AGP Executive Report

Toxic Plastics Exposed: A new Kenyan lab report finds banned and hazardous chemicals in everyday plastic products, including children’s toys and kitchenware, raising endocrine and heavy-metal health risks. Wildlife Conflict in Focus: In Hwange’s Mabale corridor, elephants are rerouting through villages as migration routes shrink, destroying crops and heightening human-wildlife clashes. Drought Relief in the North-East: Church and Muslim leaders delivered 250 tons of food and clean water to drought-stricken pastoralist communities, reaching 3,011 households across 24 villages. County Project Safeguards: Kenya’s devolution programme rolls out stricter Environmental, Social, Health and Safety standards for county development projects under the ESHRIM framework. El Niño Pressure on Livelihoods: Marsabit’s Rendille community faces deeper climate stress as rains fail and water sources dry up, threatening livestock and survival. Water-Wildlife Management: KWS begins hippo translocation in Nyandarua after drought displaced animals from Lake Ol Bolossat, aiming to cut farm raids and protect both people and wildlife. Saba Saba, Different Mood: Kisumu reports calm as Saba Saba protests pass with normal business activity and limited visible security deployment.

Maasai Mara Land Dispute: The High Court has frozen dealings on a 40.5-acre parcel linked to Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, after finding a prima facie case over the title and earlier ownership rulings. Wildlife Enforcement: Six Kenya Wildlife Service rangers face defence in court over the disappearance of missing Nakuru fisherman Brian Odhiambo, after an alleged arrest tied to trespass and illegal fishing. Water & Climate Resilience: Kenya and Denmark launched a Sh2.5bn, five-year Ewaso Ng’iro Basin restoration and climate resilience programme for Laikipia, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Meru and Isiolo. Irrigation Push: Government reaffirmed a 10-year plan to expand irrigated land by one million acres, aiming to boost food security and jobs. Anti-Corruption & Land: EACC moves to recover Sh1.5bn paid in the Ruaraka land deal after Court of Appeal upheld that the compensation was illegal, with prosecution expected. Clean Cooking Rollout: Subsidised LPG cylinders continue in Nyandarua, with 20,000 cylinders set for Ol Kalou constituency. El Niño Risk: FAO and WFP appealed for $200m+ to protect 8.8m people in high-risk countries including Kenya as El Niño returns. Public Health & Environment: A viral “Birdman of Nairobi” story is drawing health concerns as authorities urge safer handling of wild birds.

Precision Agriculture: A “from guesswork to GPS” push is gaining momentum as GPS, satellite imagery and soil sensors help African farmers cut costs, protect water and boost yields—an approach framed as a survival tool amid climate uncertainty. Forest Loss & Climate Fires: Global Forest Watch data shows 25.5m hectares of tree cover loss in 2025, with fires driving most damage and climate change worsening drought-fuelled blazes; Africa’s forest loss is tied to small-scale farming, charcoal and conflict displacement. Mau Forest & Water Security: Government plans to desilt Kenyatta Dam to expand irrigation and reduce pressure on the Mau Forest Complex, linking restoration to livelihoods and food security. Elephant Conservation: Kenya’s Samburu rescue reunites an orphaned elephant calf with her family using decades of field research, highlighting how habitat protection and social science work together. Fiscal Space Pressure: ActionAid flags IMF debt sustainability assessments as squeezing Kenya’s budget flexibility, with debt repayments taking a heavy share of revenue and limiting health and education spending. Urban Roads in Garissa: Kura allocates Sh400m for road upgrades in Bura and Balambala to improve connectivity, trade and access to services. Coastal Livelihoods: Coastal women in Malindi are shifting from fishing-only income to mangrove restoration-linked tourism and beekeeping as ocean health declines. Plastics Treaty Talks (Nairobi): Fiji and Austria co-facilitate key implementation discussions for a legally binding plastics deal, focusing on finance, capacity and technology support for countries needing help.

Health & Climate Reporting Awards: A Kenyan journalist, Jackson Okata, won the inaugural Health and Climate Change Journalism Awards for work linking climate resilience with public health across East and Southern Africa, highlighting how environmental stressors are reshaping disease risks. Youth & Refugee Inclusion: UNESCO and Buni Media are training youth in Kakuma refugee camp using animation storytelling to turn local issues into creative, shareable solutions. Forest Restoration for Livelihoods: Kenya’s tree-growing push is increasingly seen as an economic engine, with Vihiga’s Maragoli Hills Forest restoration cited as creating jobs and new rural income streams. Conservation Through Sport: The Kaptagat Cycling Challenge marked 10 years of restoring the Kaptagat forest ecosystem, with young and elite riders helping spotlight ecotourism and re-greening. Digital Learning to Close the Gap: WITIA launched a Smart Library at Mbukoni Comprehensive School in Machakos, adding thousands of curriculum-aligned books and tech access for underserved learners. Weather Watch for Farmers: Kenya Met warned July will stay mostly dry and sunny, with soil moisture declining—urging farmers to adjust irrigation and harvesting plans. Public Health Push: Officials urged Kenyans to stop self-medicating with antibiotics to curb antimicrobial resistance, pairing the message with hygiene and clean-environment campaigns. Wildlife Moment: A viral Maasai Mara clip shows a serval facing a puff adder near a safari vehicle, underscoring both the drama of nature and the need to manage how people watch wildlife.

Coastal & Climate Watch: Kenya Met has issued a five-day alert with rain and unusually cold conditions expected across parts of the Rift Valley, Nyanza, Western, Central and Coast, including Nairobi and surrounding counties. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust shared a helicopter rescue of a limping bull elephant, working with Kenya Wildlife Service to treat an infected foot injury. Water Security & Disaster Risk: A major flood mitigation push is underway on the West Kano–Kanyagwal Flood Control Project in Kisumu’s Kano Plains, aiming to reclaim about 7,000 hectares and protect homes and farms. Conservation with Livelihoods: A commentary argues Kenya’s conservation targets should be judged by whether communities living near forests and water towers benefit, not just trees planted. Governance & Environment: Nairobi County held public forums on a Boroughs Administration and Coordination Policy, with NEMA and construction stakeholders among attendees. Health & Regulation: The Pharmacy and Poisons Board dismissed claims that 90% of Nairobi pharmacies sell illegal drugs, saying the study was misrepresented. Digital Learning: Machakos unveiled a Smart Library combining books, computers and high-speed internet, with accessibility features for learners with disabilities.

El Niño weather watch: Kenya Met issued a five-day alert with rains and unusually cold conditions expected across parts of the Rift Valley, Nyanza, Western, Central and Coast, including Nairobi and surrounding counties. Flood protection in focus: A major West Kano–Kanyagwal Flood Control Project is being rolled out in Kisumu’s Kano Plains to reclaim about 7,000 hectares and reduce recurring seasonal flooding impacts on homes and farms. Wildlife & biodiversity: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust shared viral footage of orphaned elephant calves in a Kenya nursery turning playtime into “adorable chaos,” while Samburu community-led efforts are helping protect endangered Grevy’s zebra. Conservation through the courts: The Environment and Land Court in Narok struck out a petition challenging the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp, a dispute tied to claims about wildlife migration routes and habitat impacts. Community environment risks: Bee swarms hit school tours in Baringo, sending 16 pupils to hospital, underlining how local ecosystems can turn dangerous during disturbances. Policy for cooperatives: Government is fast-tracking a new Cooperatives Bill, expected to be signed within a month, with promises of better governance and digital accountability.

Agriculture Investment: Kenya unveiled NASIP 2026–2030, a KES1.081trn farm investment blueprint aimed at modernising value chains, expanding irrigation and creating over 2m jobs by 2030, with blended finance and heavy private-sector pull. Climate Services: A new MoU among climate research and meteorology bodies targets better climate information and training to help farmers and counties plan for droughts, floods and extreme weather. Food Security Pressure: Farmers warn that fertilizer shortages and rising costs could cut maize yields, threatening livelihoods and Kenya’s food basket. Nairobi River Cleanup: The Nairobi River Regeneration Programme is building a 27km trunk sewer line to divert and treat wastewater, aiming to curb pollution and protect the river ecosystem. Wildlife & Land Use: The Environment and Land Court struck out a second challenge to the Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara camp, while activists filed a fresh case seeking to halt further lodge expansion over migration and habitat impacts. Invasive Species Alert: Conservationists report invasive Indian house crows spotted in Nairobi, urging stronger surveillance and control. Plastic Waste Innovation: An entrepreneur in Syokimau is turning collected plastic into durable fencing poles, tackling waste while creating jobs. Community Resilience: Vihiga farmers are boosting output through mixed farming, climate-smart practices and cooperatives, including expanding fish farming. Digital Access & Pricing: Parliament is set to debate metered internet billing, shifting from fixed packages to data-based charges, as slum residents still lag in service access. Education & Health: Bee swarms injured 16 pupils during a school tour in Baringo North, with most later discharged in stable condition.

Climate-Smart Farming & Data: Stakeholders urged Kenya to close the climate resilience and technology gap for farmers, as a new digital climate reporting platform is set to track climate-smart adoption, estimate farm emissions and guide nature-based solutions. Nairobi River Cleanup: The Nairobi River Regeneration Programme is advancing with a 27-kilometre trunk sewer line and an interceptor system aimed at cutting wastewater pollution and treating 60 million litres daily. Invasive Species Watch: Nature Kenya warned that invasive Indian house crows have been spotted in Nairobi, raising fears they may spread beyond the Coast and prompting calls for stronger surveillance and control. Maasai Mara Conservation in Court: Kenyan activists filed a case to block further luxury lodge development in the Maasai Mara, arguing illegal operations threaten the Great Migration and local livelihoods. Plastic Waste to Jobs: A Nairobi-area entrepreneur is turning collected plastic waste into durable fencing poles, tackling pollution while creating income for waste collectors. Extreme Weather Signals: Kenya’s July outlook points to cold, cloudy mornings and drizzle in Nairobi, with broader forecasts of below-normal rainfall and strong winds in parts of the country. Water for Coffee Farmers: In Kasipul, a Sh3.35m community water project is boosting coffee processing and encouraging farmers to stay with coffee. Kaptagat Forest Restoration: The Kaptagat Cycling Challenge returns with elite and para-cycling categories, tied to a decade-long push to restore the Kaptagat Forest and support nearby communities.

El Niño Preparedness: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says Kenya has activated its disaster preparedness mechanism ahead of likely October–December El Niño rains, directing ministries and agencies to coordinate mitigation for floods, landslides, mudslides and public health risks. Water Security Push: The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority plans to scale dam construction, water harvesting and climate resilience projects in 2026–27 to expand storage, protect communities from floods and support irrigation. Labour Migration Talks: Musalia Mudavadi begins a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia to strengthen labour and economic ties, with a major focus on protecting the welfare of over 300,000 Kenyan workers; Kenya also signed an MoU with Italy on safe, legal labour mobility and worker protection. Climate-Health and Resilience Finance: Kenya’s vaccine manufacturing drive gets a boost as Japan commits KSh3bn for research infrastructure and regulatory cooperation, while World Bank warnings on forex pressure underline the need for resilience planning. Local Water for Trade: Nyeri’s Kiawara onion hub is set for enhanced water access after a borehole project launch to support sanitation and business. Jobs and Investment: Nairobi International Financial Centre certified 15 new firms, bringing momentum for Kenya’s push to attract fresh investment and create jobs.

El Niño Preparedness: DP Kithure Kindiki told Kenyans not to panic over forecasts of moderate-to-strong El Niño rains later in 2026, saying ministries and agencies are on high alert to prevent flooding, landslides and health disruptions. Water Security Push: NWHSA unveiled a 2026/27 roadmap to finish flagship dams, expand water harvesting and tighten accountability, citing projects like Siyoi–Muruny and Umaa Dam that have boosted storage and supply. Climate Data Gap: Israel deployed a mobile climate laboratory hosted at ILRI in Machakos to improve Africa’s climate monitoring and decision-making. Agri-Food Investment: Kenya launched NASIP 2026–2030, a KES 1.081trn plan to modernise agriculture, expand irrigation, create 2+ million jobs and strengthen food security. Irrigation Reality Check: NIA CEO Charles Muasya argues irrigation scale-up needs more than engineering—better leadership, stakeholder buy-in and financing. Forest Conservation vs Development: KFS announced public participation for an airstrip in Imenti Forest (about 11 hectares), even as court challenges continue over impacts on protected forest and a planned lodge. Mining and Land Rights: Senate committee held hearings on Sh683bn gold mining in Kakamega, with residents demanding clearer land rights, compensation and genuine public participation. Energy Transition Angle: Israel’s mobile lab and Kenya’s water/irrigation plans underline the growing push to manage climate risks with better data and infrastructure.

Mining Act Push: The Senate Lands, Environment and Natural Resources committee proposes changes to the Mining Act to strengthen host communities’ say in benefit-sharing, following concerns over a proposed Sh680bn gold project in Ikolomani. Climate & Weather Watch: Kenya Met forecasts July as mostly dry and sunny, but with cold, cloudy mornings and occasional light showers in Nairobi, the central highlands and parts of the southeast, west and central Rift Valley. Menstrual Economy & Jobs: Government calls for investment in Kenya’s menstrual health sector, framing it as an industry that can create jobs and spur local manufacturing, innovation and affordable access. Agri-Food Cold Storage Finance: AFC and DanChurchAid sign an MoU to fund affordable cold storage for smallholder cooperatives in Nakuru and Nyandarua to cut post-harvest losses and raise incomes. MICE Tourism Drive: Kenya targets 5 million international arrivals by 2028 and says MICE tourism is key to closing a 2.3m visitor deficit, citing strong 2025 performance. PFAS-Free Firefighting: Kenya Airports Authority’s Chief Fire Officer highlights the shift away from PFAS “forever chemicals” in firefighting foams through the FIRE project across African airports. Water & Flood Pressure: Garissa farmers petition the county assembly over recurring floods, weak extension services and underfunded agriculture, warning of worsening food insecurity. Drought Adaptation: Marsabit’s camel crossbreeding model is being scaled to help pastoralists withstand drought and protect milk output.

MICE Tourism Push: Kenya is betting on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions to plug a 2.3 million visitor gap and reach 5 million international arrivals by 2028, with MICE already drawing 736,000 visitors in 2025 and generating over $85m. Flood Pressure on Farmers: Garissa farmers have petitioned the county assembly over recurring floods that wipe out crops, irrigation and roads, alongside weak funding, too few extension officers and deteriorating farm machinery. Drought Adaptation in Marsabit: A hybrid camel breeding programme is helping pastoralists withstand drought, with improved camels producing over six litres of milk a day and plans to expand to Turkana and Isiolo. Nairobi Transport Upgrade: The Nairobi Rising Programme and MRTS plans could accelerate BRT Line 2 and related road works, aiming to cut congestion and improve mobility and drainage. Cold-Season Weather Watch: KMD forecasts a generally dry, cold July with warmer-than-average temperatures, occasional drizzle in parts of the Highlands and rainfall mainly in Lake Victoria Basin and parts of the Rift. Land and Water Use: LBDA has started turning the long-idle Ondago Swamp into a rice farm, while the National Land Commission faces scrutiny over public land planning and missing title deeds. Wildlife and Oceans: Kenya-China legislators pledged deeper environmental cooperation, and a Lake Victoria-focused report asks whether AI can help stop fish deaths.

Agriculture Investment Push: Kenya unveiled a Sh1.081 trillion National Agri-food Systems Investment Plan (NASIP) 2026–2030 to boost crops, livestock, fisheries, irrigation, agro-processing, climate resilience, research and agricultural finance. Cleaner Rivers in Nairobi: Nairobi Rivers Commission urged industries in the Nairobi Rivers Basin to adopt cleaner production technologies, warning rivers are over half sewage and that contaminated food could carry heavy metals. Climate-Smart Food Security: Laikipia schools are using greenhouses, kitchen gardens and water harvesting to keep feeding programmes running despite erratic rains. Regenerative Farming Results: Farmers around Mt Kenya are reporting higher coffee and tea yields and improving biodiversity after adopting regenerative, climate-smart practices under the MSULi programme. Rain Returns for Farmers: Kenya Met forecasts light rains across Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands and parts of Rift Valley and Coast, offering relief after a dry spell. Wildlife & Conservation Sport: The inaugural Kilimambogo Trail Marathon (July 18) will run around Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park under a “Stride for a Cleaner Future” theme. Waste Management After Floods: Kenya’s neighbours also faced flood-linked sanitation issues, with Ghana reopening Achimota-Abofu Transfer Station to restore waste collection. Regional Cyber Cooperation: IGAD cyber drill participants called for stronger cross-border cooperation and plans for a regional information sharing centre.

Extreme Heat Adaptation: A new global look at how communities and health systems are coping with rising temperatures highlights practical responses—like shifting outdoor work to cooler hours and using simple home cooling measures—while warning that heat is already a major public health threat. El Niño Preparedness: Kenya’s Cabinet has activated an El Niño contingency push, with DP Kithure Kindiki leading a special committee to coordinate flood mitigation, drainage clearance, evacuations, pre-positioned supplies and farmer advisories. Water Loss and Accountability: A report flags “non-revenue water” as a huge drain on Kenya’s treated water, calling out leakages and weak recovery systems that waste money and worsen access. Waste and Flood Sanitation: Separate coverage points to renewed efforts to restore transfer-station waste collection after flooding, underscoring how sanitation systems fail when rains hit. Wildlife and Human Conflict: KWS rangers are searching for a giant python in Uasin Gishu after livestock losses, with calls for relocation instead of killing. Food Systems and Climate-Smart Farming: Nairobi hosts DialogueNEXT in Africa, spotlighting agricultural innovation, financing and resilient food systems as climate pressures mount. Mining Oversight and Rights: Kenya’s Senate begins fact-finding on Shanta Gold’s underground project in Kakamega amid concerns over environmental compliance, public participation and community impacts. Governance and Health: Cabinet approved a Kenya–US health cooperation framework to strengthen HIV, TB, malaria and emerging disease surveillance and lab capacity. Cyber Safety: INTERPOL-linked reporting warns of a sharp rise in crypto scams and cyber fraud across Africa, urging stronger user protection and faster regulation.

Water Security: Kenya is losing 48% of treated water before it reaches customers, with leaks, illegal connections, faulty meters and inefficiencies blamed—WASPA warns this has drained utilities for decades. Clean Energy Push: KenGen has expanded its renewable pipeline to 5,500MW and says renewables now drive 94.4% of power dispatch, while also pointing to a future nuclear pathway. Transport & Emissions Oversight: NTSA rolls out mandatory vehicle inspections from July 1, saying checks will include vehicle identity, brakes and emissions-related items, and rejects claims it’s a backdoor for a rejected circulation tax. Food & Livelihoods: FAO warns Africa’s fish supply is lagging behind demand, raising food security concerns; Kenya’s aquaculture is seen as key to closing the protein gap. Eco-Health Innovation: KALRO scientists developed an eco-friendly “Tsetse Fly Shield” repellent to protect livestock and people from tsetse-borne diseases. Regional Energy Trade: Kenya and Rwanda signed agreements to let Rwanda import bulk refined fuel via Kenya’s port and pipeline network, aiming to boost the Northern Corridor. Agri-Food Financing: A Nairobi summit (FINAS 2026) targets a $100bn annual financing gap to make African food systems greener and more resilient.

Renewable Power Push: KenGen launched its first sustainability report and says it has tripled its renewable/clean energy pipeline target to 5,500MW by 2034, with 94.4% of dispatch from renewables and plans including geothermal expansion, storage, a Green Energy Park in Olkaria and a future nuclear plant. Regional Fuel Trade: Kenya is moving to reclaim Rwanda’s fuel transit market after a new deal enabling Rwanda to use KPC pipelines and storage, with Rwanda’s state importer expected to shift routes from Tanzania. Food Security Financing: Africa’s food systems leaders meet in Nairobi for the FINAS 2026 summit to tackle a $100bn annual agriculture financing gap, as climate shocks and hunger drive up food prices. AI Governance for Kenya: At Connecting Codes Conference 2026, Kenya urged stronger laws and governance to keep AI growth aligned with accountability, privacy, cultural heritage and fair access. Conservation & Livelihoods: Dawoodi Bohra Community backed prison sanitation and greening at Shimo la Tewa Medium Prison with tree planting, a borehole and water storage. Fisheries Pressure: FAO’s SOFIA report flags that sustainably fished stocks are at a new low while aquatic production keeps rising, raising the stakes for investment and better governance. Digital Inclusion Policy: COMESA began consultations to harmonise AI and digital inclusion policies across member states, aiming to prevent new inequalities.