AGP Executive Report

ICJ Bid Boost: Kenya’s ICJ candidate Judge Phoebe Okowa lands a record wave of global co-nominations ahead of the UN vote, strengthening Nairobi’s push for the 2027–2036 seat. Devolution Under Scrutiny: Nandi Governor Stephen Sang faces Senate grilling over an unsustainable wage bill that hit 44% of revenue, breaching legal thresholds. Health Funding Push: The government seeks fresh Global Fund support to strengthen the Social Health Authority, expand digital health, and improve medicines access. Education Update: KUCCPS extends the 2025 university transfer window to one month after placing 293,869 learners, with new portal access for late applicants. Sovereign Wealth Fund Law: President Ruto signs the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, ringfencing 30% of mineral and petroleum revenues for future generations and creating stabilisation and infrastructure windows. Oil & Jobs: Ruto directs DP Kindiki to coordinate implementation of the Ksh2.2trn Lamu refinery project as Dangote confirms timelines. Saba Saba Aftermath: Rights groups and NCCK urge accountability and tighter hate-speech monitoring ahead of 2027, warning election violence risks remain. Legal Tensions: A High Court petition challenges adverse possession rules as unconstitutional, while Kenya Re board election disputes head to court. Community & Rights: Rastafarians seek legal recognition for sacred cannabis use as crackdowns persist; KFS calls for public participation over a proposed Meru forest airstrip.

Diplomacy & Migration: Ghana postponed South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit, citing xenophobic attacks and the risk they could derail talks, even as Accra insists ties with Pretoria remain “cordial.” Public Service & Governance: Kenya School of Government marks 100 years in Nairobi, with the Sahrawi Embassy joining official celebrations and government leaders stressing public service reform. Constitutional Court Watch: The High Court declared Kenya’s envoys’ pay structure unconstitutional for lack of public participation, giving the SRC time to redo the process. Election Peacekeeping: NCCK urged NCIC to step up monitoring ahead of 2027, warning incumbency contests can turn violent. Protest Crackdown: Saba Saba Day played out under heavy security and arrests, while Kalonzo Musyoka demanded unconditional release of those detained. Justice & Rights: Activists petitioned Parliament for a joint inquiry into alleged extrajudicial killings, disappearances, torture and abductions linked to security agencies. Finance & Regulation: CMA seeks blockchain analytics to track crypto crime across 20+ networks as Kenya’s virtual assets law ramps up. Energy & Industry: Dangote confirmed a planned 700,000-bpd refinery in Lamu, with financing via cash, bonds and an IPO. Health System Integrity: SHA introduced fingerprint checks for child dependants aged 7–17 under Taifa Care, and clarified claims/payment processing with DHA. Agriculture: Government data shows irrigation expansion to 770,000 acres, with projects like Gwa Kiongo set to irrigate 500 acres in Nyandarua.

Judiciary & Rights: Chief Justice Martha Koome mourned retired High Court judge Omondi Tunya, marking the end of a four-decade legal career. Saba Saba Security & Protests: Nairobi and other towns braced for Saba Saba with heavy CBD roadblocks and checkpoints, while Kisumu stayed calm with “business as usual.” In Mombasa, protesters were allowed a 15-minute CBD march after police consultations, though a brief standoff erupted over the route. Civil Liberties Pushback: A rights group said Kenya is failing on justice and accountability, citing unlawful arrests and enforced disappearances around the anniversary. Finance Law: Kenya’s new CBK reforms tighten emergency liquidity rules, requiring banks to be fundamentally sound before any rescue. Anti-Corruption: EACC secured convictions of two former IEBC officials over forged academic credentials used for employment and promotions. Transport & Infrastructure: Kenya Railways unveiled plans to extend the SGR from Syokimau into Nairobi CBD, easing last-mile travel. Health Policy: MSF urged expansion of SHA benefits to include analogue insulin pens for better diabetes care.

Saba Saba Security Crackdown (Nairobi): Nairobi police have declared Tuesday’s Saba Saba Day demonstrations illegal and warned anyone who gathers will be treated as part of an unlawful assembly. CBD Access Controls: Vehicles entering the Central Business District will be screened, with restrictions around Parliament; police say they will allow public service buses into the city only after checks. Saba Saba’s Political Roots: A look back at how July 7, 1990—when pro-democracy rallies were banned and leaders arrested—has evolved into today’s Gen Z push for accountability, economic justice and human rights. Central Bank Overhaul: President Ruto signed the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026, expanding CBK powers including a clearer framework for Emergency Liquidity Assistance and enabling gold/precious metals operations. Public Service AI Push: Kenya School of Government marked its 100th anniversary by graduating 432 Assistant County Commissioners and launching an AI skills drive for public officers. Regional Tech & Payments: UNDP is scaling Stellar blockchain for aid payments after pilots in multiple countries, aiming to cut distribution costs and improve transparency. Telecom Deal: Vodacom finalized a $2.1bn move to take an additional 20% stake in Safaricom, lifting its holding to 55%. Wildlife Response: KWS began hippo translocation in Nyandarua to reduce human-wildlife conflict after drought displaced animals.

CBK Overhaul: President Ruto has assented to the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Act, 2026, tightening rules for Emergency Liquidity Assistance so only solvent, viable and systemically important banks can access it—aimed at boosting financial stability and protecting taxpayers. Parliament & Pensions: Ruto also signed the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, extending pension eligibility to senators and aligning the framework with the 2010 Constitution. Nairobi Infrastructure: KURA says the Kenyatta Avenue–Upper Hill viaduct is delayed due to complex structural works, including phased column and steel installation, and asks residents to be patient. Public Health Payments: The Social Health Authority released Sh4bn to settle verified NHIF claims of up to Sh10m for thousands of facilities nationwide. Security & Rights: A High Court awarded Ksh8m to a JKUAT student after police assaulted and arrested him during protests in 2019, citing violations of dignity and security of the person. Political Tensions: Interior PS Raymond Omollo warned boda boda riders against being recruited by politicians or criminal groups to fuel violence. Opposition Politics: Former AG Justin Muturi endorsed Kalonzo Musyoka as opposition flagbearer, urging unity ahead of 2027. Transport Disruption: Kenya Airways flight KQ002D to New York turned back to Nairobi after a rare mid-air flight control spoiler malfunction. Legal Community Shock: Investigators are probing the death of High Court advocate Edward Kariuki Muthee found in Athi River.

Saudi-Kenya Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia and Kenya held the inaugural Saudi-Kenyan Political Consultations Committee meeting in Riyadh, signing three MoUs on direct investment, customs cooperation, and Saudi EXIM Bank support for Kenya’s development agenda. Ruto’s Unity Push: President William Ruto doubled down on the Mt Kenya political fight, warning Kenyans to reject tribal politics and judge leaders by delivery, not rhetoric, during a church service in Embu. Opposition Unity in Machakos: Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa and Justine Muturi staged a unity show at an African Gospel Church chapel launch in Mavoko, Machakos. Security & Accountability: DCI arrested an alleged mastermind behind a fake KDF/NPS recruitment scam that netted victims over Sh8.6 million. Public Service Crackdown: Government announced a raft of measures to tackle payroll fraud, targeting human resource managers, with legal action promised. Local Governance & Money: Speaker Moses Wetangula backed the Mining (Amendment) Bill as a way to boost county royalties and speed up benefits to mining communities. Education & Regulation: Kenya will host the World Dental Federation regional congress in Mombasa as UoN and Moi dental programmes face accreditation scrutiny. Digital Inclusion: WITIA launched a smart library in Mbukoni, Machakos, aiming to close Kenya’s digital gap. Economy & Jobs: Dangote says the planned East Africa refinery in Kenya will refine 700,000 barrels per day for regional markets. Human Rights Mobilisation: Activists plan a peaceful Saba Saba march to Parliament over extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Political Violence Probe: Police in Kisii have widened investigations into the July 3 attack on a Linda Mwananchi-linked convoy, arresting three more suspects and summoning Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda as the total in custody rises to seven. Interior Security Pushback: Makadara MP George Aladwa defended Interior PS Raymond Omollo against claims of involvement in abductions, saying the criticism is politically driven and calls for balanced reporting. Road Infrastructure Update: KeNHA unveiled a model of the Rironi–Mau Summit Highway, showing planned interchanges, dual carriageways and weighbridges as construction nears key milestones. Cooperatives Reform: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged Parliament to fast-track the Cooperatives Bill to modernise SACCO governance and protect over Sh1 trillion in member savings. Public Health Warning: PS Mary Muthoni urged Kenyans to stop self-medicating with antibiotics, warning misuse is accelerating antimicrobial resistance. Regional Diplomacy: Rwanda warned that genocide ideology and hate speech remain a live threat in the Great Lakes, pointing to eastern DRC as a flashpoint. Nairobi Business & Trade: BUILDEXPO Kenya 2026 will host 300+ global exhibitors at Carnivore, spotlighting construction tech and investment.

Ethanol Crackdown: Police arrested two suspects and seized 122 drums of suspected illicit ethanol near Namanga, Kajiado, valued at about Sh45m, with claims of evaded taxes. Political Tension: Rigathi Gachagua dismissed arrest threats, saying a police cell is “like a hotel,” while Ndindi Nyoro hinted he has left UDA and is consulting before his next move. Mt Kenya Power Play: The Ol Kalou by-election is shaping into a high-stakes duel for Mt Kenya supremacy ahead of 2027, with Waiguru urging voters to shun violence. Opposition Violence Claims: Three suspects were arrested over an attack on the Linda Mwananchi convoy in Kisii, as police said investigations are ongoing. State Reforms: Government fast-tracked the Cooperatives Bill, with President Ruto expected to sign within a month to modernise SACCOs and improve transparency. Regulation & Economy: CA introduced new licence fees for digital courier platforms, effective July 29, and KRA opened a six-month tax amnesty with waivers on penalties, interest and fines for eligible debts up to Dec 31, 2025. Infrastructure & Development: NLC issued updates for compulsory acquisition to duall A7 (Nyali Bridge–Mtwapa–Kwa Kadzengo–Kilifi), while Nyanza leaders pushed flood control and equitable development messaging.

Safaricom Share Sale: Treasury CS John Mbadi defended the government’s partial divestiture of Safaricom shares as lawful and transparent, saying proceeds will go into the National Infrastructure Fund while court processes continue. Opposition Pushback: The remarks came as opposition leaders questioned legality, timing and valuation. Nairobi Governance: Nairobi County wrapped up public forums on a Boroughs Administration and Coordination Policy aimed at decentralising services and improving coordination across sub-counties. Security & Rights: The NPS denied involvement in alleged abductions, insisting arrests follow the law and are recorded; meanwhile DCI graduated 69 anti-narcotics investigators to intensify action against drug trafficking. Opposition Clarification: Fred Matiang’i dismissed viral airport photos as a chance encounter, not a planned political meeting. South Africa Repatriation: Kenya’s evacuation of citizens in South Africa will end July 9, with final flight from Johannesburg after registration and vetting by July 7. Education & Safety: KUPPET warned of rising assaults on teachers in Murang’a, while 16 pupils were hospitalised after a bee swarm attack during a school tour in Baringo. Sports & Regional Spotlight: CAF opened bids for AFCON hosting rights for 2028, 2032 and 2036, with AFCON 2027 co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Political Violence & Opposition Mobilisation: Opposition leaders James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna and former CJ David Maraga condemned an attack on their Linda Mwananchi convoy at Keumbu, Kisii, saying goons tried to block their entry to a Keroka rally. County Power Struggles: Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Senator Tabitha Keroche clashed during a Senate committee meeting over audit queries, with the chair forcing them to withdraw unparliamentary remarks. Legal & Parliamentary Process: The High Court struck out a petition challenging the Finance Act, 2026 and Appropriations Act, 2026, saying it was filed prematurely after bypassing the Access to Information Act route. Human Rights Compensation: Government cleared Sh225.4m for 157 protest victims in a second compensation phase, including Sh171m for fatalities. Police Accountability: NPS rejected claims linking officers to abductions, insisting it does not abduct people and that arrests follow legal procedures. Economy & Finance: CBK reported foreign exchange reserves rising to USD14.05bn, supporting shilling stability; KRA also reopened a tax amnesty with 100% penalty waiver for liabilities up to Dec 31, 2025. Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: Nairobi Basin sewer upgrades under the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme aim to treat 60 million litres of wastewater daily; a new digital climate reporting platform targets better climate-smart farming decisions. Business & Investment: Vodacom completed its Safaricom control move, lifting its stake to ~55% after the Court of Appeal stay; Diageo appointed John Musunga as Africa MD, relocating to Nairobi. Environment & Tourism: Activists filed a court case to halt new luxury lodge developments in Maasai Mara until 2032, citing threats to the Great Migration. Sports & Youth: Kaptagat Cycling Challenge returns with a forest restoration push; PS Fikirini’s youth docket continues after a bodyguard was detained in the Cecil Ouma shooting probe.

Disaster Response: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says Kenya has activated its El Niño preparedness mechanism after forecasts point to heavy rains later this year, directing ministries to coordinate on food security, public health, transport and flood-prone areas. Aviation & Infrastructure: Kindiki also chaired a roads and JKIA review, confirming the Ksh154.2bn JKIA modernisation has commenced this week and outlining phased milestones after pending bills were cleared. Security Cooperation: Kenya and Italy signed a letter of intent to deepen cooperation against transnational organised crime, with both sides set to exchange information and designate contact points. Labour & Diplomacy: Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi begins a three-day Saudi Arabia visit focused on protecting Kenyan workers, improving labour standards and expanding trade and investment ties. Environment & Tourism: Activists and legal groups have filed a case to block or halt luxury lodge construction and expansion in the Maasai Mara, arguing it threatens the Great Migration and biodiversity. Public Safety: A major fire swept through Nairobi’s Gikomba market, killing 15 and injuring 70, with authorities treating the site as a crime scene while investigations continue. Online Abuse & Elections: The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties convened stakeholders to tackle technology-facilitated gender-based violence ahead of 2027, pushing for legal reforms and stronger party mechanisms. Health & Regional Threats: Uganda reported a Marburg death in a toddler, raising renewed concern about Ebola-like viruses in the region as DRC responds to an Ebola outbreak. Business & Regulation: KECOBO suspended KAMP’s licence for three months over alleged governance and royalty administration breaches, while a court challenge has reignited debate over NTSA’s 50 km/h speed limit enforcement zones.

AGOA Watch: The US has opened its annual review of Kenya’s eligibility for duty-free access, with scrutiny tied to human rights and corruption concerns under President Ruto’s administration. Payroll Crackdown: Government moves to dismantle payroll fraud after reports of “ghost workers” draining public funds while teachers and nurses face stagnant pay. Security & Justice: A post-mortem says youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, as investigations continue. Ebola Preparedness: Health CS Aden Duale convened US partners to assess Kenya’s readiness and close gaps ahead of any possible Ebola importation. Migration Deal: Kenya and Italy signed an MoU to expand lawful labour migration, protect migrant workers, and boost skills training. El Niño Response: DP Kithure Kindiki told Kenyans not to panic, saying ministries are mobilised to prevent flooding and protect food security. Local Politics: Kiambu Governor Wamatangi rejects calls to split the county; Ndindi Nyoro condemns goonism disrupting political meetings. Economy Signals: World Bank warns forex reserves are under pressure, raising questions on import cover and stability.

Cyber & Courts: The High Court struck down key sections of Kenya’s Cybercrime law, including powers to block websites without court approval, dealing a blow to state censorship. Tax & Accountability: The Law Society of Kenya put the government on notice over Finance Act 2026 implementation, warning of court action against “administrative overreach” as new digital and withholding taxes roll out. Education Payments: Treasury CS John Mbadi confirmed Ksh1.5bn released to clear 2025 exam arrears for teachers, ending a standoff with KUPPET. Security & Rights: Rights groups renewed claims of abductions and torture of human rights defenders during the June 25 protests, raising fresh fears for civic space ahead of 2027. Trade & Enforcement: KRA destroyed illicit goods worth Ksh218m in Nairobi and the Coast, while automation at Mariakani weighbridges is boosting axle-load compliance and cutting graft. Business & Politics: Vodacom completed its additional 20% stake in Safaricom, lifting ownership to about 55%, as UDA also moved to amend its party constitution.

High Court vs NTSA: Kenya’s High Court has suspended mandatory annual inspections for private non-commercial vehicles under the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026, halting enforcement from July 1 pending a July 22 hearing. Safaricom shake-up: Vodacom has completed its stake build-up, taking effective control to 55% after buying a 15% government-held share, with Treasury set to receive Sh244.2b. Nairobi transport push: The Nairobi Rising Programme gets fresh push for faster delivery, with Mudavadi urging tighter coordination and timelines on key city projects. Nairobi BRT momentum: Plans for BRT/MRTS expansion are back in focus as budget allocations target roads, bridges and rehabilitation that could unlock smoother commuter movement. Health sector tensions: RUPHA chair Dr Brian Lishenga quits, citing a hostile working relationship with the Ministry of Health and SHA over payments and access. Public pay deal: A proposed CBA would raise salaries for NGAOs and other civil servants, including a security risk allowance. Tourism target: Kenya eyes MICE tourism to close a 2.3m visitor gap and reach 5m international arrivals by 2028. Justice in school fire: Eight Utumishi Girls Academy classmates have been charged with murder over the May 28 blaze that killed 16 students; they pleaded not guilty. Cybersecurity drive: Government reiterates plans to strengthen cybersecurity architecture and responsible AI governance.

High Court Ruling on Cabinet: Kenya’s High Court has ordered President William Ruto to reconstitute his Cabinet within 120 days after finding the current lineup unconstitutional for breaching the two-thirds gender rule, though it upheld the legality of the 2024 reshuffle. Digital Identity Push: Immigration officials say new national IDs can now be issued in as little as 10 days using live-capture biometric devices, with Nairobi residents reportedly able to receive cards in one day; passports are also said to be issued in seven days. Corruption & Accountability: A senior RPS official has reportedly been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into alleged spending and the use of school equipment, with claims he disabled security cameras to avoid detection during equipment return. Health Safety Alarm: Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board warns counterfeit medical products—including Viagra, HIV test kits, and dialysis anticoagulants—are circulating, citing court cases and past recalls. Public Service Access: Huduma Kenya expands sign-language support at more centres, while the government rolls out new e-services for vulnerable Kenyans. Security & Regional Cooperation: IGAD’s cyber drill ends with calls for stronger regional cooperation and plans for an information-sharing centre. Foreign Policy & Migration: Kenya continues evacuations of citizens from South Africa amid anti-immigrant violence, with more arrivals expected after the first batch. Local Politics & Service Delivery: KURA denies claims it painted the Ngong Road–Naivasha Road flyover in UDA colours, saying the green/mustard scheme is institutional branding. Economy & Governance: Parliament debates SACCO reforms after MPs push back on a proposed KSh100,000 cap on depositor compensation.

Cabinet & Governance: High Court orders President Ruto to reshuffle Cabinet within 120 days over the Constitution’s two-thirds gender rule, adding pressure to already tense political arithmetic ahead of 2027. Public Finance & Jobs: Ruto orders a payroll fraud crackdown after an audit flagged Sh6.2bn in suspected irregularities, with DCI investigations and a push to migrate ministries to a revamped payroll system. Health Diplomacy: Cabinet approves a Kenya–US health cooperation framework to strengthen HIV, TB, malaria and emerging disease surveillance, including gradual absorption of 13,000 US-supported health workers. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Deputy President Kindiki will chair an El Niño preparedness committee to activate a national contingency plan covering drainage clearance, evacuation, shelters and pre-positioned supplies. Nairobi & Business: Vodacom completes its Safaricom takeover, raising its stake to 55% and taking control of M-Pesa, reshaping Kenya’s telecom and mobile money landscape. Security & Rights: Kenya–US Ebola quarantine centre row escalates after protests in Nanyuki, where police used live rounds and multiple protesters were killed. Diaspora: Government evacuates 69 Kenyans from South Africa amid anti-immigrant unrest.