AGP Executive Report

Judiciary & Devolution: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow was elected chair of the Advisory Council of Elders at the African Chief Justices Forum, taking effect Aug 1, 2026, as the Nairobi summit also pushed alternative dispute resolution and commercial justice. Education & Labour: Teachers are resisting TSC’s delocalisation transfers, saying appeals are ignored and families are being uprooted across counties. Governance & Courts: A court in Meru again halted President Ruto’s planned State Lodge in Imenti Forest, extending conservatory orders amid claims the project threatens a key water catchment. Security & Rights: Activist Davis Lichuma was found alive in critical condition after an alleged abduction and torture, renewing calls for independent investigations into enforced disappearances. Transport Regulation: A Nairobi advocate moved to court to stop NTSA’s new vehicle inspection rules from taking effect July 1, arguing lack of public participation and unconstitutional fees. Economy & Trade: Kenya signed a KSh22.1bn Samurai financing deal for local vehicle assembly and power-loss reduction, while a new sugar import excise duty (over 300%) has sparked Uganda’s backlash over jobs and EAC trade. Crime: DCI arrested a suspect in Malindi linked to a Mombasa robbery spree after alleged use of a hired car with fake number plates.

Uganda Media Crackdown: Uganda’s military chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, saying he “does not believe in a free press,” after soldiers raided Nation Media Group Uganda offices in Kampala and cut power. Regional Press Freedom: The East African Press Councils urged de-escalation, warning that intimidation and forced closures across the region are pushing journalists into self-censorship. Human Rights Pressure: Kenya’s police confirmed they’ve received enforced disappearance and torture allegations, including a missing-person report for activist Davis Lichuma filed at Central Police Station, as families issue ultimatums for answers. Public Finance & Austerity Debate: A report says Kenya spends far more on external debt servicing than on health, arguing IMF-backed austerity is squeezing frontline services. Tax Deadline: KRA ruled out any extension of the June 30 deadline for 2025 income tax returns, warning of penalties and possible default assessments. Local Governance & Services: Government updated progress on the Kibwezi–Migwani–Mbondoni road, now 52% complete, targeting substantial completion by December 2026. Education & Discipline: President Ruto urged parents to reclaim discipline and character-building amid recent school unrest, framing it as a community responsibility.

Media Freedom Under Pressure (Uganda): Uganda’s military chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets in the country, including NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor, saying “I do not believe in a free press” and that coverage must be guided by “cadres of the revolution.” Regional Infrastructure (East Africa): Uganda secured about $1.2bn for its SGR expansion to Malaba, while Kenya’s side faces delays, raising fresh questions over the rail corridor’s future. Roads & Transport (Nairobi): Motorists are bracing for congestion on Mombasa Road after temporary lane closures near Cabanas interchange for a pedestrian bridge. Transport Safety (NTSA): NTSA moves to permanently de-register “actual loss” salvage vehicles from July 1, while damaged-but-repairable cars face conditions to return to the road. Public Health & Regulation: KMPDU warned Kenyans against seeking dental services from graduates of a disputed dentistry programme after a court declined urgent orders. Governance & Accountability (Kenya): A debate continues over protest victim compensation versus unresolved cases like Wagalla, as political leaders face pressure ahead of 2027. Energy Update (Garissa): Garissa’s power supply is set to improve after upgrading the Kenya Power substation with a new transformer to ease outages.

2027 Politics: Opposition unity frays as Gen Z memorial plans collide with rival strategies, while pressure mounts on President Ruto to name a running mate ahead of next year. Police Accountability & Rights: Rights groups say six protesters arrested during the June 25/2024 memorial were later found dumped and tortured, with one still missing, as hundreds were arrested nationwide under tight security. Ruto Administration: Ruto appoints Kiraitu Murungi as Competition Authority board chair, and unveils the Revised MSME Policy 2026 at KICC, pitching it as a jobs and credit blueprint. Tax & Governance: KRA rules out extending the June 30 deadline for 2025 income tax returns, warning of penalties. Regional & Diplomatic Flashpoint: Kenya deports Somalia’s second deputy prime minister over alleged passport fraud in a rare diplomatic incident at JKIA. Energy & Local Development: Garissa gets a major power boost after upgrades that raise substation capacity, aiming to end years of blackouts. Digital Economy: A local push to assemble affordable smartphones gains momentum as Kenya expands 4G/5G access.

Drug Crisis & Public Health: Kenya marked International Day Against Drug Abuse with NACADA data showing 4.7 million Kenyans (15–65) using at least one substance, with Coast leading and Mombasa hardest hit, as UNODC boss Monica Juma warned traffickers are exploiting technology and instability. Police Accountability in Protests: Rights groups say activists arrested during the June 25 #JusticeForOurFallen procession were found abandoned by the roadside and tortured, while the police chief ordered investigations into a viral Nakuru arrest of a person with disability; LSK also demanded a ban on masked officers and probe into unconstitutional policing. Security Operations & Crime: DCI arrested eight suspects in Nakuru linked to a multi-million highway robbery ring targeting courier trucks, allegedly impersonating DCI/KRA; in a separate incident, armed men attempted to abduct a Standard Group associate editor in Nakuru. Transport & Urban Projects: KeNHA says BRT Line 2 progress is back on track for electric buses along the Thika corridor from Ruiru to Nairobi CBD and Kenyatta National Hospital. Governance & Institutions: CJ Martha Koome appointed Innocent Muganda as PPDT chair; Ruto named Kiraitu Murungi to lead the Competition Authority. Education & Services: KNEC launched an e-certificate platform for KCSE/KCPE downloads; TSC reaffirmed funding and full rollout of Competency-Based Education. Regional Integration: EAC pushed a single digital market agenda at a Digital for Development forum in Arusha, aiming to turn policy into projects and cross-border trade.

Gen Z Protest Crackdown: Katiba Institute has filed contempt proceedings against Inspector General Douglas Kanja over Nairobi roadblocks and razor-wire barricades during the June 25 memorial, arguing police violated High Court orders and disrupted movement, ambulances and commuters. Police Accountability: The National Police Service has also launched an investigation into alleged mistreatment of a suspect during an arrest in Nakuru after a viral video circulated online, with findings due in seven days. Identity & Surveillance Push: Kenya is considering linking the national ID database to a CCTV facial recognition network across major cities, as Interior officials outline plans to integrate registration data with police surveillance systems. Regional Diplomacy: Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made an unexpected private visit to Nairobi to meet President William Ruto, with discussions reportedly focused on bilateral issues and regional peace. Cross-Border Legal Battles: The DRC has taken Rwanda to the ICJ over alleged abuses spanning three decades, including claims of genocide and human rights violations. Space & Tech: Kenya and the European Space Agency agreed steps to deepen cooperation, including an Africa Business Innovation Lab to back Kenyan space-tech startups.

Protest Anniversary Fallout: Nairobi’s June 25 crackdown continues to ripple out as 74 detainees are set for arraignment at Milimani after arrests tied to the Gen Z memorial protests, with rights groups and lawyers pushing for prompt access to court and pro bono representation. Public Finance & Governance: The IMF has paused Kenya’s next financing talks, saying it shared a draft governance and corruption assessment and is awaiting government comments—keeping negotiations in limbo. Digital Services: Kenya’s e-Citizen is getting a major upgrade for birth certificates, letting applicants apply, get approval, and print online—part of a broader push to digitise public services. E-Citizen Rules Debate: Civil society is challenging Treasury’s draft e-Citizen regulations, arguing the government is using the wrong legal basis and may be overreaching on service delivery and data protections. Ebola Preparedness Messaging: Health officials insist quarantine and isolation facilities are precautionary, not proof of cases, as tourism stakeholders are urged not to cancel travel. Security & Crime: Investigators have reopened a murder probe after a KWS officer’s autopsy suggested he was killed, not suicidal. Regional Diplomacy: Kenya deported Somalia’s deputy prime minister over alleged passport fraud, raising the stakes for bilateral relations. Markets & Investment: Clearstream’s new Kenya link (with Standard Chartered as cash correspondent) is set to improve foreign access to Kenyan bonds and treasury bills.

Gen Z Anniversary Crackdown: Kenya marked the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests with a heavy security lockdown in Nairobi and other towns, as police fired tear gas, blocked roads and arrested 355 people, with rights groups accusing authorities of violating constitutional freedoms and defying court expectations on assemblies. Parliament & Devolution: MPs approved the County Allocation of Revenue Bill 2026, unlocking Sh428 billion for counties in 2026/27, a boost framed as key to devolution and service delivery. Sovereign Wealth Fund Oversight: MPs pushed for tighter checks on the proposed Kenya Sovereign Wealth Fund, recommending withdrawals require Controller of Budget and Parliament approval to prevent unconstitutional spending. Elections Prep: IEBC launched a month-long Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration drive in five electoral areas ahead of the 2027 General Election. Ebola Funding Pressure: Africa CDC warned the DRC Ebola response needs about $1.4 billion—nearly triple earlier estimates—as deaths rose sharply and contact monitoring lagged. UAE Travel Update: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility for Kenyans and others holding valid residence permits in select countries, with 14- or 60-day visas. Sports & Training: Team Kenya shifted into final Commonwealth Games preparations in Glasgow after trials, targeting medals across athletics.

Gen Z Anniversary Security: Kenya marked the June 25, 2024 protests’ second anniversary with heavy police deployment, roadblocks and deserted CBDs as authorities warned against chaos and “goons,” while organisers pushed for peaceful remembrance. Police Accountability & Courts: The Chief Justice urged IEBC to punish electoral violence masterminds, and the Court of Appeal in Nakuru ruled public officers can’t hide behind immunity when acting outside their duties. Healthcare Delivery: PS Ouma Olunga said a 2,000-bed multi-speciality hospital at MTRH will be completed in early 2027, while experts backed digital health tools for UHC. Pharma Regulation: CS Aden Duale ordered fresh registration for all pharmacies and drug supply chain players from July 1, 2026, tied to new digital tracking systems. Ebola Politics: The US sought Ksh103.7bn for Ebola response, including a Kenya quarantine centre for Americans—reigniting court and public sovereignty concerns. Transport & Rights: Motorists demanded removal of Nairobi roadblocks, citing constitutional freedom of movement. Trade & Borders: EAC urged reforms to fix bottlenecks at One-Stop Border Posts. Environment & Oceans: Lake Victoria got a pledge for 100,000 litres of plastic cleanup, and marine warming fears hit fishers around Mida Creek.

Gen Z Anniversary Tensions: Kenya braces for June 25 memorial protests, with Interior CS Murkomen and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka urging police restraint and warning against “goons” and excessive force. Cybercrime Hotspot: A new NC4 report says Nairobi is Kenya’s biggest cybercrime hub, with billions of attack attempts targeting government and critical digital systems. Court Orders Arrest: A Kibera court issued a warrant for the NEDP executive director over failure to attend a hearing. Health Insurance Crackdown: MP Shah Hospital says it will cooperate after the Social Health Authority temporarily suspended it over billing complaints. County Fees Warning: The National Taxpayers Association urges counties to slow fees and levies to avoid undoing gains from Finance Act 2026. JKIA Upgrade Deal: Kenya signed a $1.2bn contract with China’s CRBC to modernize Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Ebola Politics: The U.S. plans to seek Ebola funds including a Kenya quarantine centre for Americans, as Kenya continues to face court and public pushback on the facility. Digital Finance Expansion: WapiPay enters Canada after getting a FINTRAC Money Services Business licence. Disability Rights: Parliament passed the Kenyan Sign Language Bill, setting up a council to regulate and expand access.

Elections Watch: IEBC has set Kenya’s next General Election for Tuesday, August 10, 2027, with campaigns running May 29 to August 7 and deadlines for party primaries and public officers’ resignations (by Feb 9, 2027). Political Standards: IEBC says it will petition Parliament to legislate minimum academic qualifications for elective posts after court-linked disputes over education thresholds. June 25 Tensions: Matatu operators say transport will run normally on June 25 despite memorial marches, while Kikuyu elders urge security agencies to clamp down on “goonism” ahead of the anniversary. Public Finance: The Controller of Budget reports state agencies cut pending bills by Sh31.37bn in nine months to March 2026, led by KeRRA and KeNHA. Health & Courts: Health CS Aden Duale says construction of a controversial U.S.-backed Ebola facility in Laikipia has been halted following a court contempt ruling and public backlash. Diaspora Relief: Ruto assented to Finance Bill 2026/27 and raised the duty-free allowance for returning travellers from Sh39,000 to Sh260,000. Local Governance: Wetang’ula ordered the contractor to complete Masinde Muliro Stadium rehabilitation by October. Consumer Protection: NACADA marks World Drug Day in Mombasa with a focus on innovative responses to substance abuse.

Ebola & Courts: Health CS Aden Duale told the High Court that President Ruto cancelled a Congo-Brazzaville trip after Ebola-linked quarantine risks, and the court also heard Duale’s defence as Kenya ordered a halt to preparations for a US-backed Laikipia quarantine facility after contempt proceedings. Protest Fallout: The government began compensating victims of protest-related human rights violations, releasing Ksh448.7m to 348 beneficiaries, while Matatu owners assured normal operations around the June 25 anniversary. Political Party Tensions: Nairobi ODM SG Edwin Sifuna vowed to challenge ODM’s second move to remove him, calling it unconstitutional, as the party’s internal feud deepens. Interior Crackdown Debate: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen sparked uproar after defending police officers filmed standing idle during goon attacks, arguing restraint can be necessary. Infrastructure & Economy: Kenya signed the Sh154.2bn JKIA modernization contract with China Road and Bridge Corporation, and the State also operationalised Finance Act 2026 amid fresh legal challenges. Security & Rights: Catholic bishops condemned “goonism” after an All Saints Cathedral disruption, and the DPP approved murder charges over the Utumishi Girls Academy inferno. Tech & Governance: Forty mayors backed a pact to curb AI data-centre resource strain, as Nairobi’s digital and climate agenda faces mounting pressure.

Health & Courts: High Court found Health CS Aden Duale in contempt over continued construction of a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, ordering him to appear for mitigation and sentencing. Digital Governance: Parliament approved the National Cybersecurity Agency Order, 2026, setting up a new body to regulate cybersecurity and raising fresh debate over how it could be used around elections. Public Service Delivery: Interior PS Geoffrey Ruku directed all citizen-facing government services to be rolled out through the 59 Huduma Centres, with only a small number of agencies currently covering all centres. Anti-Graft & Accountability: EACC warned politicians against branding taxpayer-funded projects with their names, images or symbols, saying it breaches public service rules. Elections & Security Narrative: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen rejected claims the state uses “goons” for disruption, insisting police handle security operations. County Politics & Business: Court halted Nakuru County’s Sh400-per-tonne cess on flower exporters and ordered release of impounded consignments. Infrastructure & Transport Costs: KeNHA confirmed motorists will pay Sh8 per km on the Rironi–Mau Summit highway under a PPP tolling model. Agriculture & Jobs: Egerton University showcased revived 4K Clubs to attract youth into farming as Kenya’s farmer population ages. Sports & Politics: ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna vowed to challenge his removal in court, while FKF’s CHAN insurance probe was closed by PPRA for lack of jurisdiction.

Judiciary Leadership: Justice Steven Gatembu Kairu has been elected President of the Court of Appeal after winning 26 of 41 votes in a secret ballot, taking over from Justice Daniel Musinga. Ebola Court Clash: Kenya’s Supreme Court/High Court found Health Minister Aden Duale in contempt for continuing work on a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Nanyuki despite orders to stop; sentencing is set for Tuesday as protests continue. Opposition & Regional Tensions: Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda and ordered back to Nairobi after being detained at Entebbe, amid heightened scrutiny around Erias Lukwago’s bail case. Anti-Corruption: EACC arrested two KRA officials over an alleged Ksh900,000 bribe linked to a Capital Gains Tax assessment. Public Finance & Politics: A new report warns Kenya loses over Sh600b annually to graft in mega projects, while debate over Finance Bill 2026 and June 25 protests keeps political pressure high. Economy & Trade: Kenya and Japan signed a Ksh22b deal to expand local vehicle assembly, and IGAD kicked off an IGAD Soil Health and Fertilizer Hub in Nairobi to tackle declining soil fertility. Health & Safety: A “Poison in your coffee” report flags pesticide residues and worker poisoning risks in coffee farming. Roads: Motorists complain about instant-fine hotspots on Nairobi’s Eastern Bypass, saying speed limit signage is unclear.

Finance Bill 2026: As President William Ruto moves to assent the Finance Bill on June 23, the debate is heating up again—supporters say it’s needed to fund healthcare, infrastructure and social protection, while critics warn it still deepens the cost-of-living squeeze and keeps the public at arm’s length ahead of the June 25 protest anniversary. Regional Legal Tensions: Opposition lawyer Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda at Entebbe and ordered back to Kenya, raising fresh questions about how lawyers linked to high-profile cases are treated as Uganda prepares to rule on Erias Lukwago’s bail. Cybersecurity Push: Parliament approved the creation of Kenya’s National Cybersecurity Agency, setting up an autonomous body to coordinate national cyber defence and protect the growing digital economy. Public Order Ahead of June 25: Church leaders and retired AIPCA Archbishop Julius Njoroge urged peaceful commemorations and warned politicians against inciting division as security agencies brace for demonstrations. Justice Update: The DPP dropped murder charges against 13 officers linked to the disappearance and suspected killing of two Indian nationals and their Kenyan driver, a move that will shape ongoing accountability questions. Healthcare Emergency Response: Ruto announced Kenya’s first National Ambulance Dispatch Centre, set for end-July, promising free emergency evacuation and faster coordination nationwide. Labour & Courts: The Employment and Labour Relations Court nullified Dock Workers Union elections and ordered fresh polls within 60 days, citing constitutional and legal violations. Our Ocean Conference: Kenya hosted the first African Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, securing USD 6.4 billion in new ocean commitments, including Kenya’s plan for electronic monitoring in industrial fishing. Politics & 2027: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki argued the constitution allows presidents to serve two terms, urging Kenyans to back Ruto’s 2027 bid amid renewed opposition pressure.

Finance & Protests: President Ruto is set to assent to the Finance Bill today as Deputy President Kindiki and Interior CS Murkomen warn June 25 demonstrations must stay peaceful, with “no space for looting” and stern action for lawbreakers. Courts & Governance: The Court of Appeal will elect a new President on Monday via secret ballot, with IEBC overseeing and four senior judges in the race. Nairobi Fire & Accountability: Gikomba Market fire left two dead and traders counting losses; Nairobi Governor Sakaja condemned attacks on first responders while traders demanded urgent safety and governance reforms. Public Health & HIV: A new long-acting HIV drug, lenacapavir, is explained as a twice-yearly injection option, raising questions on access and cost for Kenya’s large HIV population. Security & Diplomacy: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made unannounced talks in Kenya with President Ruto amid Somalia’s political tensions. Local Development: Kenya Railways announced timelines for new SGR first-class coaches with onboard Wi-Fi and upgraded passenger services by July 2026.