AGP Executive Report

Foreign Hawker Crackdown: President Ruto ordered authorities to shut down small retail shops and hawking run by foreign nationals starting Sept 7, saying such activities should be reserved for Kenyans while foreign investment is welcome where capital is higher. Raw Minerals Push: Ruto also said Kenya will stop exporting raw minerals and move to local processing, naming gold, limestone, iron ore, graphite, titanium and soda ash. 2027 Election Tension: A media-freedom warning says Kenya may see more internet and media restrictions ahead of 2027, echoing the protest-era clampdowns. Politics in Focus: Ndindi Nyoro urged opposition leaders to unite behind one presidential candidate, while Muturi called for an ICC outreach office in Nairobi to curb rising ethnic rhetoric. Nairobi Governance: Woodley residents challenge Sakaja over evictions, demanding compliance with court orders. Education & Labour: Ogamba met Kuppet to address teachers’ grievances and avert strikes ahead of exams. Business & Jobs: Recruiters are increasingly using AI to screen CVs, but job seekers are also using it to misrepresent themselves. Transport & Infrastructure: Emergency land purchases are underway for the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit toll road after design changes. Health & Safety: A report highlights Kenya prisons’ uniform crisis, with inmates lacking proper formal wear.

Nuclear Push: Kenya is seeking a fresh IAEA review and more technical support to move its first nuclear power plant from planning to construction-ready status by 2034, with a Phase II infrastructure review planned for late 2026 and help to address a shortage of nuclear engineers and scientists. Nairobi Politics: Embakasi East MP Babu Owino says he will unveil a new political party in Nyanza ahead of 2027, promising fair, competitive nominations. County Tensions: Woodley residents challenge Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over evictions, saying court orders were not followed and due process was ignored. Urban Security: Two women were arrested at JKIA for allegedly smuggling 658g of suspected gold to Dubai, with the gold concealed in hair and a bra. Regulation Watch: KEBS proposes new Standards Regulations requiring mandatory calibration for specified measuring equipment and licensing for calibration providers. Sports & Culture: Fally Ipupa electrified Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, while Egypt dominated the African Women’s Volleyball Championship final, beating Kenya 3-0 in Nairobi. Regional Trade: Kenya and Somalia plan to extend the Isiolo–Mandera road corridor into Somalia via a joint technical committee.

Tata Chemicals Crackdown: President William Ruto ordered Tata Chemicals to “pack up and leave” Kenya over claims the firm failed to deliver local benefits from its century-old Magadi soda ash operations, as the government moves to bring in new investors. Security & Civil Society: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen formed a multi-agency team to identify and risk-monitor non-profit organisations vulnerable to terrorism financing. Elections & Politics: Police set new rules limiting political rallies as the 2027 campaign season starts early, while Mudavadi and Ichung’wah traded warnings over IEBC credibility and Mt Kenya unity. Health System Pressure: Nurses’ strike continues to strain hospitals, with rights bodies urging Ruto to intervene. Weather & Climate: Kenya braces for heavier rains as El Niño strengthens, with Met listing counties likely to receive rainfall. Sports Spotlight: Kenya’s Dorcus Ewoi finished second in the women’s 1,500m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels, while the javelin title went to Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage. Tech & Agriculture: Researchers in Nairobi are using AI-powered smart beehives to monitor colonies and detect threats early.

Magadi Mining Shake-up: President William Ruto has ordered fresh tendering for Magadi minerals in Kajiado, ending Tata Chemicals’ century-long contract and insisting new operators must add value in Kenya, not export raw soda ash. Election Security Rules: Kenya’s National Police Service says political organisers must notify police 3 days before rallies or processions (not more than 14 days), with events limited to 6am–6pm, ahead of the 2027 polls. Health System Pressure: The Controller of Budget flagged KSh 30.69b in government travel spending in 2025/26, while reports also highlight ongoing strain in health services as nurses’ strike-related deaths and delays remain in focus. Community Policing in Kisumu: Police and youth in Kisumu played football to rebuild trust and tackle insecurity through a multi-agency community-policing initiative. Sports Spotlight: Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s 1000m world record was ratified after his Brussels Diamond League success, while Faith Cherotich also claimed a Diamond League win.

Tata Chemicals Exit: President William Ruto has ordered the Indian firm Tata Chemicals to pack up and leave Kenya’s Magadi soda-ash operations, saying the country hasn’t benefited enough from the resource and pointing to new investors to take over. Police & Rights Debate: Ruto defended the rollout of new police uniforms, saying changes followed consultations, as officials trade barbs over police independence and “parallel units.” Health Crisis: Nurses’ strike continues to hit public hospitals hard, with reports of deaths among mothers and newborns as talks stall over full implementation of the 2017 CBA and arrears. Sports—Nairobi on the global map: Emmanuel Wanyonyi won the 800m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels, while Kenya’s Phanuel Koech finished second in the 1500m behind Cameron Myers; in volleyball, Egypt dethroned Kenya’s Malkia Strikers 3-0 to win the African title and secure Olympic qualification. Weather Watch: El Niño is strengthening, with heavier rains expected across parts of the Greater Horn, including Kenya.

Tata Chemicals Exit: President William Ruto has ordered the Indian firm to “pack and leave” Kenya’s Lake Magadi after accusing it of failing to add value locally or create jobs, with the government saying new investors will take over and build processing plants in Kajiado. Police Uniform Accountability: Ruto defended the new police uniforms and demanded accountability for every shilling spent, while Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen backed IGP Douglas Kanja and dismissed reports meant to undermine police independence. Trade Relief for Exporters: Kenya welcomed a US move to extend AGOA duty-free access for two more years, giving traders certainty through December 31, 2028. Insurance Growth: Kenya’s insurance penetration hit an eight-year high as life cover drove gains, with penetration rising to 2.63% in 2025. Nairobi Jobs via Clean-Up: Governor Sakaja says the Green Army programme has created over 4,500 permanent, pensionable jobs while tackling garbage and drainage ahead of heavy rains. Security Tension in Isiolo: Clashes between herders in Burat left at least one ranger dead and several youths injured, with calls for better protection and firearms for residents. KRA Stock Records Push: KRA issued new guidance requiring businesses using TIMS/eTIMS to keep up-to-date stock records for better tax compliance.

Tata Chemicals Exit: President William Ruto ordered Tata Chemicals Magadi to halt operations and leave Kenya, saying the firm failed to build local glass and chemical plants—setting up a legal and investment test over Kenya’s soda ash export future. Foreign Traders Crackdown: Ruto also directed foreigners running small businesses and hawking to shut down from September 7, sparking debate over protecting local traders without harming refugees and diplomatic ties. Media Safety After Abduction: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the abduction of Standard Group editor Alex Kiprotich, urging fast investigations and stronger police protection for journalists. Health Crisis—Nurses Strike: The nurses’ strike continues to bite hard, with reports of maternal and perinatal deaths rising as services remain disrupted. Weather Watch—El Niño: Kenya is bracing for potentially heavy rains again, with warnings that systems must keep up as urban growth and climate change raise disaster risks. Sports—Malkia Strikers: Kenya’s Malkia Strikers beat Cameroon 3-0 to reach the 2027 World Cup final berth race in Nairobi. Food Pressure—Milk Shortage: Drought-linked supply constraints are tightening milk availability in Nairobi, with officials warning shortages could worsen if dry weather persists.

Foreign Traders Crackdown: President William Ruto ordered foreigners running small-scale businesses in Kenya to shut down from next week, saying hawking and small retail should be reserved for Kenyans, while promising fast-tracked legislation to define restricted trade categories. Aviation Strike Fallout: Kenya Airways and Jambojet reported major losses after a two-day airport workers strike, with KQ citing cancelled flights and heavy delays that disrupted thousands of passengers. Education Disruption: Jomo Kenyatta Boys School was closed indefinitely after student riots, with parents worried about exam impact and repeated damage fees. Child Protection: A man in Kilifi was jailed for 20 years for repeatedly sodomising a 12-year-old boy, after court found the case proved beyond reasonable doubt. Security in the North: Three people were killed in a bandit raid in Turkana South that also saw livestock stolen, despite ongoing disarmament efforts. Online Abuse Warning: UNICEF said 20 million children across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, much of it via mainstream social media. Nairobi Safety Concern: A viral video shows a woman violently attacked and robbed by goons in broad daylight, sparking fresh fears over insecurity.

Press Freedom Under Fire: Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich was abducted by masked gunmen near Gilgil and later found safe near Masinga Dam, as media groups and politicians demand accountability and warn of shrinking space for journalists. Nairobi Planning Clash: The Nairobi County Assembly Planning Committee suspended the county’s Development Control Policy over alleged discrepancies, saying it was not properly approved and aligned with public interest. El Niño Preparedness: Nairobi drainage works are underway across identified flood-risk zones as the county ramps up clearance ahead of heavy rains, with health officials also stepping up crisis readiness. Education Disruptions: Kenya’s Ministry of Education moved to resume school operations after a union-related shutdown, with discussions held with BEMU and labour officials. Digital Safety: UNICEF estimates about 20 million internet-using children across 21 countries faced online sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with social media the main channel. Aviation Costs: Kenya Airways reported losses and disruption costs after a three-day aviation strike, even as operations returned to normal. Foreign Traders Crackdown: President Ruto ordered foreigners running small businesses to close from September 7, pushing local hawking and retail to be reserved for Kenyans. Insurance Growth: Kenya’s insurance sector grew in 2025, with premiums crossing Sh466b and penetration rising to 2.63%.

Press Freedom Under Fire: Kenya’s media community and rights groups have condemned the abduction of Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich, seized by armed men on the Gilgil–Nakuru road and later found dumped near Masinga Dam; ODM, MCK, KHRC, Amnesty and others demand immediate, transparent investigations and accountability. Election Security Prep: IEBC says it will review election security handbooks and police role cards ahead of 2027, while the police election-security roadmap runs from September through the post-election period. Public Debt and Health: Experts warn Kenya’s Sh13 trillion debt is choking healthcare funding, with most budget space going to debt servicing and little left for investment and Universal Health Coverage. El Niño Readiness: Government unveils measures to map flood hotspots, clear drainage choke points, and step up evacuation and response planning for anticipated El Niño rains, including in Nairobi. NACADA Crackdown: NACADA arrests 11 in Nairobi over counterfeit and unsafe alcohol, seizing uncoded and expired products. Kenya Airways Shake-up: Capt. George Kamal resigns as acting CEO; Company Secretary Habil Waswani is appointed interim acting CEO.

Aviation Disruption Eases: Kenya aviation workers called off a strike that had paralysed JKIA and other airports, after talks with Kenya Airports Authority and the government, with Transport CS Davis Chirchir saying the economic hit was “huge.” Labour Rights Push: COTU-K is urging “respect” for workers’ rights and full implementation of CBAs, hours after the aviation walkout ended. Housing Tensions: Mukuru residents remain discontented after a meeting with the affordable housing CEO over unresolved issues in the programme. Education Funding Confusion: Universities admissions are causing confusion for freshers as new university funding arrangements roll out. Press Freedom Under Threat: Standard Group says Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich was abducted along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road, demanding his immediate and unconditional release and independent investigations. Police Reform Spotlight: Maraga’s taskforce flags gaps in police training and instructor preparedness, while another report points to weaknesses in police transport. Health Sector Strain: Nurses’ strike enters its fifth week at facilities like Mbagathi Hospital, with management relying on locum staff to keep services running. Kenya Airways Leadership Shake-up: KQ acting CEO George Kamal resigns; Habil Waswani is appointed acting boss as the board moves to recruit a substantive CEO. Regional Politics: President Hakainde Hichilema is sworn in for a second term in Zambia, with Kenya’s leaders attending and pledging stronger ties.

Nurses vs Counties: KNUNM says its nationwide strike will continue until the 2017 CBA is fully implemented, rejecting Council of Governors claims the deal is unaffordable and accusing CoG of intimidation. El Niño Readiness: The Interior Ministry issues evacuation notices for people in riparian and other high-risk areas as government rolls out seven measures ahead of October–December rains. Aviation Disruption: Kenya’s airport workers have called off a strike that stranded thousands at JKIA and other airports, with talks set to continue on bargaining and non-victimisation. NACADA Crackdown: NACADA moves against counterfeit and unsafe alcohol, arresting 11 suspects in Nairobi and seizing products including fake KRA excise stamps. Power & Jobs: Kenya Power will deploy 426 young engineers after a graduate trainee programme to speed up grid modernisation and improve response times. Local Politics: Machakos Governor Wavinya rejects a Sh17.7bn budget, escalating the fight with MCAs. Business & Tech: Epson expands its Nairobi office by 50% to boost East Africa operations, while Chinese AI models are gaining popularity in Kenya for being cheaper and easier to customise. Sports: Pitso Mosimane is confirmed as Bafana Bafana coach, with Kenya in their Afcon qualifying group.

Aviation Strike Hits Nairobi: Kenya Aviation Workers Union go-slow has paralysed JKIA and other airports for a second day, leaving hundreds stranded and flights delayed or cancelled as talks stretch into the evening. Health Costs Cut: President Ruto says a new Pfizer deal with KEMSA will slash cancer medicine prices by more than seven times, with some treatments dropping from about Sh1m to under Sh50,000 per cycle. Inflation Watch: KNBS reports August inflation rose to 6.6%, driven mainly by food (up 9%) and transport (up 15.7%), squeezing household budgets. Energy Supply Move: Kenya imported 30,000 tonnes of jet fuel outside the usual government-to-government contract to avert shortages at JKIA and Mombasa after demand spiked. Rail Travel Boost: Kenya Railways announced extra special Madaraka Express services between Nairobi and Mombasa for booking on Aug 31 and Sept 1. Policy Push on Traditional Medicine: Health CS Aden Duale says Kenya is finalising a national policy to integrate traditional, complementary and integrative medicine into formal healthcare under UHC.

Airport Disruption: A workers’ strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has slowed air traffic for a second day, with Kenya Airports Authority warning of delays and cancellations and urging passengers to check with airlines. Aviation Labour: The Kenya Aviation Workers Union says grievances include failure to conclude a collective bargaining agreement with KCAA and lack of cooperation from KAA and Jambojet. Compensation Update: Thirty-two Kenyan families of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 victims are set to receive a combined $87.3m from a Boeing crash-victim fund after US legal steps. Health Sector: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged quick resolution of the nurses’ strike, calling on the Council of Governors and SRC to settle outstanding issues to restore services. Crime & Security: Detectives in Mandera are probing the killing of a man shot while heading to a mosque; in Eldoret, a GSU constable was arrested over the fatal shooting of a woman. Local Economy: CBK approved Nedbank’s plan to acquire up to 66% of NCBA, reshaping ownership of the Nairobi-listed bank. Public Safety: Nairobi County stepped up flood-prevention clean-ups, raising daily waste collection to 3,000 tonnes ahead of El Niño rains.

El Niño Preparedness: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja urged residents to brace for October rains, saying City Hall is widening and deepening drainage, unclogging channels and running civic education ahead of the downpours. Airport Disruptions: Kenya Airways and KAA confirmed flight delays at JKIA after a go-slow by aviation workers, with some departures delayed by 2–3 hours; travellers also reported disruptions at Kisumu airport. Politics & Campaign Tensions: In Meru, a Linda Mwananchi rally led by Edwin Sifuna was briefly disrupted when teargas was lobbed into the crowd; leaders resumed meetings while condemning violence ahead of 2027. Security Crackdown: Police and Uganda counterparts arrested suspects linked to the murder of Dr Victoria Mutiso in a cross-border operation spanning Nairobi and Kampala. Education Pressure: Uncertain enrolment is forcing closures and shrinking class sizes, with reports that nearly 30% of public secondary schools have fewer than 150 learners. Sports: FKF postponed the opening round of the 2026/27 Premier League amid promotion and relegation disputes.

Police Reform & Procurement: The National Police Service says Bedi Investments—not Nalitex—was awarded the contract to manufacture new Kenya Police Service General Duty uniforms, after sample submissions and evaluation under the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya push. Airport Disruptions: Kenya Airports Authority warns of delays at JKIA and other airports, with a go-slow by KAA/KCAA staff reported to have left passengers stranded for hours. Dr Victoria Mutiso Murder Probe: DCI detectives arrest three more suspects linked to the killing, including a serving police constable, with operations spanning Nairobi and Kampala. Diplomacy & Training: Outgoing French envoy Arnaud Suquet says Kenya still carries regional diplomatic weight through trade and economic influence, while Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi seeks Sh3.9bn to upgrade the Foreign Service Academy. Politics & 2027: Wetang’ula urges youth to shun political violence; Murkomen tells opposition to stop interfering with IEBC; Ugenya MP Ochieng challenges Orengo to make way for younger leaders. Education Funding: KUPPET warns schools may send students home over a KSh6,000 capitation shortfall. Compensation Update: 32 Kenyan families to share about Sh11.3bn from Boeing over the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash.