AGP Executive Report

Food Safety & Health: A Sapienza University of Rome systematic review found pesticide residues in infant formula across 22 of 26 studies, with multiple chemical classes (including organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids) showing up together. AI & Language Policy: Burundi hosted a Kiswahili conference pushing for stronger use of the language in digital platforms and AI tools, led by the East African Community’s Kiswahili Commission. STEM for the AI Job Market: Kenya is being urged to prepare STEM learners for an AI-driven workforce, not just set targets on paper. Ebola Response Watch: A U.S. humanitarian worker in Congo tested positive for Ebola as the outbreak grows; in Kenya, the Nanyuki quarantine plan faces fresh scrutiny amid renewed preparedness questions. Clean Cooking Funding: Kenya and the IEA announced $900m in new clean-cooking commitments to expand access to cleaner fuels and stoves across Africa. Agritech & Livestock: Kenyan dairy goat farmers are using AI breeding to boost yields, while smallholders are shifting to high-yield dairy goats using artificial insemination. Energy Transition: Experts say Africa’s renewable push now hinges on building institutions, markets and regulation to scale power delivery. Infrastructure & Trade: Kenya Ports Authority launched VTMIS to strengthen maritime safety, as regional manufacturing leaders meet for Manufacturing Indaba 2026.

Ebola Response: A U.S. humanitarian worker in Congo has tested positive for Ebola, as the outbreak grows to 1,830 confirmed cases and spreads into a fourth province—renewing scrutiny of Kenya’s Nanyuki quarantine plan and its preparedness push. Agritech & Livestock: Kenyan dairy goat farmers are using AI breeding via artificial insemination to access better genetics, boosting milk output while saving land and reducing disease risks. Public Health Training: Doctors Without Borders has set up an Ebola training centre near Nairobi, using mock labs and simulations to prepare clinicians for high-risk deployments in DRC and the region. Maritime Tech: Kenya Ports Authority launched a Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) at Mombasa to improve real-time vessel tracking, safety, and operational oversight. Water & Food Security: West Pokot schools commissioned a solar-powered micro-irrigation programme with drip greenhouses to support year-round kitchen gardens and lower feeding costs. Foreign Policy Tech: Kenya unveiled sweeping Foreign Service reforms aimed at a results-based, measurable diplomacy model to boost trade and investment. Privacy Tech: Meta says it’s updating Ray-Ban AI glasses to shut the camera if the recording LED is tampered with, as privacy concerns resurface. Science & Nutrition: A review of studies including Kenya finds pesticide residues in infant formula across multiple chemical classes, raising infant health concerns. Energy Integration: Ethiopia and Kenya signed an expanded electricity supply deal to deepen cross-border power trade and improve reliability in border communities.

Cross-Border Power: Ethiopia and Kenya have signed a new electricity supply deal to boost reliable power in border communities and deepen East Africa’s energy integration, setting the tariff at 24.07 Ethiopian birr per kWh. Clean Cooking Push: Kenya is part of a wider push as African nations secure $900m in fresh commitments to expand clean cooking technologies, aiming to cut household air pollution that still drives hundreds of thousands of premature deaths. Health Security Training: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is running an Ebola training facility in Kenya to prepare clinicians for deployments in the DRC, with simulations covering PPE, safe funerals and community response. Digital Jobs & Mobility: Web Masters Kenya (behind eCitizen) signed an MoU to donate a KSh 2b jobs portal to Mozambique, while UNDP and TAILG launched a “Green Ride Africa” initiative to accelerate low-carbon transport. AI Governance: Kenya’s Artificial Intelligence Bill is moving ethics into enforceable rules, with risk-based duties and an AI Commissioner empowered to inspect and fine. Education Connectivity: Airtel Africa plans to connect 5,000 schools with free internet by 2027 to narrow the online learning gap. Food & Safety Research: A review on infant formula found multiple pesticide residues across studies, raising concerns for infant health.

Space & STEM: A Kenyan rocket enthusiast is turning grief into inspiration through Eon Cosmic Park in Kajiado, building hands-on space learning for schoolchildren. Health & Nutrition: Scientists report East African seagrass meadows can make fish more nutritionally dense, pointing to a potential new lever against malnutrition along the coast. Education & Exams: KNEC invites qualified teachers and tutors to train as KCSE and KJSEA examiners, using online learning then residential sessions. Youth & Entrepreneurship: NYOTA disburses Sh154m in a second phase, urging beneficiaries to invest grants wisely for long-term business growth. Mining & Community Voice: Artisanal miners in Embu and Kirinyaga demand stronger inclusion in draft mining and explosives rules, warning reforms could miss local realities. Green Mobility: UNDP and TAILG sign an MoU to set up a Green Mobility Centre of Excellence to scale low-carbon transport innovation. Tax Tech: KRA moves toward browser-based income tax returns from 2027, replacing Excel templates and reshaping filing deadlines. Corruption Watch: A Nairobi man impersonating a county enforcement officer is convicted and jailed over a bribe scheme tied to impounded motorcycles.

Green Mobility Push: UNDP and TAILG signed an MoU in Kenya to set up a Green Mobility Centre of Excellence, including EV assembly research, training-of-trainers and a manufacturing academy, plus work on battery-swapping standards and carbon finance for EV fleets. Clean Cooking Funding: President Ruto urged faster investment to reach universal clean cooking, citing nearly one billion Africans still using polluting fuels; Kenya’s plan targets about Sh133bn to expand access across households and institutions. STEM Labs for Schools: The Global Uplift Project launched a Junior Science Lab in a Box™ for junior high schools in Africa, with Kenya as the first market via partner Kiini. Tax Filing Changes: Finance Act 2026 scrapped the June 30 income tax return deadline, moving PAYE filers to April 30 and setting new staggered dates from Jan 1, 2027. Cybersecurity Watch: Check Point reported cyber attacks up globally, with Kenya among the most targeted African countries in June. Livestock Traceability: Agriculture rolled out ANITRAC, a digital animal identification and traceability system to meet export sanitary standards and improve disease surveillance. Cancer Burden: Kenya’s National Cancer Institute says at least 80 Kenyans die daily from cancer, with new cases rising—prompting calls for more funding. Kenya–EU Trade Plan: Kenya and the EU launched an EPA implementation strategy aiming to double trade and investment value within five years.

Green Industry & Mobility: China’s TAILG and UNDP signed an MoU to set up Africa’s first Green Mobility Centre of Excellence in Kenya, including an EV assembly research lab, training and standards for battery swapping. Trade & Exports: Kenya launched a 10-year implementation strategy for the EU Economic Partnership Agreement, while the EU urged Kenya to diversify exports beyond agriculture and push value addition. Clean Cooking Push: President Ruto called for about Sh133 billion to achieve universal clean cooking access, as Africa secured $900m in new clean-cooking commitments. Public Health & Labs: The US pledged Sh1.9bn to boost Kenya’s Ebola readiness across 22 high-risk counties with labs, trained staff and rapid response capacity. Environment & Science: Africa expanded its digital plant health drive to 38 countries, and GAEC hosted scientists from 21 African countries to harmonise microplastics monitoring. Local Innovation: Kirinyaga mapped snakebite hotspots to guide antivenom development, while school farms in drylands are improving food security through climate-smart school meals. Infrastructure Scrutiny: Kenya Ports Authority defended the Sh8.3bn Port of Mombasa road project amid public questions, and lawmakers probed Sh844m contract variations in a JOOUST hostel project.

Global Health & Research: Kenya’s Prof Kenneth Ngure has been appointed to the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Sexually Transmitted Infections for a three-year term, boosting Kenya’s voice in STI prevention and policy. Public Health Burden: A Lancet study estimates 8.8 million children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa live with sickle cell disease in 2023, with Kenya named among major contributors. AI & Privacy: Meta says its AI smart glasses will disable cameras if the recording LED is blocked or tampered with, even as reports claim it’s testing “always-on” prototypes that could record more continuously. Digital Transformation in East Africa: Noteya and Sakamoja sign a cooperation deal to deliver AI-driven infrastructure modernization and digital transformation across energy, utilities, healthcare and enterprise, starting with Tanzania and Zanzibar and expanding to Kenya and beyond. Healthcare Milestone: Kenyatta National Hospital performs Kenya’s first minimally invasive esophagectomy, a major step for cancer surgery and faster recovery. Energy Costs Watch: The IMF warns rising oil prices could worsen Kenya’s fuel and food costs ahead of EPRA’s July review. Ports & Infrastructure: KPA defends the Sh8.344b Port of Mombasa road project, saying it’s on schedule and includes drainage, power and ICT works. Policy & Governance: IEBC launches publications on how 2022 election disputes were handled, as Kenya prepares for 2027. Tech & Skills: Kenya moves to harmonise surveying and geospatial training to match AI, drones, satellite mapping and digital land administration needs. Local Tech/Business: Kenya’s foreign investment inflows hit a record Sh414bn in 2023/24, with fintech and renewable energy among key drivers. Road Safety: A deadly Nairobi–Mombasa crash highlights ongoing road carnage concerns and calls for tougher, measurable safety action.

Port of Mombasa Modernisation: Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) defended its controversial Sh8.344b road infrastructure works, saying the 1.8km project includes hill-slope levelling, retention walls, drainage and utility lines, with 52% completion and an international tender awarded to the lowest bidder. Maritime Tech Upgrade: KPA also commissioned a Sh1b Vessel Traffic Management and Information System (VTMIS) to improve vessel turnaround times, adding to a broader push that includes a new search-and-rescue helicopter and tugboats. Geospatial Skills Push: Kenya plans to harmonise training for surveying, geomatics and geospatial engineering to match AI, GIS, drones and satellite mapping needs for land administration and development. AI for Healthcare: A new EU-backed project will build generative AI assistants for hospitals in low-resource settings, aiming to work offline and support limited connectivity. Digital Privacy: Meta says it’s updating its smart glasses to disable the camera if users tamper with the recording LED, after privacy workarounds emerged. Blockchain Oversight: Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority is pursuing blockchain surveillance to track crypto activity across 20+ networks as virtual assets rules take effect. Identity & Migration: Researchers call for interoperable, family-sensitive document portability systems so migrants can access services even when documents are lost or confiscated. Clean Energy Finance (Regional): Nigeria is moving to unlock domestic capital for carbon markets and climate investments via a PRISM-linked programme. Arms & Security Data: SIPRI reports Kenya became Africa’s second-largest importer of major arms in 2025, reflecting rising defence modernisation. Education & AI Misuse: Tanzania cancelled exam results for candidates caught using ChatGPT during national tests, reigniting debate on AI in schools.

Health Labour Tension: Kakamega health workers’ unions issued a three-day ultimatum to Governor Fernandes Barasa over delays in signing a Recognition Agreement, accusing the County Attorney of derailing the process and threatening a countywide strike. Energy & Industry: Aliko Dangote’s group has begun preliminary work on a planned $17bn, 700,000-bpd refinery in Lamu, with site selection, soil tests and engineering underway, aiming to cut East Africa’s reliance on imported fuel. Water Security: Denmark and the Kenyan government are backing a Sh2.5bn Ewaso Ng’iro Basin water and climate resilience programme for 4.1m people, running to 2030 with forest, wetland and rangeland restoration plus water access improvements. Maternal Health Tech: Trans Nzoia signed an MoU with UK firm R4A-UK to boost maternal care, including ultrasound equipment and training for high-risk pregnancy management. Public Accountability Tech: NG-CDF will monitor projects using QR codes to improve transparency, with the Fund allocated Sh61.9bn for 2026/27. Science for Everyday Health: Researchers report catnip-based lotion could match DEET in field trials for mosquito repellent—an affordable, locally sourced option for Kenya’s mosquito-borne disease burden. AI Governance for Kids: Kenya backs a new UN-led coalition launched in Geneva to protect children’s rights and safety as AI reshapes education and daily life.

CBK Gold Supply Chain: Kenya’s new Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Act, 2026 gives CBK powers to buy and deal in locally mined gold, but the big question is who will be licensed to sell gold into the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. Crypto Crime Watch: The Capital Markets Authority is tendering a real-time blockchain analytics system to monitor Bitcoin, Ethereum and 20+ networks for fraud, money laundering and sanctions evasion—coming as Kenya’s Virtual Asset Service Providers Act still has no licensed platforms. Energy & Power: KETRACO unveiled a Sh50–65bn PPP proposal for five high-voltage transmission lines to boost grid reliability. Oil Refining Push: Dangote plans to fund a proposed 700,000 bpd Kenya refinery on Lamu via cash, bonds and an IPO, aiming to cut regional fuel imports. Digital Finance for Inclusion: Equity Group, AfricaNenda and the Gates Foundation will back interoperable digital public infrastructure, starting with Rwanda. Health Tech & Research: Africa CDC backs clinical trials for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain as DR Congo and Uganda’s outbreak response ramps up. Education & Regulation: University of Nairobi and other law schools are awaiting Council of Legal Education licence renewals. STEM & Jobs: Young Scientists Kenya argues Kenya must embed AI training in STEM before learners enter the job market.

AI Forestry: A new deep-learning framework counts and maps individual tree crowns from high-resolution satellite imagery trained on LiDAR data, aiming to make forest monitoring work at farm and savanna scales. Kenya Fintech Regulation: The Capital Markets Authority is moving to procure blockchain analytics to monitor virtual asset transactions in real time, including wallet screening and fraud detection, as Kenya rolls out its virtual assets rules. Central Bank Overhaul: President Ruto signed the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, expanding CBK’s mandate for financial system stability and setting a separate emergency liquidity assistance framework. Law Education Licensing: The Council of Legal Education published updated lists of universities cleared to offer LL.B and LL.M, with several institutions still awaiting approval. Public Health & Safety: A lab-based study found banned and hazardous chemicals in Kenyan plastic consumer products, raising concerns especially for children. Energy Infrastructure: KETRACO received PPP proposals for new high-voltage transmission lines and substations estimated at Ksh50–65 billion. Media Freedom: CPJ urged Kenyan authorities to investigate an attempted abduction of The Standard’s associate editor Alex Kiprotich.

Central Banking Overhaul: President William Ruto has signed the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026 into law, expanding CBK’s financial stability and banking oversight role and setting up a separate legal framework for Emergency Liquidity Assistance with strict solvency and systemic-importance conditions. AI Skills for Public Service: Kenya School of Government marked its 100th anniversary by graduating 432 Assistant County Commissioners and pushing AI adoption across government, urging civil servants to build AI skills for better delivery. Wildlife Conflict Response: KWS has begun hippo translocation in Nyandarua after drought displaced animals from Lake Ol Bolossat, aiming to reduce farm raids and protect both communities and the displaced hippos. Digital Logistics Regulation: The Communications Authority of Kenya created a new 10-year courier hailing licence for app-based delivery platforms like Uber, Bolt and Glovo, separating them from traditional courier operators. Capital Markets Expansion: CMA licensed three new fund managers and approved two new umbrella unit trust schemes, widening regulated investment options for Kenyans in shillings and foreign currencies. Food Security Push: Government and the Gates Foundation launched a plan to expand irrigation by one million acres by 2035, targeting productivity gains and stronger coordination. Cybersecurity Warning: A new report highlights how small businesses are still underestimating cyber risk, citing Kenya’s high volume of detected cyber threat events and rising reported losses. Climate Risk Alert: FAO and WFP appealed for over $200m to protect 8.8m people in high-risk countries, including Kenya, ahead of El Niño impacts. Kenya’s Tech Ecosystem: UNDP is moving blockchain payments beyond pilots after research in Kenya and other countries, while Kenyan researchers argue for African ownership of Chinese open-source AI models rather than importing closed systems.

Precision Agriculture: A “From Guesswork to GPS” push is putting GPS, satellite imagery, soil sensors, drones and AI into African farming to cut waste and boost yields. Maternal Health Tech: MMUST and Rainbow for Africa UK are setting up a precision ultrasound simulation lab to strengthen training and improve maternal and neonatal care. Banking Oversight: President Ruto signed the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026, separating routine monetary policy from Emergency Liquidity Assistance with stricter conditions. Digital Culture & AI: TECNO and Angélica Dass launched “100 Portraits of Becoming” in Nairobi, aiming for more human-centered representation as AI grows. Nairobi Infrastructure: KURA explains delays on the Kenyatta Avenue–Upper Hill viaduct, citing complex phased structural works. Housing Equity: A scholar says affordable housing rollout is short on social units for low-income residents. Legal & Rights: A Nairobi High Court awarded a JKUAT student Ksh 8m after police violated his rights during 2019 protests. Fiscal Pressure: ActionAid flags shrinking fiscal space in Kenya as IMF-linked reforms narrow room for health and education spending. Youth & Learning: DigiTrucks/mobile digital labs can spark interest, but Kenya must ensure continuity, teacher readiness and safe, sustained use.

Digital Learning Push: WITIA opened a Smart Library at Mbukoni Comprehensive School in Machakos, adding 2,300 curriculum-aligned books, renovated classrooms and accessibility features to help close Kenya’s digital divide. AI in Schools: Education stakeholders warned teachers not to over-rely on AI in classrooms, saying it should support teaching—not replace teachers. Fintech for Farmers: Avenews says it is using transaction data (including M-Pesa and bank records) plus machine learning to assess farmers’ creditworthiness and expand agri-loans without traditional collateral. Climate-Health Reporting Wins: Kenyan journalist Jackson Okata won a regional Health and Climate Change Journalism Award for reporting on how sand dams fight scarcity and disease. Corporate Compliance Crackdown: Kenya moves to deregister 94 companies for failing statutory compliance, with firms given three months to respond. Jobs via Restoration: Forest restoration in places like Vihiga is creating rural livelihoods beyond tree planting, linking conservation to income and local enterprise. NIFC Investment Drive: Nairobi’s International Financial Centre admitted 15 new firms, targeting over Sh2.6b in investments and 1,000+ jobs.

Research Funding & Breakthroughs: ICIPE says its 2025 income fell to $39.3m, blaming grant declines after shifts in US funding plus currency and inflation pressures, even as it points to scientific wins. Cooperatives & SACCO Modernisation: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the Cooperatives Bill will be signed within a month, aiming to protect member savings (over KSh1T), boost transparency, and push digital governance for 8m SACCO members. Construction & Jobs (Regional): A World Bank update on Uganda flags weak regulation, skills gaps and slow procurement as reasons construction creates fewer jobs than it should, urging reforms to unlock employment. Smart Learning in Machakos: A state-backed Smart Library at Mbukoni Comprehensive School blends books, computers, internet and CBC-aligned content, with disability-friendly access and thousands of donated titles. Courier Platform Rules: CA Kenya introduces a new licence for “Courier Hailing Service Providers” for digital parcel platforms, with set fees and a Universal Service Levy starting July 29, 2026. Nairobi Builds Trade Capacity: BUILDEXPO Kenya 2026 brings 300+ exhibitors from 45 countries to Nairobi’s Carnivore grounds, spotlighting construction tech and regional investment. Tax Relief Push: KRA’s six-month tax amnesty runs with waivers on penalties, interest and fines for eligible historic debts, while principal tax can still be recovered. Flood Resilience in Kisumu: Kenya’s West Kano–Kanyagwal Flood Control Project targets reclaiming about 7,000 hectares to reduce seasonal flooding risks for families on the Kano Plains. Digital Finance & AI for Creators: Google and Idris Elba-backed initiatives keep expanding AI access for African creators, alongside broader moves to strengthen Kenya’s AI and cybersecurity governance.

Courier Regulation: Kenya’s Communications Authority has unveiled a new licensing framework for digital courier platforms, creating a “Courier Hailing Service Provider” category effective July 29, 2026, with Ksh5,000 application fees and Ksh100,000 initial/annual charges plus a universal service levy. Cooperatives Overhaul: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the Cooperatives Bill is being fast-tracked and Ruto is expected to sign it within a month to modernise SACCOs, boost transparency, and push digital compliance. Tax Relief Push: KRA has reintroduced a six-month tax amnesty (from July 1 to Dec 31, 2026) offering 100% waivers on penalties, interest and fines for eligible tax debts accrued up to Dec 31, 2025. NIFC Investor Uptick: Nairobi International Finance Centre has certified 15 new firms, unlocking Sh25.8bn in investments as Finance Act 2025 incentives start to bite. Digital Government Focus: PEBEC says 98% of MDAs now meet business reform standards, aiming for a more seamless, connected digital government. Health & Tech in the Spotlight: UoN appoints its first female Professor of Medical Microbiology, while OPPO opens a new Experience Shop at The Hub Karen to expand device support and repairs. Water & Climate Resilience: A major flood control project is reshaping life on Kano Plains, and a new climate-smart push backs farmers with tools for extreme weather.