AGP Executive Report

Agri-Exports Boost: Kenya’s macadamia value jumped 73% to about US$66M in 2025 after a ban on exporting raw nuts pushed more supply into local processing. Tea Industry Push: Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe says government is injecting Sh7.1bn to modernise tea factories and improve branding/marketing to open more global markets. Food Security & Inputs: Kagwe also reassured farmers that Kenya has enough seed maize in store despite drought-linked losses expected in seed production. Irrigation Jobs Plan: A Sh1.7bn Suba Clusters Irrigation project in Homa Bay will shift 66,000+ farmers from rain-fed farming, with completion targeted in two years. Coastal Cash Crop Expansion: Kenya plans to scale bixa output to at least 3,000 tonnes by expanding growers, certified seedlings and extension services in Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu. Trade & Investment Links: The UAE says it has signed 38 CEPA deals since 2021, with more agreements now in force—Kenya is among the partners. Procurement Professionalisation: CIPS opened a UK Kenya office in Nairobi to strengthen procurement standards across East Africa. Housing Cost Pressure: Research flags Nairobi rent taking up to 40% of household income, above the UN-recommended 30% threshold. Capital Markets Watch: Airtel Africa is considering a London listing priced in US dollars for its mobile money unit. Security & Justice: DCI recovered an M16 rifle in Isiolo tied to four murder investigations, pending forensic checks.

Tourism Boost: Kenya’s tourism revenue hit Sh564 billion in 2025/26 as visitor numbers surged to 7.91 million total activity, driven by better flight connectivity and the Magical Kenya push. Health & Consumer Safety: The Pharmacy and Poisons Board warned of falsified Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg), Batch T34197R, urging pharmacies to verify stock and quarantine suspected fakes. Food Security Watch: ICPAC flagged below-normal rainfall risk in western Kenya through September, raising concerns for farming, livestock and food prices if dry conditions persist. Finance & Insurance: Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) quadrupled half-year net profit to Sh124.6 million, citing higher gross written premiums and stronger capitalisation. Housing Finance: KMRC will host the 5th Kenya Affordable Housing Conference (Aug 20–21) focused on closing the financing gap to widen homeownership. Digital & Trade: KRA says iTax VAT filing issues are linked to network fluctuations, while an EAC trade fair in Mwanza (Aug 28–Sep 6) targets 600+ exhibitors. Agribusiness & Energy: KenGen Green Energy Park adds a $3.95m fish feed plant investor, Maxim Agri, aiming to cut feed costs and support aquaculture growth.

Internet & Telecom Policy: MPs are weighing a proposal for consumption-based internet billing, with industry warning it could mean higher costs for Kenyans after new metering and monitoring systems. Health & Consumer Safety: The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has warned of a falsified Postinor-2 (P2) batch T34197R in circulation, urging the public to avoid ineffective emergency contraceptive pills. Healthcare Capacity: Nurses and health stakeholders say staffing shortages are disrupting care in public hospitals, worsening queues and burnout. Agriculture & Food Security: Kenya plans to import maize from Comesa as drought threatens seed and harvest losses, while tea factories are told to reject low-quality leaf that fails the “two leaves and a bud” standard. Business & Finance: Absa is selling its 63.32% stake in First Assurance Kenya and Absa Life Assurance Kenya to First Assurance Investments, shifting ownership back to Kenyan investors while keeping bancassurance distribution via Absa Bank. Digital Economy & Jobs: MTN launched an AI-powered job board to match youth to roles and identify skills gaps, aiming to tackle Africa’s unemployment and digital skills mismatch. Governance & Integrity: EACC says it is boosting cross-border asset recovery training with Saudi Arabia’s anti-corruption authority. Transport & Infrastructure: Kenya Railways is dealing with a KCSE forgery case after an employee was arrested over an allegedly tampered certificate used for employment. Housing Finance: The Kenya Affordable Housing Conference opens Aug 20-21 in Naivasha, focusing on financing barriers to homeownership.

EAC Integration Push: Business leaders want faster EAC integration to unlock trade and investment, urging removal of non-tariff barriers, harmonised standards and lower logistics costs. Banking Leadership: Standard Bank CEO Sim Tshabalala says the lender will keep winning by focusing intensely on client needs and execution across corporate, commercial, personal and insurance units. Digital Transformation: Konza’s Technopolis Development Authority signs an AWS deal to boost cloud adoption, innovation and digital skills, positioning Konza as a regional tech hub. Health System Funding: Government sets aside Sh29bn for 13 new Level 5 referral hospitals to expand specialised care and support Universal Health Coverage. Cyber Café Rules: CA clarifies that new PCAC licensing rules require basic customer verification and limited session records, but not customers’ browsing histories. Agribusiness Tech: Kakuzi moves deeper into ag-tech with a dedicated digital transformation unit using AI and data analytics to support climate-smart farming. Household Finance: Britam launches KidNest, a children’s investment account starting from KSh1,000 to build long-term wealth early. Food Security Watch: Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe reassures Kenyans on food security despite drought, citing imports to cover maize gaps. Security & Politics: Jubilee fires back at President Ruto over renewed attacks on Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing the administration of scapegoating instead of focusing on delivery.

Climate & Disasters: Lake Baringo and other Rift Valley lakes are rising to levels unseen in decades, displacing tens of thousands and putting homes, livelihoods and even wildlife safety at risk. Policy & Governance: Economists and stakeholders are calling for Vision 2060 talks to be delayed until after the 2027 election to keep the process bipartisan and less politicised. Education Reform: Parliament is considering merging 32 teacher training colleges into one Kenya Teachers Training College under a new bill, shifting campuses under a single corporate body. Business & Regulation: Kenya’s new crypto rules are pressuring early-stage startups with steep paid-up capital deadlines, pushing some founders to consider relocating to markets like South Africa or Mauritius. Banking: KCB’s H1 results show profit growth and stronger balance sheet momentum, with interim dividends set for shareholders. Technology & Privacy: Meta smart glasses face fresh bans and legal scrutiny, raising new data-protection concerns for workplaces and customers. Jobs & Retail: Java House has advertised 150 roles for Kenyans, targeting KCSE C plain holders with relevant experience. Tourism: Nairobi gubernatorial hopeful Agnes Kagure urges a stronger tourism strategy, citing lessons from a Louvre visit. Regional Trade: Kenyan truckers are grounding cargo to the DRC over insecurity, threatening Northern Corridor flows from Mombasa. Travel Ease: VFS Global says Kenyan travellers on Emirates can apply online for a pre-approved 14-day UAE visit permit.

Vision 2060 Consultations: President William Ruto has kicked off a nationwide conversation on Kenya’s development beyond Vision 2030, gathering 5,000 delegates from all 47 counties at KICC to shape a long-term economic blueprint meant to outlast election cycles. IMF Talks: Kenya has revived discussions with the IMF for a new support programme, with CBK saying an IMF team is expected in Nairobi soon, potentially bringing tougher fiscal and reform conditions. Mombasa Port Efficiency: KRA and Kenya Ports Authority agreed to fast-track cargo clearance at Mombasa Port, including harmonised shifts and 24/7 gate operations, to ease congestion and support trade. Banking Results: Co-op Bank posted record H1 performance, with profit up 28% to Sh18b, driven by subsidiary revenue growth and an improving loan book. Regional Finance: KCB regained top spot as East Africa’s largest bank by assets, reporting stronger deposits, lending and profit growth. Tech & Privacy: A German rights group filed a criminal complaint against Meta over smart glasses privacy concerns, adding pressure to camera-enabled wearables. Road Safety Funding: NTSA told lawmakers it collects about Sh9–10b annually but can retain only a small portion, limiting its road safety interventions.

Standards & Trade: KEBS says it has cleared five Kenyan alcoholic brands temporarily suspended by Rwanda FDA after fresh lab tests, including Kenya King Gin, Safari Gin, Avalon and Sweet Berry Potable Spirits, and Gilbey’s Gin—showing Kenya’s export compliance push is holding. Energy & Costs: New fuel shipments have docked at Mombasa and Lamu ahead of EPRA’s Aug 14 price review, with Jet A1 and premium petrol arrivals likely to influence transport and business operating costs. Railways Court Case: A petition challenging Kenya Railways CEO Phillip Mainga’s tenure was withdrawn after court interim orders barred him from acting, leaving the dispute unresolved for now. Tax & Revenue: KRA Customs hit a record KSh 92.53bn in July, driven by non-oil revenue and tighter compliance and cargo controls. Long-Term Planning: President Ruto launched nationwide consultations for “Beyond Vision 2030,” while Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o urged Kenya to learn from Vision 2030 and plan beyond 2030 now. Agribusiness: Kenya Breweries opened applications for a sorghum contract farming programme with differentiated prices for commercial farmers, aggregators and smallholders. Politics & Governance: Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti called for dialogue with MCAs to end the county budget stalemate, while MPs raised concerns over possible revenue leakage on the Kampala–Entebbe toll system.

Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Kenya kept the Central Bank Rate at 8.75%, citing anchored inflation expectations and a stable shilling as oil-price and Middle East risks linger. Energy & Costs: Kenya Power warned that rising wind and solar on the grid is increasing the cost of keeping supply stable, forcing more standby generation when renewables dip. Roads & Transport: KeNHA called for a “second generation” approach to managing the Nairobi–Thika Superhighway, shifting focus from construction to safety, traffic flow and corridor integration. Public Finance: Treasury disclosed it borrowed Sh207.7bn for recurrent spending in the year to June, highlighting a breach of rules that require borrowing to fund development. Governance & Justice: The DCI rejected Rigathi Gachagua’s claims over criminal investigations, saying allegations are baseless and urging credible evidence. Business & Trade: Huawei pledged smart-grid and storage solutions to speed Kenya’s green transition, while KEBS moved to verify Kenyan alcohol brands after Rwanda temporarily suspended five products. Policy Dialogue: Ruto will lead the national dialogue on the proposed Vision 2060 plan, with Treasury stressing it is a constitutional public participation process.

Sugar Trade Oversight: Kenya Sugar Board is auditing informal sugar imports to map volumes, routes and actors, citing porous borders, weak traceability and price gaps that distort markets and cut government revenue. County Court Standoff: Nakuru County officials face possible civil jail after a High Court notice over alleged failure to pay Sh83.86m legal fees. Ebola Funding Boost: The US pledged an extra Ksh31bn ($242m) for Ebola response and preparedness across DRC, Uganda and Kenya, including surveillance, labs, border screening and community risk messaging. SACCO Governance Fight: SACCO members are pushing back against a new delegate system ahead of Nation DT Sacco’s Aug 15 vote, warning it could dilute direct voting rights. Railways Leadership Hit: A Labour Court issued interim orders barring Kenya Railways MD Philip Mainga from exercising his powers pending a legal challenge. Cyber Café Monitoring: CAK tightened rules for cyber cafés and similar public access centres, requiring customer session logs and retention for at least three years. Importers vs KRA: Small importers face higher costs as KRA changes consolidated cargo valuation benchmarks, reviving a tax dispute. Health Workforce Shock: Counties lost over 50,000 health workers in 2025/26, with much of the drop linked to US-funded programme contractions. Elections Budget Rules: IEBC gazetted campaign spending limits for 2027, setting a KSh6.11bn presidential ceiling and KSh24.45bn party cap. Food Security Move: Kenya plans to import one million 90kg bags of maize to replenish strategic reserves after weather disruptions.

Nairobi’s 2027 AFCON stadium push: China Road and Bridge Corporation says Talanta Stadium is in its final stretch, built in two years for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with a design that brings fans close to the pitch and plans to rename it Raila Odinga International Stadium. Politics & elections: President William Ruto confirmed a Kenya Kwanza–ODM coalition for 2027 and said the alliance must win, while Rigathi Gachagua plans a “Ruto at Four” address and Kalonzo Musyoka ruled out any handshake, insisting the fight is at the ballot. Coalition mechanics: Teams have been appointed to draft a joint manifesto and power-sharing framework for the UDA–ODM partnership. Public finance & debt: Treasury says it negotiated new SGR loan terms with China, saving about USD 215m (over Sh27bn) annually without debt restructuring. Banking health: CBK data shows gross non-performing loans fell 3.3% to Sh674.3bn in 2025, though bad loans remain high. SME funding boost: IFC backed 4G Capital, Equity Bank and KCB with $24.2m first-loss guarantees to unlock more lending for micro and small businesses. Capital markets: NSE plans an AI-focused ETF before end-2026 to give local investors exposure to global AI-linked companies. Security ahead of 2027: IPOA urged preventive, intelligence-led policing to disrupt political violence early, with stronger community engagement. Infrastructure & housing: Ruto says the National Infrastructure Fund is already financing JKIA redevelopment, while Kibera’s affordable housing rollout continues amid affordability and levy concerns.

Election Watch: IEBC is already deep into 2027 preparations, with the presidential vote set for Aug 10, 2027, and key deadlines for resignations, party lists, primaries and nominations rolling out through 2027. Debt & Diplomacy: Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka says his ties with China’s Xi could help renegotiate Kenya’s debt, arguing revenue can’t sustainably cover servicing costs. Health Systems & Tech: SHA reforms are pushing hospitals to upgrade diagnostics and digital systems, with claims processing timelines cut to 30 days and thousands of facilities contracted since rollout. Energy & Industry: Kenya Re plans a solar rollout to make its Sh14bn property portfolio more energy-efficient and greener. Trade & Business Risk: A report warns directors across Africa, including Kenya, could face liability if they fail to manage nature-related risks like biodiversity loss and water scarcity. Security & Governance: Police arrested a man in Nairobi after intercepting a dismantled drone shipment allegedly destined for Somalia. Agriculture & Climate: Kenya Veterinary Association urges livestock preparedness for likely El Niño impacts, citing disease and value-chain risks. Wildlife: Conservationists warn Somali giraffes are being killed at alarming rates in northern Kenya. Labour & Pensions: Former Tuskys staff have until Sept 30 to claim pension benefits or risk losing entitlements.

Election Rules & Spending: IEBC gazetted new campaign financing regulations for the 2027 polls, including a defined spending window and requirements for authorised campaign finance persons and dedicated Kenyan-domiciled accounts. Roads & Contractors: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Sh177bn in pending bills owed to road contractors since 2020 has been cleared, unlocking resumption of stalled road works. 2027 Politics in Focus: Musalia Mudavadi warned opposition leaders that rallies and slogans won’t beat Ruto without credible policies and a track record; Wetang’ula and Kindiki also urged voters and leaders to prioritise experience, unity, and development over divisive politics. Security & Justice: Court ordered mental assessment for two suspects in the murder of a British businessman’s employee in Mombasa; meanwhile, police arrested seven suspected gang members in Nakuru after a raid at Githioro Market. Aviation & Connectivity: KCAA approved new air service licenses, with Eldoret among the beneficiaries gaining an international link via Nairobi to Jeddah. Workplace Health: Stories from Nakuru highlight how workplace lactation rooms are helping mothers sustain exclusive breastfeeding despite economic pressure. Water Sector Culture: WASPA’s 2026 Water Culture and Games Festival will bring 5,000+ water workers to Kericho for five days of sports and cultural events. Crime Allegations in Mutiso Case: Rigathi Gachagua questioned transparency around the Dr Victoria Mutiso murder probe, alleging linked officers were arrested and released.

Shipping Shock & Fuel Costs: Disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz are keeping fuel prices elevated, hitting petroleum-importing economies including Kenya and threatening Africa’s push for industrial jobs. TVET Skills Gap: A fresh look at Kenya’s export push shows exporters struggling to find workers with practical skills, echoing the wider TVET graduate mismatch. Foreign Affairs Audit: The Auditor General flags irregular allowances paid to diplomats abroad, breaching rules on mission payroll and internal controls. Election Finance Rules: IEBC gazettes new campaign spending limits for 2027, setting the presidential cap at KSh6.11bn using population and land-area weights. Digital & Service Delivery Clarity: Huduma Kenya says some services are free while others carry fees set by the relevant ministry/agency (plus possible eCitizen convenience charges). Security & Crime: Police arrest seven suspected gang members in a Nakuru market raid, recovering pangas and axes. Energy Worker Death: A Kenya Power technician dies after falling from a pole in Garissa while on duty. Green Power Community Debate: Research highlights how wind and solar projects can either “buy in” communities or “buy out” them—shaping who benefits in Kenya and South Africa. Business & Trade: Dangote meets Canada’s PM to discuss investment partnerships, while Kenya’s aviation market shows Europe remains the biggest destination for international seats.

Election Finance Watch: IEBC has gazetted the Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026, setting contribution and spending limits for the 10 Aug 2027 General Election, moving from consultation to enforcement. Public Sector Pay: The Employment and Labour Relations Court declined to halt the new civil servants’ salary structure, rejecting a UKCS bid for conservatory orders ahead of August payroll implementation. Health System Pressure: KNH says PPRA procurement audit concerns were for the 2024/25 year and are resolved, as nurses’ strike continues to strain care and delay treatment for patients. Security & Justice: Investigators probing the killing of Dr Victoria Mutiso report leads involving two police officers and alleged KSh1.5m payment, with more details emerging on the suspected vehicles used. Energy & Industry: Aliko Dangote says construction of the $16bn Lamu oil refinery will begin by October 2026 after soil testing and design work, with capacity pegged at 700,000 bpd. Tech & Retail: TekEasy launched Kenya’s first one-stop tech centre at Runda Mall, bundling major phone and appliance brands with warranty and after-sales support. Culture & Business Links: Kenya and China launched Season 2 of the “Sing for Africa” talent show in Nairobi, aimed at boosting people-to-people ties through music.

Government Appointments: President William Ruto and Cabinet Secretaries issued fresh gazette changes to State boards, including reappointing Lucy Waruingi to the Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund and naming Benson Ngure as KALRO non-executive chair, alongside transport and water board updates. Energy & Cost of Living: International crude oil prices fell by about KSh 735 per barrel ahead of EPRA’s next fuel review, with Murban dropping to USD 72.54. Climate-Resilient Health: Kenya is pushing solarisation of off-grid health facilities to cut diesel costs and improve reliability of care in arid and semi-arid areas. Jobs & Skills: World Vision Kenya launched a 12-month internship talent incubation for recent graduates (most deadlines Aug 14), while MKU urged graduates to embrace AI and digital innovation. Fraud & Accountability: EACC charged a former Auditor General’s office deputy director over an alleged forged university degree used to secure employment and promotions. Agriculture & Food Security: The wheat producer price for 2026 was raised to KSh 5,100 per 90kg bag, expected to benefit over 2,000 farmers. Wildlife & Farming Conflict: Investigations continue after 15 elephants died in Amboseli over suspected cyanide poisoning linked to tomatoes, with farmers disputing claims. Digital Economy: Safaricom opened applications for multiple roles across fintech/cyber audit, engineering, payments and HR, with early deadlines starting Aug 9.

Regional Trade Push: EAC targets lifting intra-regional trade to 50% by 2030 and is urging firms to use the Single Customs Territory to cut cross-border friction, with a Nairobi CEO & Investment Forum set for Sept 17–18, 2026. Port & Logistics Efficiency: KRA and KPA plan faster cargo clearance at Mombasa via an Advanced Cargo Declaration system, a Smart Gate pilot, and proposed round-the-clock Container Freight Station operations. Power Reliability: A fire at Musaga Substation in Kakamega triggered outages across Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya and parts of Vihiga, with Kenya Power rerouting supply to restore service in phases. Travel Health Rule: Kenya has clarified that non-citizens staying under 12 months must hold valid travel health insurance, tied to the Social Health Insurance Act and a gazetted minimum cover. MSME Finance Boost: IFC-backed first loss guarantees via 4G Capital are set to unlock about $144.4m in lending for Kenya’s micro and small businesses, including women-led and climate-focused firms. Human Rights Payments: The Panel of Experts on Compensation has processed 680 claims and disbursed Sh896.1m to victims, with 472 claims still pending due to documentation gaps. Security Sector Reform: President Ruto ordered government agencies to stop calling private security officers “watchmen” or “guards,” replacing the titles with “Private Security Officers (PSOs).” Food Supply Shock (Zanzibar): Zanzibar says sugar shortages are linked to supply disruptions, with emergency steps including a 33,000-tonne shipment from India and a 4,000-tonne consignment en route from Lamu.