AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Land Protection: Villagers torched Kuti Wildlife Reserve tourism facilities in Salima after rangers intercepted alleged poachers, reigniting fears of poaching and weak enforcement. Conservation & Fire Risk: A huge wildfire at Tsavo East National Park spread toward the Taveta–Voi highway, with authorities yet to clearly explain the cause; it follows another major fire earlier in September. Coastal Environment: A Kilifi community petitioned the Senate to regulate quad-bike tourism on Mamburi-Magarini dunes, warning of safety, access and dune degradation risks. Urban Cleanliness & Flood Prep: Nairobi Governor Sakaja led a citywide clean-up, mobilising the Green Army and residents to unclog drainage and cut garbage ahead of expected heavy rains. Climate & Weather Watch: Kenya Met issued a 24-hour forecast with rainfall in nine counties and strong winds flagged in parts of Turkana, Samburu and Marsabit. Health & Environment Link: A Nairobi hospital-acquired case of the highly drug-resistant fungus Candida auris was reported, raising concerns about infection control in healthcare settings. Energy & Politics (Lamu Refinery): Health CS Aden Duale defended the Dangote refinery deal amid calls for scrutiny, while political allies attacked opposition demands for access to the agreement—keeping environmental and community concerns in the spotlight.

Wildlife & Climate Resilience: Kristin Davis’ rescued elephant calf Chaimu has returned to the wild after years of rehabilitation, a reminder of how conservation work helps animals survive changing conditions. Weather Watch: Kenya Met issued short-term forecasts with rainfall expected in multiple counties and strong winds flagged in parts of the north and northeast—watch for disruptions and localized flooding. Coffee Under Pressure: A Science Summit in Nairobi urged Kenya’s coffee sector to lean on soil testing, farmer-centred science and climate-smart practices to reverse declining yields. Pastoralism & Conflict: Research presented at the same summit found that even “good” rainy seasons can raise livestock values and trigger raids, complicating the usual scarcity narrative. Lamu Refinery Fallout: Ruto announced KSh7.5bn for 3,000 affordable homes in Lamu ahead of the Dangote refinery, while residents’ land and environmental objections continue to threaten timelines. Energy & Accountability: Kenya Power warned of unauthorised access to its X customer-care account, urging customers to use official channels only. Waste & Recycling Economy: Coverage highlights community-led restoration efforts and growing pressure to fix Kenya’s waste and recycling systems.

Climate & Conflict: A new study warns that “good” rainy seasons can still spark pastoralist violence by boosting livestock value, shifting migration routes and intensifying grazing competition. Energy & Security: Kenya Power says its X customer-care account (@KenyaPower_Care) was hit by unauthorised access and urges the public not to respond to messages until recovery is complete. Lamu Refinery Watch: The African Energy Chamber backs Dangote’s Lamu refinery despite a Malindi court order halting activities over land-rights claims, with the project still targeting 2030. Water & Wildlife: Lake Ol Bolossat’s drying has been linked to hippo attacks on nearby communities, with drought, encroachment and catchment degradation cited as drivers. Weather Outlook: Kenya Met forecasts moderate to heavy rains in parts of the Coast, Central, Northern Kenya, Western, Rift Valley and Lake Victoria Basin over the next five days. Waste & Pollution Policy: As plastics treaty talks continue, advocates push for action on all sources of plastic pollution, warning fossil-fuel producers may block production limits. Transport Infrastructure: Mau Summit–Malaba dual carriageway clears an initial viability test, paving the way for deeper feasibility work under a PPP model.

El Niño readiness: The Communications Authority of Kenya has ordered telcos to send government-approved emergency bulk SMS to all active subscribers, waiving opt-in/opt-out rules for El Niño alerts during NEWS simulation tests on Oct 2. Short rains outlook: Kenya Meteorological Service says October–December rains will be wetter than normal, with onset already under way in many counties and spreading to most of the country over the next weeks. Water & farming resilience: Government plans to rehabilitate Turkwel Dam in Turkana (over Sh500m) to revive irrigation for about 1,600 farmers, starting with a baseline assessment that will also review environmental and social safeguards. Climate impacts on livelihoods: A citizens’ assembly in Kakamega highlights how changing weather is worsening risks for women in artisanal gold mining, where women dominate processing roles. Lamu refinery controversy: Dangote’s $16bn Lamu mega-refinery groundbreaking continues amid land-rights and environmental concerns, while COFEK seeks more details on government commitments and equity stakes. Agribusiness investment: The World Bank says Kenya could unlock private investment in avocado, mango, medical manufacturing and coastal tourism if policy constraints are removed, with value-add and cold-chain upgrades key.

Lamu Refinery Update: President William Ruto says no Lamu residents will be displaced over the Dangote $16bn refinery, with government handling compensation and land needs beyond the main site. Court & Community Tensions: The project still faces legal pressure as residents challenge land rights and seek recognition and compensation, with court orders putting activities on hold pending hearings. Climate-Smart Coffee: Kenyan coffee suppliers to UK brands are shifting to newer arabica varieties as volatile rains, pests and diseases linked to climate change cut yields and quality. Clean Energy Investment: KawiSafi Ventures backs Orb Energy with $2m to expand commercial and industrial solar projects across Kenya and East Africa. Waste & Recycling Economy: PAKPRO’s Joyce Gachugi-Waweru highlights how Kenya’s waste recovery and recycling push is building jobs and cutting dumpsite waste. Wildlife Conservation via Fun: Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2026 unveil global finalists, using humour to drive conservation support. Digital Climate Action: UN-Habitat and Global Covenant of Mayors open bids to host the 2028 Innovate4Cities Conference, focusing on urban climate science and practical solutions.

Lamu Refinery Fallout: Aliko Dangote’s $16bn, 700,000-bpd refinery ground-breaking in Lamu is drawing fresh heat over land and environmental risks, with protests and court action seeking to halt activities while residents demand compensation and rights. Climate Finance Push: Kenya’s lawmakers, led by Moses Wetang’ula, are calling for polluters and mineral extractors to fund Africa’s climate adaptation and restoration through stronger continental rules. October Rain Alert: Kenya Met forecasts above-average October rains in Nairobi and many central/eastern counties, warning of heavy downpours that could trigger flash floods, landslides and damage to infrastructure. Wildlife Rescue: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is helping orphaned elephants and rhinos return to the wild, highlighting ongoing threats from poaching, habitat loss and drought. Circular Economy Drive: Kenya’s private sector is pushing higher recycling to cut waste and create jobs as the country moves toward a circular economy. Digital Divide: A report warns that despite improved connectivity, access remains uneven—especially for youth, women and rural communities—due to high data costs and skills gaps.

El Niño preparedness: Warnings say heavier-than-normal rains are likely from October to December, with drought-hit northern counties facing a risky shift from dry spells to intense downpours—raising fears for livestock, soils, water systems and displacement. Lamu refinery spotlight: Kenya and regional leaders broke ground on Dangote’s $16bn, 700,000-barrel-a-day East Africa refinery in Lamu, but the project remains tangled in land disputes, public participation concerns and court orders that restrict activities on disputed parcels. Climate justice push: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged stronger accountability for polluters and home-grown climate financing, including a dedicated climate fund and possible taxes on extraction. Waste and methane: Kisumu is among pilot cities in the Global Zero Waste Districts initiative, aiming to cut landfill waste and methane while improving air quality and creating jobs. Solar grid rules: EPRA tightened controls on private solar “dumping” into the Kenya Power network, with potential charges for unauthorised reverse flows. Wildlife and biodiversity: Kenya’s conservation conversation also featured pangolin trafficking efforts and research on elephants using medicinal plants. Agriculture and livelihoods: The Nairobi ASK livestock auction went live, while coverage also highlighted how extreme heat is taking a toll on herders and food systems.

Floods and Gendered Impacts: A Nairobi informal-settlement resident says flooding didn’t just destroy property—it wiped out income, forced months in a rescue centre, and left her with a hip injury she can’t afford to treat, highlighting how disasters hit women’s livelihoods and healthcare access hardest. Climate and Food Waste: UN experts warn food waste is driving global greenhouse gas emissions, with methane from landfills and losses across the supply chain; they urge better storage, transport and meal planning. Lamu Refinery Court Fight: Kenya’s Malindi Environment and Land Court ordered parties to keep status quo on disputed land until Oct 14, after residents filed claims over ancestral heritage and compensation; Dangote and President Ruto say the Sept 30 groundbreaking will proceed, though site activities may be affected. Energy, Jobs and Fuel Security: Dangote frames the planned 700,000-barrel-per-day Lamu refinery as a step toward Africa’s fuel self-sufficiency by 2030, while environmental groups raise impact concerns. Wildlife and Human Conflict: In Kwale, a 70-year-old man died after an elephant attack, renewing calls for stronger human-wildlife conflict response. Policy Watch: Lawmakers questioned KEBS over proposed “covert operations” in market surveillance, pushing for clearer, more transparent inspection language. Climate Reporting Push: Zodiak Broadcasting Station was selected for the Africa Climate Beacons Newsroom Initiative to strengthen climate solutions coverage and community-led storytelling.

Lamu Refinery Court Clash: A Malindi Environment and Land Court order has ordered parties to maintain the “status quo” on disputed land for Dangote’s planned 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lamu until Oct 14, after residents of Chandavai challenged alleged displacement and missing environmental steps. Energy & Environment: President William Ruto says the KSh2 trillion project will proceed and that government plans will include transparency and public participation via the NSE, while Dangote downplays the legal hurdle and reiterates Africa’s push for fuel self-sufficiency by 2030. Rain Watch: Kenya Met forecasts rain in 32 counties between Sept 29 and Oct 5, including Lamu, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Nakuru and parts of the Rift Valley and Coast. Lake Victoria Fish Farming: Kenya’s Senate reviews a petition to regulate commercial cage fish farming in Lake Victoria, citing riparian access, contamination and impacts on wild fish breeding. Food Waste & Climate: UNEP highlights food loss and waste as a driver of methane emissions and urges better storage, transport and cold-chain systems to protect forests and agrifood systems.

Dangote Refinery Court Fight: Kenya’s Malindi Environment and Land Court ordered a temporary “status quo” pause on activities at Aliko Dangote’s $16bn Lamu refinery as residents and farmers challenge land ownership, evictions, and environmental impact and public participation requirements, with a key hearing set for October 14; Ruto Pushback: President William Ruto vowed to press ahead with the Sh2tr East Africa refinery despite the court battle, framing the case as an attempt to undermine investment; Weather Watch: Kenya Met issued a 7-day forecast for rainfall in 32 counties from Sept 29 to Oct 5, with afternoon thunderstorms in parts of western Kenya and daytime highs above 30°C in several areas; Wildlife Data Drive: Conservation groups and researchers are pushing for a National Wildlife Database to bring together scattered wildlife records and improve decisions on biodiversity and threats; Fish Welfare Partnership: Ethical Seafood Research (ESR) partnered with Rio Fish to train on animal welfare, improve handling and slaughter practices, and support a move toward aquaculture certification; Food-Farm Ripple: A maize shortfall in Trans Nzoia is driving up feed costs and squeezing dairy output, underlining how crop failures hit livestock livelihoods and food supply; Electricity Tariff Dispute: The Electricity Consumer Society of Kenya says EPRA’s new domestic electricity tariff categories were set without public participation and plans legal action.

Mountain Bongo conservation: Kenya launched the Mountain Bongo Recovery and Action Plan 2026–2030 in Nanyuki, bringing together KWS, research bodies and IUCN Species Survival Commission leaders to push science-backed, on-the-ground recovery for the threatened species. Lamu refinery land dispute: In Lamu, 133 Chandavai residents filed court action to stop the planned Dangote East Africa Refinery, alleging unlawful displacement and loss of homes, crops, trees and cultural sites without compensation or resettlement; a court order keeps the status quo while the case proceeds. Tree survival push: Kenya’s 15 billion trees drive is shifting from planting numbers to survival rates, with WWF-Kenya support and county tracking via JazaMiti, aiming to restore degraded landscapes and protect livelihoods. Clean cooking momentum: A UN high-level push renewed focus on replacing dirty cooking fuels, highlighting health and pollution impacts and calling for scaled investment to close the access gap. Climate finance pressure: New analysis says climate aid is still often delivered as loans, adding to public debt for the poorest countries even as climate impacts intensify. Kilimanjaro wildfire: Tanzania temporarily suspended two Kilimanjaro climbing routes after a new wildfire, redirecting tourists while firefighting continues. Sugar sector gains: Kenya’s cane farmers saw earnings rise as deliveries surged, lifting sugar output and easing prices.

Climate Finance & Restoration: At UNGA 81, an Africa Sustainable Development Report highlights gains in water, energy and sustainable cities, but warns progress is held back by financing gaps and climate shocks, as WMO flags El Niño risks into early 2027. Clean Cooking Push: Kenya and Norway convened a UN General Assembly high-level clean cooking event, announcing fresh funding commitments to close the access gap ahead of the Nairobi Summit. Water Security: The African Water Facility says since 2006 it has improved water access for 23.2 million people and sanitation for 11.3 million, supported by grants and downstream investment. Land Restoration Lessons: A piece on China’s desertification reversal argues Kenya can scale restoration by making it a sustained national programme, not a short campaign. One Health: Kenya’s Public Health conference in Nairobi (Oct 27–29) puts “One Health, Shared Future” at the centre, linking human, animal and ecosystem health. Wildlife & Land Rights: Independent reporting on Upper Imenti Forest’s proposed developments raised concerns about an elephant corridor, prompting a key MP to reconsider. Food & Drought Response: West Pokot urges short-season crops for expected El Niño rains, while Wajir trials new cowpea and fodder varieties for drylands. Media & Accountability: Media Council commentary warns that access to information must also mean information integrity, amid AI-driven misinformation risks.

Lake Victoria Protection: Climate change experts in Kisumu are urging stronger wastewater treatment and tighter control of sewage, farm runoff and industrial waste ahead of El Niño rains, warning that heavy downpours could wash pollutants into the lake. El Niño Funding Gap: A UN FAO official says Horn of Africa resilience plans are ready, but a major shortfall is slowing action, as El Niño risks are rising alongside conflict and food price pressures. Clean Cooking Push: The African Development Bank and partners called for clean cooking to be central to Africa’s energy transition, highlighting health and environmental costs of charcoal and wood use; Kenya is set to host a clean cooking summit in Nairobi in January 2027. Plastic Treaty Watch: Kenya is pushing for a science-based, legally binding global plastic pollution deal covering the full life cycle, as new rules could affect production, use and waste disposal. Karura Marathon Build-Up: Over 1,000 runners took on Karura Forest trails for the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race, tying fitness with conservation ahead of the Nairobi Marathon. Wildlife Science: Research around Mount Elgon suggests elephants may use specific plants as “self-medication,” based on local observations. Energy Demand Signal: Kenya Power reports a drop in electricity sales to new customers, with off-grid solar adoption cited as a possible driver.

El Niño & Flood Readiness: Kenya Met and county officials are urging communities to brace for heavier rains and unusual cold, with Nairobi and other counties flagged for rainfall and northern areas warned of strong winds—while Ugunja DCC Josephat Musyoki ordered residents to move from flood-prone areas and banned “disco matanga” nights to protect exam candidates. Clean Cooking Push: The African Development Bank backed clean cooking as a core priority for Africa’s energy transition, highlighting health and environmental costs of charcoal and wood use and pointing to Kenya’s planned clean cooking summit in Nairobi in January 2027. NEMA Nairobi Arena Review: NEMA opened public review for a proposed 10,000-seat indoor sports arena at Nairobi Railway City, inviting comments on impacts like traffic disruption, dust, noise and construction waste. Waste & Drainage Action: Scouts joined Murang’a county workers to clear drainage channels as part of El Niño preparedness, linking clogged drains to disaster risk and stressing proper waste recycling. Media & Online Harassment: A study highlights how coordinated social media attacks on Kenyan journalists can push audiences toward silence or self-censorship, shaping trust in news. Wildlife & Conservation Angle: Reports note elephants using medicinal plants, adding to growing interest in biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Maritime & Blue Economy: Kenya Ports Authority signed an MoU with RMIT University to boost research on shipping, maritime trade and the Blue Economy, including AI, sustainability/greening and shore powering. Wildlife & Conservation: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Kenya Wildlife Service personnel have been deployed to operationalised Nyambene Game Reserve in Meru to curb cattle rustling and banditry, protecting a key game corridor. Climate & Food Security: Kenya’s wheat crisis is widening into a climate and public-health issue as domestic production fell while imports dominate supply, raising concerns for nutrition and resilience. Energy & Industry: Aliko Dangote offered Kenya 500MW of electricity from a planned 1,000MW Lamu refinery power plant, aiming to strengthen baseload supply for the refinery and Lamu SEZ. Youth & Climate Action: Joyce Kindiki urged young people to use digital platforms to drive climate action and environmental conservation. Pollution & Justice: A BP toxic waste dumping lawsuit by Marsabit pastoralists hit a snag over translation of court documents. Biodiversity Science: Researchers report Mount Elgon elephants may chew medicinal plants and mix remedies for calves.

Wildlife & Conservation: A new study based on long-term local observations in Kenya’s Mount Elgon area suggests African elephants may “self-medicate” by targeting specific plants and minerals when sick, raising conservation concerns if habitat loss limits access to these remedies. Climate & Security: Britain, the EU and Kenya warn that climate change and nature loss are now security issues, linking forest fires, drought, heat and crop failures to instability, displacement and resource competition. Weather & Health: The WHO flags El Niño as a Grade 3 emergency for Africa, warning of flooding, disease outbreaks and worsening food insecurity across multiple countries. Food Insecurity: IGAD reports 40.3 million people in six Eastern Africa countries face acute food insecurity, with famine risk persisting in parts of Sudan and South Sudan. Kenya Weather Watch: Kenya Met issues a 24-hour forecast for Sept 26, with light to moderate rains in 13 counties and strong winds over parts of the north and coast. Plastics & Pollution: NEMA arrests traders in Coast crackdown on banned plastic bags, pushing enforcement on waste reduction. Energy Transition: AfDB calls for clean cooking to be central to Africa’s energy transition, citing indoor air pollution, deforestation and heavy burdens on women and children. Governance & Global Impact: Kiambu plans to promote ECDE teachers and hire more staff, while Kirinyaga’s Ann Waiguru urges stronger county involvement in global decision-making.