AGP Executive Report

El Niño & floods risk: Kenya Met and partners warn of above-average October–December rains, with Rift Valley lakes already displacing families and raising fears of renewed flooding and delayed compensation. Forest fire: Aberdare forest in Nyandarua has seen over 200 acres burned, blamed on honey harvest activity and worsened by strong winds, as KWS seeks wider support to contain the blaze. Water & sanitation: A Nairobi school model is helping children in informal settlements access hygiene and clean water support, tied to the Day of the African Child theme on WASH for every child. Wildlife & conservation: Lake Naivasha fishermen back temporary fishing restrictions to help restore fish stocks, while Kenya also faces reports of elephant deaths near Amboseli under investigation. Policy & regulation: NEMA has issued a notice over a proposed 10,000-acre maize farm in Kilifi, flagging water, wildlife and community conflict risks ahead of a decision. Health system integration: Government is moving to integrate traditional, complementary and integrative medicine into formal healthcare under a new national policy aimed at training, registration and regulation. Tobacco & youth: WHO warns tobacco use in Africa is rising among young people, with Kenya among top cigarette exporters and major tobacco-leaf growers. Digital governance: KRA has tightened eTIMS-IFMIS integration for government invoicing, requiring suppliers’ eTIMS invoices to match payment processing records. Coastal restoration: A mangrove planting drive in Kwale aims to restore coastal ecosystems, including 500 seedlings planted with community involvement.

Water Security & Governance: A new push argues Kenya’s water problem isn’t just rainfall—it’s weak capture, storage, distribution and maintenance, calling for water sustainability as a long-term national priority beyond Vision 2030. Climate Policy & Shipping: UN climate talks on a net-zero framework for international shipping are back on the table, with countries split over whether a global carbon price should stay in the deal. Health Tech for Remote Care: Dutch students trial “Stella Juva,” a solar-powered ambulance designed to run off-grid and carry TB testing, vaccine cooling and ultrasound—aimed at improving access in hard-to-reach areas. Plastics & Pollution Control: Ghana’s EPA says a styrofoam ban is the first phase of a wider single-use plastics crackdown, citing drain blockages and risks to people and marine life. Wildlife & Fisheries Transparency: Kenya’s Mombasa Declaration on fisheries transparency targets illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by improving low-cost information sharing on vessels, licensing and authorisations. Inclusive Creative Economy: Kenya’s Society for the Blind calls for real inclusion of people with visual impairment in the creative economy, urging platforms and paid opportunities. Smart Mobility: Kenya’s ICT ministry says connected mobility systems can improve safety and fleet performance as electric transport scales up. El Niño Readiness: Environment officials flag new high-risk areas as El Niño rains approach. Disaster Watch: Nepal flood figures keep rising, with rescue efforts prioritising workers feared trapped in hydropower tunnels. Aviation Disruption: A Kenya airport strike has grounded flights and left passengers stranded overnight, adding pressure to Kenya’s tourism gateway.

Green Plastics Crackdown: Ghana’s EPA says its expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) ban is only the first phase of a wider push to remove non-biodegradable single-use plastics, citing drain blockages and risks to people and marine life. Clean Energy Manufacturing: SBM Bank Kenya signed a $17m deal with Safer Power to expand local green energy equipment manufacturing and build a factory in Athi River, aiming to strengthen East Africa’s clean power supply chain. Renewables for Industry: A new push argues Kenya should turn its renewable advantage into industrial power, with reliable capital and expert partners needed to convert clean electricity into jobs and exports. Climate Tech for Farming: Chinese-made agricultural drones are being adopted across Africa, including Kenya, to boost precision farming and cut water use plus pesticide and fertilizer application. El Niño Weather Watch: Kenya Met and health officials are stepping up El Niño preparedness as rainfall risks approach, with calls for community-level action. Road Works for Naivasha: The Rironi–Mau Summit highway expansion is set to finish the Rironi to Naivasha tarmacking by December, easing congestion on a key transport corridor. Wildlife & Conservation Spotlight: Fossil footprints near Kenya’s ancient lakeshore suggest an extinct human relative moved in groups about 1.4 million years ago, adding to Kenya’s global science value.

Wildlife Crime Watch: Kenya Wildlife Service investigations into the deaths of 18 elephants in Amboseli have led to the arrest of four suspects, with lab tests pointing to a toxic substance as the likely cause while earlier cyanide theories remain unconfirmed. Plastic Jobs & Waste: A “plastic economy” story highlights how recycling schemes are turning discarded waste into products and employment, including for refugees and informal waste pickers. Health & Environment: Kenya reports 1,679 dengue cases, mainly in Garissa and Wajir, as authorities warn of possible spread along the coast—mosquito control remains key. El Niño Risk: Kenya Met forecasts mostly dry conditions with limited rainfall on the coast and some overnight showers in parts of central highlands, alongside strong winds. Green Energy for Industry: SMEs in Machakos are urged to adopt rooftop solar and mini-grids to cut costs and keep production running as grid reliability tightens. Land Restoration Finance: At COP17, an ILRI-led investment hub aims to close a $278bn rangeland restoration gap by backing projects that can earn returns through ecosystem services and value-chain benefits. Conservation Policy: Kenya’s illegal fishing losses are put at about Sh45bn annually, with calls for stronger action against IUU fishing to protect fish stocks.

El Niño & weather watch: Kenya Met says most areas stay dry through Sunday, with rainfall mainly expected in coastal counties (Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta) and a few overnight showers in parts of Central Kenya. Health & environment link: Kenya’s dengue tally rises to 1,679 cases, concentrated in Garissa and Wajir, with health agencies urging extra mosquito-bite precautions as risk spreads. Wildlife crisis: Four people are arrested over the deaths of 18 elephants in Amboseli; lab work points to a toxic cause, while earlier cyanide theories tied to pesticide-contaminated tomatoes remain unconfirmed. Fisheries pressure: Kenya loses about Sh45bn annually to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, as coastal fisherfolk report shrinking catches amid climate stress and destructive practices. Land restoration finance: At COP17, an ILRI-backed investment hub is launched to close a $278bn restoration gap, targeting rangelands and offering returns through carbon, biodiversity and ecosystem services. El Niño preparedness: Environment PS Festus Ng’eno meets EU partners on Lake Baringo watershed resilience as rising lake levels could worsen El Niño impacts. Clean tech for remote areas: A solar-powered ambulance trial in Kenya highlights off-grid healthcare access for rural communities. Conservation rights: UN warns Tanzania’s Maasai face forced evictions and violent enforcement, urging an immediate halt and fair compensation. Green materials: A Kenyan team turns invasive water hyacinth into a decomposable plastic-like packaging material, aiming to cut fossil-fuel plastic waste.

Wildlife Crime: Kenya Wildlife Service says four people have been arrested over the poisoning deaths of 18 elephants in Amboseli, with lab tests pointing to a toxic substance and investigators also probing possible links to chemicals found in the area. Fisheries & Oceans: Kenya estimates it loses about Sh45bn a year to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, as coastal fisherfolk report shrinking catches and warn destructive foreign methods are draining stocks. Climate & Disaster Preparedness: Environment PS Festus Ng’eno flags new high-risk areas as El Niño rains approach, with focus on preparedness around expanding lake levels that could worsen flooding impacts. Health Access Innovation: Dutch students trial “Stella Juva,” a solar-powered ambulance designed to deliver care in remote areas with onboard diagnostics and vaccine cooling. Livestock & Food Systems: KALRO researchers develop improved feeds and pastures to raise healthier, heavier cattle for better market returns. Circular Materials: A Kenyan inventor turns invasive water hyacinth into a decomposable plastic-like packaging material, aiming to cut fossil-fuel plastics while tackling the weed problem. Regional Education: EAC leaders push for reforms with an education scorecard to track progress and improve teacher investment across partner states.

Solar health access: Dutch students and Amref Health Africa say the world’s first solar-powered ambulance, “Stella Juva,” has passed a Kenya trial—running on roof panels and carrying TB test kits, vaccine cooling, X-ray and ultrasound tools to reach remote communities. Wildlife rescue: In Isiolo, villagers spotted an elephant trapped in a mud pit; KWS and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust guarded her overnight and freed her at first light, highlighting how dry-season mud pits can trap large animals. El Niño health prep: Kenya’s Health Ministry is stepping up surveillance and rapid-response planning under its El Niño contingency plan, focusing on water- and food-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid as flooding risks rise. Livestock traceability: CS Mutahi Kagwe backs ANITRAC, a nationwide animal ID and digital traceability system to curb livestock theft, improve disease surveillance, and strengthen food safety. Conservation & climate tech: Kenya’s COP17 land restoration push is mobilising $1.3bn for drought resilience and rangelands, with calls to put women at the centre of restoration efforts.

Green Finance: SBM Bank Kenya and Safer Power ink a KSh2.2bn deal to fund green energy manufacturing, boosting local production of power infrastructure for East Africa’s fast-growing renewables market. Conservation & Land Rights: A UN watchdog urges Tanzania to halt forced evictions of Maasai communities from ancestral lands, citing restrictions on grazing, water and services around Ngorongoro. Climate & Public Health Tech: Researchers test drone imagery to spot trash and tires that fuel Aedes aegypti breeding, offering a faster way to map mosquito risk in dense areas. Weather Watch: Kenya Met forecasts scattered showers in parts of the Coast, eastern and central regions from Aug 29 to Sep 2, with sharp temperature swings. Wildlife & Safety: A solar-powered “world’s first” ambulance concept is trialled in Kenya to power medical equipment for remote care. Nature, People & Policy: Kenya’s Kaptagat forest debate heats up over a 273-km electric-fencing plan—protection versus community access. Trade & Industry: Kenya hosts Kenya International Industrial Expo 2026 (Sept 3–5) to deepen manufacturing and technology partnerships, including a Guangdong delegation.

El Niño Preparedness: Kenya Met and disaster officials warn October–December rains could be above average, with up to 1.5 million people at risk and Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu among the hardest hit areas, as agencies map flood zones, clear drainage and plan evacuations. Weather Alerts: Kenya Met also issued short-range forecasts calling for rainfall in select coastal counties and strong winds across parts of the north, northeast and coast. Lake Baringo/Bogoria Crisis: A multi-agency team is assessing interventions to protect communities as rising lake levels displace households and threaten biodiversity, with plans due within 90 days ahead of El Niño rains. Plastic Waste Push: Government is considering a national refill-and-reuse system with deposit-return style incentives to cut single-use packaging and create green jobs. Soil Restoration via Worms: A Kenyan farmer says vermicomposting using redworms helped reverse soil degradation linked to chemical fertiliser overuse. Conservation & Community: China-Africa training at Maasai Mara highlights community-based conservation and technology-enabled wildlife protection. Wildlife Incident (Light Relief): KWS revisits a Meru case where residents thought a lion was trapped, only to find it was a shopping bag. Fisheries Bill: Coastal fisherfolk urge the Senate to add clauses allowing closure of some areas to replenish fish stocks and curb overfishing.

Constitutional accountability: Amnesty International tells the government to quit “selective compliance” and consistently uphold the Constitution and rule of law. El Niño and drought watch: Weather experts warn of a dry spell in parts of the Rift Valley, Western Kenya and Nyanza, while rainfall is expected to increase along the Coast as El Niño strengthens. Road safety push: Kenya Red Cross wants urban speed limits cut from 50km/h to 30km/h in high-pedestrian areas to curb crashes. Wildlife rescue: Kenya Wildlife Service and partners rescued a giraffe calf after its mother died in an electric fence incident near Mara Ripoi Conservancy. Mitumba health risks: Experts raise alarms that second-hand clothes may carry harmful microbes and become waste if not properly managed. Food security pressure: Drought in the North Rift grain basket is already damaging maize, with Uasin Gishu warning of major production drops. Livestock traceability: Government moves to roll out ANITRAC digital IDs for cows, goats and sheep to improve disease surveillance and market access. Blue economy nuclear plans: Kenya explores civilian nuclear technology for maritime uses under IAEA’s ATLAS initiative. Exam disruption planning: Education Ministry says KCSE won’t be postponed despite El Niño rains, with contingency plans for inaccessible centres.

El Niño Readiness: Kenya is being urged to start El Niño flood and heavy-rain preparations now, not when water rises, with community-led actions like clearing drainage, moving livestock, and checking on vulnerable households. Early Childhood Development: County governments are reminded that the first three years shape a child’s future, and ECD can’t be treated as just pre-primary schooling. Wildlife & Conservation: Kenya’s KWS is investigating multiple wildlife incidents, including elephant deaths in Amboseli, while wildlife photo coverage highlights the urgency of protecting habitats. Soil & Fertiliser Shift: KALRO and farmers are pushing climate-smart options—from improved Boran cattle for meat security to vermicomposting and bug-based fertiliser to reverse soil degradation. Waste & Health: Concerns are rising over Kenya’s mitumba (secondhand clothing) waste and the public health risks linked to textile dumping and burning. Weather & Displacement: Forecasts warn of enhanced rains from September and potential large-scale displacement, with health and disaster systems urged to prepare early. Community Participation: Karen residents demand clearer feasibility details for the proposed Riruta–Ngong railway, including impacts on homes, noise, and local ecology.

Human-Wildlife Conflict Funding: MPs want tourism revenue ring-fenced in law to speed up compensation for people harmed by wildlife, after concerns that payouts lag behind sector earnings. Elephant Death Probe: Kenya has arrested four suspects over the deaths of 18 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem, with early findings pointing to possible poisoning linked to agricultural chemicals. Airport Land Compensation: Parliament has taken aviation officials to task over more than 10 years of delayed compensation for land owners needed for Wajir Airport expansion, raising fears over timelines and community separation from military areas. Urban Waste Push: Nairobi Governor Sakaja appointed a seven-member board to drive the Green Nairobi waste-management and greening agenda, aiming for stronger professionalism and accountability. El Niño Preparedness & Roads: Kenya is stepping up extreme-weather readiness, while the new Garissa–Tana River bridge and road upgrades are expected to reduce rain-related disruptions ahead of October rains. Bioeconomy Strategy: Government launched a National Bioeconomy Strategy 2026–2036 to cut food imports and post-harvest losses using biofertilisers, biotechnologies and AI. Illegal Mining Debate: A fresh opinion piece argues galamsey is a governance and stewardship decision, calling for stronger enforcement and land restoration.

El Niño Preparedness: Kenya’s Ministry of Health has activated a multi-sector El Niño taskforce, warning of higher risks of disease outbreaks, injuries, displacement and malnutrition in flood-prone areas. Climate & Water Planning: At World Water Week, Kenya highlighted data-driven irrigation using the Water Availability and Demand tool, pushing satellite and water accounting data to guide storage and irrigation investments. Extreme Weather Warnings: Kenya Met issued a 24-hour forecast with rainfall expected in Kericho, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Lamu, Mombasa and Kilifi, plus strong winds across parts of the north and coast. Public Health & Environment: Health CS Aden Duale said Kenya records about 16,675 dengue cases annually, linking spread to stagnant water and weak solid-waste management, and flagging coastal hotspots. Wildlife Crime: Kenya arrested four people over the deaths of 18 elephants in Amboseli, as investigations continue into suspected poisoning. Conservation & Human-Wildlife Conflict: A Kisumu shoreline barrier and solar lighting at Othany Beach aim to reduce crocodile attacks by improving safe night-time water collection for women and safer fishing for communities. Land & Forest Protection: President Ruto said Mau Forest is secured through title deeds and pledged continued protection, including fencing, to keep it from being politicised. Bioeconomy Strategy: Musalia Mudavadi unveiled Kenya’s National Bioeconomy Strategy 2026–2036 to turn biodiversity and research into jobs and climate-smart industries.

Waste Policy Gap: Greenpeace Africa flags a Kenya policy blind spot: EMCA, the 2022 Sustainable Waste Management Act and 2024 EPR rules still lean on recycling and post-consumer disposal, with refill-and-reuse not backed by clear mandates, standards or incentives—despite rising plastic pollution. Rift Valley Lakes Watch: Geologists are probing why Rift Valley lakes are rising, checking whether tectonic activity and shifting underground water pathways are adding to rainfall, groundwater recharge, land degradation and erosion. Wetlands Under Pressure: Experts warn Kenya has a shrinking window to reverse wetland loss—down sharply since 2010—driven by farming encroachment, pollution, over-abstraction, invasive species and climate change. Lake Victoria Heritage Push: Conservationists urge UNESCO international heritage status for Lake Victoria, citing pollution, wetland loss, invasive species, illegal fishing and climate impacts across the shared Kenya-Uganda-Tanzania ecosystem. Wildlife Crime: KWS is hunting suspects after a giraffe was killed in Wajir forest; separately, Kenya investigates the poisoning deaths of 18 Amboseli elephants. Health Data Tech: The Ministry of Health moves to strengthen RMNCAH monitoring with a new AI-powered upgrade to the Taifa Care platform. Climate Risk Planning: NDOC warns up to 1.5 million people may be affected by possible OND rains, with flooding, landslides and infrastructure risks. Drought Relief: Kenya intensifies fertilizer and certified maize seed subsidies as drought bites, while planning maize imports. Roads With Environmental Safeguards: KeNHA outlines an EIA-backed plan to upgrade 123km of roads, including resettlement, drainage and erosion controls. Wildlife Conservation Tech: South Africa’s AI rhino tracking collars are scaling up anti-poaching response—an approach Kenya conservationists may watch closely.

Food Security & Climate: Kenya warns of renewed food pressure after failed rains hit North Rift maize farms, risking higher maize flour prices and possible import reliance. Wildlife Crime: Police arrested four suspects over the mysterious deaths of 18 Amboseli elephants, with preliminary tests pointing to a toxic substance and investigators still debating whether cyanide or pesticide-linked tomatoes are to blame. Water Pollution Crackdown: WRA moved to clamp down on illegal gold miners polluting River Yala, saying unlicensed operators use mercury and cyanide that wash into waterways during rains. Land Restoration Finance: UNCCD COP17 announced $1.3bn for land restoration and drought resilience, putting rangelands at the centre of drought management efforts. Agriculture Inputs: Ruto’s fertiliser and certified maize seed relief kicks in from September, cutting seed costs by half to help farmers weather drought. Biodiversity & Conservation: Bird experts report the long-lost Red Weaver Bird rediscovered in Kenya’s Boni Dodori Forest, despite the area’s insecurity. Community & Culture: A Nairobi designer is reviving traditional hand-loom clothing as a counter to mass production and fast fashion waste.

Elephant crime crackdown in Amboseli: Kenya has arrested four suspects and seized toxic, unlabeled chemicals after 18 elephants died in the Amboseli ecosystem, with preliminary findings pointing to possible cyanide poisoning linked to pesticide-contaminated tomatoes; authorities say lab tests and environmental sampling are ongoing and a fifth person is being sought. Soil health push for farmers: As fertilizer costs bite, more Kenyan farmers are turning to vermicompost and insects—one farmer in Lari says redworm-based compost has improved acidic soils and helped crops survive dry spells. Pesticide safety under pressure: MPs grilled the Pest Control Products Board over pesticide residues and public concerns, challenging claims that chemicals banned in Europe are still in use and urging clearer explanations. Fertilizer relief for production: Government announced subsidized fertilizer at KSh2,000 per 50kg bag (from KSh2,500) and a 50% subsidy on certified maize seed to support food security ahead of planting. Desertification talks near the finish: UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia enters its final stretch with ministerial dialogues focused on restoring land and drought resilience. Coast tourism steadies on locals: Mombasa hotels report stronger domestic demand, helping keep occupancy up beyond low seasons.