike continues to disrupt care, with reports of maternal and perinatal deaths mounting. Digital health push: East Africa’s move toward AI-supported diagnostics and telemedicine is set to take centre stage at WHX in Nairobi, as procurement plans expand. Sports: Kenya’s Malkia Strikers booked the 2027 World Cup after beating Cameroon 3-0, and Kenya’s Diamond League stars chase trophies in Brussels.

Property & Finance: Women are increasingly buying land in Kenya to build wealth and control assets, but the push is colliding with uneven access to titled land and credit. Energy & Industry: Kinetic Watts & Volts is assessing Kenya among seven overseas markets for electric two-wheelers, seeking partners and showrooms beyond India. Public Safety & Justice: A Nairobi court ordered police to produce the driver of a “killer” matatu within 14 days so he can face charges over deaths linked to dangerous driving. Child Protection: UNICEF warns about 20 million children aged 12–17 facing tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, with most cases tied to mainstream social media. Governance & Trade: President Ruto ordered foreigners running small businesses and hawking to close from next week, saying Kenya should protect local traders while still welcoming investment. Environment: Kenya Wildlife Service is relocating crocodiles around Lake Baringo as rising waters intensify human-wildlife conflict. Health & Education: The government reopened the university/TVET funding application window to September 21 for eligible first-time students who missed the August 31 deadline.