AGP Executive Report

Water Security & Climate Resilience: Haleon and the Upper Tana–Nairobi Water Fund will replenish 76,000m³ of water annually for Nairobi, backing nature-based watershed protection as demand outstrips supply and climate variability strains the Upper Tana system. Flood Response & Waste Management: Kenya’s neighbours, Ghana, reopened the Achimota-Abofu Transfer Station with Zoomlion support to restore waste collection after floods inundated landfill sites and left thousands of waste riders unable to dispose of refuse. Transport & Emissions: KeNHA says progress is back on track for Nairobi’s BRT Line 2, with electric buses planned along the Thika Superhighway corridor from Ruiru to Nairobi CBD and Kenyatta National Hospital. Weather Watch: Kenya Met forecasts showers and thunderstorms across about 20 counties in the Lake Victoria basin, Rift Valley and Western, with cloudy mornings and occasional night rains in central areas. Tourism Access: Tourism PS Julius Bitok says Kenya will review restrictions on international flights to boost arrivals to 5 million by 2028, citing aviation bottlenecks and airport capacity limits. Conservation & Wildlife: KWS rangers Samson Lemayan and Lydia Simiyu won the Lewa Safari Marathon, underscoring the race’s conservation link at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Clean Energy & E-Mobility Funding: Germany pledged KSh 7.8bn for 2026–2028, including renewable energy, e-mobility, climate action, irrigation and climate-smart agriculture. Public Health Regulation: Kenya is pushing to reach WHO pharmaceutical Maturity Level 3 by December, aiming to strengthen oversight and boost safe local manufacturing. Agroecology: Farmers in Murang’a and Kiambu are adopting chemical-free agroecology practices, training on biopesticides and value addition to protect soil health and improve returns.

Higher Education & SDGs: Mount Kenya University climbed into Kenya’s top five in the latest Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, scoring for work tied to health, education, innovation, reduced inequalities and partnerships. Climate & Water-Smart Farming: Farmers in Murang’a and Kiambu are adopting agroecology and chemical-free practices, with training on value addition and soil health. Clean Transport: TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya rolled out a fully compliant fleet, cutting transport emissions by an estimated 3.7 kilotonnes of CO2 annually. Urban Mobility: KeNHA says progress is back on track for Nairobi–Kiambu BRT Line 2, including electric buses along the Thika Superhighway corridor. Disaster Preparedness Finance: Kenya launched a 2026–2030 Disaster Risk Financing strategy to shift from emergency spending to preparedness for climate shocks. Mining & Water Conservation: JKUAT students developed a waterless mineral processing approach using sensor-based sorting and air classification. Biodiversity Finance: Ecobank issued a nature bond to fund sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and water infrastructure. Community Water Access: Mozzart Kenya commissioned a solar-powered borehole for St Patrick’s Special School in Thika. Heat Risk to Daily Life: A study warns extreme rainfall and heat are already making grassroots football pitches in Mathare unplayable, with risks rising further by 2100.

Drug Crisis in Coast: NACADA data shows 4.7 million Kenyans (15–65) use at least one drug or substance of abuse, with the Coast worst hit at 29.3% and Mombasa leading at 34.4%, prompting renewed calls for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Coastal Planning Crackdown: Mombasa has launched county-wide enforcement against developments operating outside approved planning conditions, warning of legal action to protect public safety and the environment. Water Access for Learners: Mozzart Kenya commissioned a 220-meter solar-powered borehole at St Patrick’s Special School in Thika under its Action 100 Wells initiative, aiming to secure clean water for students and the wider community. Aviation Policy for Tourism: Tourism PS Julius Bitok says Kenya will review limits on airlines and weekly flights to boost arrivals toward 5 million by 2028, citing current aviation bottlenecks and airport capacity constraints. Conservation in Court: An activist has filed for contempt proceedings over alleged disobedience of court orders protecting Imenti Forest, a key water tower. Clean Energy & Waste-to-Fuel: A UK-backed project in western Kenya is turning sugarcane bagasse waste into cleaner cooking fuel briquettes, cutting environmental harm while improving local livelihoods. Space for Earth Monitoring: Kenya Space Agency and ESA agreed steps to expand space tech and Earth observation cooperation, including support for Kenyan startups via a joint innovation lab. Illegal Fishing Push: At Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, countries pledged stronger action against illegal fishing, including cross-border cooperation to protect fish stocks. Climate Risk to Sports: A documentary warns extreme rainfall and heat could make grassroots football pitches in Mathare increasingly unplayable, with adaptation needed ahead of AFCON 2027.

Ocean Governance & Blue Economy: Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa closed with over $6.4bn in voluntary commitments, including support for marine protected areas, fisheries monitoring and blue-economy work, with Kenya highlighting more than $1bn for ocean expansion and climate finance. Restoration Tech: Konza Technopolis deployed drones to broadcast 75kg of seedballs of indigenous tree species across degraded land, aiming to speed up ecosystem recovery. Waste & Recycling Policy: NEMA ordered a reassessment of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees, saying the current framework is non-compliant and has undermined the goals of the 2024 EPR regulations. Water & Climate-Smart Farming: Kenya secured about KSh 3.7bn (€25m) from Germany for irrigation development, food security and climate-smart agriculture, including smallholder irrigation expansion. Wildlife & Safety: Investigators reopened a case after an autopsy suggested a Nakuru KWS officer’s death involved three fatal gunshot wounds, shifting from suicide to a possible murder probe. Community Conservation & Jobs: Lewa Safari Marathon returns with conservation-linked fundraising, while Kenya’s Mau Forest recovery drive continues with ecosystem and livelihood restoration efforts.

Climate Early Warning: IGAD experts say Horn of Africa states must invest in stronger early warning systems and cross-border data sharing to cut losses to health, farms, livestock, water and infrastructure. Mau Forest Restoration: Environment PS Festus Ng’eno backs the Mau Forest Complex recovery, saying MFC-ICLIP is restoring ecosystems and improving livelihoods, while First Lady Rachel Ruto adopts 33 hectares for restoration and commissions a nursery for indigenous seedlings. Marine Protection & Ocean Planning: A global push for better-managed marine protected areas highlights enforcement as the make-or-break factor, while Jamaica announces a planning secretariat for the 2029 Our Ocean Conference. Blue Economy Support (Kilifi): ReSea Project equips eight women and youth blue-economy groups in Kilifi with tools to boost coastal livelihoods and climate resilience. E-waste Threat: KNBS reports Kenya generated 55,956 tonnes of e-waste in 2025, warning of biodiversity and public health risks if disposal isn’t urgently improved. Wildlife-Safe Power Lines: Kenya Power rolls out protective covers on power lines in raptor hotspots to reduce electrocution. Water & Irrigation Deal: Kenya secures German support to expand smallholder irrigation across seven western counties, aiming to lift farmer incomes. Climate Resilience for Pregnancies: Kilifi officials link extreme heat and deforestation to rising pregnancy complications, including anaemia and dehydration risks.

Blue Economy & Marine Protection: Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa saw six marine sanctuaries awarded “Blue Park” status, with four in Africa—an effort tied to the 30x30 biodiversity goal and stronger protected-area enforcement. Climate & Drylands: A new Thrivelands initiative argues drylands (41% of the planet’s land) are missing from climate finance, despite supporting food and livelihoods—pushing restoration as resilience, not “barren land.” Circular Economy & Waste: Kenya’s circular future is framed around compliance, while separate reporting highlights reducing single-use plastics as flood mitigation. Local Livelihoods & Food Security: Murang’a’s school feeding programme is creating jobs and boosting small suppliers, showing nutrition spending can also strengthen local economies. Wildlife & Conservation: A giraffe named Gracie escaped in Texas, spotlighting how hard it can be to track wildlife after enclosure breaches. Governance & Accountability: KRA launched body-worn cameras to modernise customs and reinforce integrity, while courts and public debate continue around transparency and due process. Education & Mental Health: Mombasa leaders urged stronger learner support and preventive mental health measures to curb extreme behaviour and unrest.

Forest Protection in Meru: Kenya’s High Court has temporarily halted plans to excise and develop parts of Imenti Forest for a State Lodge, airstrip and golf course, issuing interim conservatory orders while the case proceeds. Ebola Facility Row: Catholic bishops oppose a proposed US-focused Ebola quarantine and treatment facility at Laikipia Air Base, arguing it risks Kenyan lives and lacks transparency and consultation. Marine Conservation: At Mombasa’s Our Ocean Conference, six marine protected areas were recognised as “Blue Parks,” with emphasis on durable, equitable and effective protection. Soil Health Push: IGAD has launched an IGAD Soil Health and Fertiliser Hub in Nairobi to coordinate soil restoration and improve access to fertilisers across the region. Drylands Spotlight: A new Thrivelands initiative aims to pull dryland restoration into climate and environmental funding, arguing these ecosystems are key to food and climate security. Digital Trust & Cybersecurity: Parliament has greenlit Kenya’s National Cybersecurity Agency to strengthen governance and trust for the growing digital economy. Education Pressure: Senior school principals in Mombasa propose a major fees hike, citing delayed capitation and rising costs that they say are worsening unrest. Urban Housing Demand: Murang’a town’s expansion is accelerating as students and renters move from Nairobi’s high costs, boosting local rentals and businesses. Payments Expansion: WapiPay, a Kenyan cross-border fintech, enters Canada after securing a Money Services Business licence from FINTRAC.

Clean Energy Finance Gap: UN chief António Guterres says Africa holds huge solar and critical-mineral wealth but gets only about 2% of clean energy investment, warning the underfunding slows both African development and the global energy transition. Local Health Manufacturing: Kenya launched a Health Products and Technologies Local Manufacturing Strategy 2026–2030 to cut heavy import dependence (about 70% of pharma and nearly all vaccines), aiming to improve access, costs and resilience. Wildlife Safety & Power Lines: A new report highlights how power lines are killing Kenya’s declining raptors, raising calls for safer grid practices. Drought Resilience Investment: NDMA is pitching drought adaptation in ASALs as a bankable investment opportunity, framing resilience as business continuity for water, livelihoods and supply chains. Forest Protection Financing: Kenya plans a Sh64.8bn sustainability-linked bond tied to deforestation reduction and rural electricity expansion. Urban Data Centers Pushback: 40 mayors signed a pact to curb AI data-center resource strain (electricity, water, land) and push sustainable siting and community engagement. Community Land Reform: Indigenous and local communities demand faster implementation of the 2016 Community Land Act, warning millions of hectares remain insecure. Blue Economy Support: ReSea hands over equipment for seaweed, sea cucumber, crab fattening and sardine processing to strengthen coastal livelihoods and marine ecosystem protection.

Wildlife Compensation Finally Released: Kenya’s Ombudsman intervened to unlock Sh770,000 in delayed compensation for a Mandera family after a 2020 snakebite left their four-year-old injured, ending a six-year wait involving the State Department for Wildlife and KWS. AI Data Centres Under Pressure: Forty mayors signed a pact led by C40 to curb how AI-driven data centres are sited and powered, responding to fears over electricity, water strain, rising costs and threats to climate targets. Circular Economy Push: World Environment Day coverage highlights Kenya’s progress on plastic controls and Extended Producer Responsibility, arguing circular economy gains depend on compliance across sectors. Cold Weather Alert: Kenya Met forecasts biting cold and rain in parts of the Highlands and Rift Valley, with temperatures dropping to around 4°C in Nyahururu. Blue Economy Support: ReSea handed over productive equipment for seaweed, sea cucumber, crab fattening and sardine processing to coastal groups under its Blue Economy pillar, aiming to boost livelihoods and ecosystem resilience. Health & Environment Governance: A court-linked halt to a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility shows how legal processes can directly affect public health infrastructure decisions.

Climate Voices: A new documentary, The Welcome Table, spotlights communities hit hardest by global warming and argues that “welcoming” can counter the politics of division. Fisheries Crackdown: Kenya-backed regional push under the Mombasa Declaration aims to curb illegal fishing by sharing vessel information and harmonising rules across borders. Forest Protection Under Fire: Campaigners are calling for an end to the destruction of Imenti Forest as a state lodge project continues despite court orders, raising alarms over Kenya’s forest targets. Lake Naivasha Watch: Reports highlight rapidly fluctuating water levels around Lake Naivasha, with major impacts on homes, farms and roads. Heat Stress Rising: A study says Kenya and other regions are now seeing longer, more severe heat stress than decades ago, driven by fossil-fuel warming. Agroecology & Biodiversity: WWF and partners convene agroecology experts in Bomet to link nature-positive farming with biodiversity and livelihoods. Soil Health for Food Security: IGAD launches an operational Soil Health and Fertilizer Hub in Nairobi to restore degraded soils and boost climate resilience. Governance & Corruption Risks: Transparency International flags high corruption risks in major projects including the SGR and some housing schemes. Maritime Compliance: Kenya’s Maritime Authority issues a seven-day ultimatum to shipping firms to regularise registration and licensing. Carbon Credits Conflict: Indigenous communities in Northern Kenya reject attempts to restart a troubled grassland carbon project, alleging loss of grazing control. Pesticide Alarm: A report warns of widespread pesticide use in coffee, linking intensive farming to health and environmental harm. Stray Dog Crisis: Animal welfare groups warn Kenya’s free-roaming dog population is overwhelming shelters, driven by uncontrolled breeding and limited sterilisation.

Coffee pesticide alarm: A new “Poison in your coffee” report warns that intensive coffee farming is driving serious health and environmental harm, with pesticide residues found in about 1 in 5 cups and many chemicals used in coffee banned in Europe. Stray animal surge: Kenya’s estimated 7.46 million free-roaming dogs are overwhelming shelters, with uncontrolled breeding and limited sterilisation pushing rescues into emergency mode. Soil and fertilizer push: IGAD has started operating its Soil Health and Fertilizer Hub in Nairobi to tackle declining soil fertility, improve fertilizer access, and boost climate resilience for farmers across the region. Blue economy momentum: Haleon and the Upper Tana–Nairobi Water Fund are partnering to replenish 76,000m³ of water annually, while Kenya also hosted major Our Ocean Conference commitments for ocean action. Water and reef hope: King Charles III’s coral restoration in Kilifi is thriving, and new research suggests some coral reefs may be more climate-resilient than feared. Drought resilience investment: NDMA is urging private sector funding for long-term drought resilience in ASAL areas, shifting from emergency response to sustained investment. Clean cooking drive: Kenya’s clean cooking push targets wider LPG adoption by 2028, aiming to cut household pollution.

Our Ocean Conference: Kenya hosted the first African Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, securing 320 new commitments worth USD 6.4bn for ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience and blue economy projects, including Kenya’s USD 200m plan to install electronic monitoring on industrial fishing vessels. Urban Climate Action: Nairobi will host the Innovate4Cities Climate Conference (June 21–24), the first time the global forum is held in Africa, focusing on practical solutions for climate-smart cities and housing. Clean Cooking Push: Kenya Pipeline Company’s KPC Foundation, with Vivo Energy, expanded clean cooking support to 100 more Mukuru Viwandani households, bringing beneficiaries to 190 with LPG starter kits to cut household pollution. Agroecology in Nyeri: A Nyeri group opened the county’s first organic produce shop after training in agroecology, using a solar dryer to preserve vegetables and herbs. Water Security Upstream: A new partnership led by Haleon Kenya and the Upper Tana–Nairobi Water Fund Trust targets watershed threats by supporting smallholders with soil and water conservation to protect Nairobi’s water supply. Climate Impacts on Health: A study shared in Kisumu links repeated flooding exposure in informal settlements to rising mental health burdens, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. GMOs Awareness: Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority begins nationwide public awareness on GMOs from July to tackle misinformation and explain safety assessment and approvals.

Urban Water Security: A new three-year partnership led by Haleon Kenya and the Upper Tana–Nairobi Water Fund Trust targets upstream farming practices to cut soil erosion and protect the watershed that supplies nearly 95% of Nairobi’s water and much of Kenya’s hydropower. Climate-Conscious Cities: Nairobi kicked off the 2026 Innovate4Cities climate conference with community street-art murals, pushing the idea that resilient urban planning must be shaped by residents as well as policymakers. Food Loss Cut with Solar Cold Storage: Farmers across Kenya and parts of Africa are increasingly renting solar-powered cold rooms to slow post-harvest spoilage, with reports of spoilage dropping sharply and earnings rising per kilogram. Wildlife Awareness: World Giraffe Day (June 21) spotlights the species’ long-necked wonder while warning that giraffes remain vulnerable and need stronger conservation support. Marine Cooperation: Jamaica and Barbados joined the Wider Caribbean Ocean Coordination Mechanism during Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, adding momentum for regional ocean protection and better governance. Circular Textiles Policy: Kenya’s Mitumba sector is watching Basel Convention talks on used textiles, where new rules could reshape reuse markets and circular economy flows. Disaster Risk at Markets: After another Gikomba Market fire, lawyers and traders renewed calls for real fire-safety reforms and accountability to prevent repeat losses.

Blue Economy & Oceans: Coast counties launched a Sh156bn blue economy multi-agency plan (2026–2030) after Our Ocean Conference momentum in Mombasa, aiming to boost fisheries, ports, maritime transport, tourism and green energy. Ocean Governance & Pollution: As the 11th Our Ocean Conference wrapped, Kenya and partners pushed for turning marine protection into implementation, with calls to tackle land-based pressures like waste and wastewater that degrade coastal waters. Climate Risk & Food Security: FAO and WFP said El Niño could hit 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries, including Kenya, with drought, floods and storms—support includes cash aid, climate-resilient seeds and livestock protection. Water Security: Stakeholders urged coordinated governance for basin water resource committees, backing a five-year push to strengthen catchment management and improve access to safe water. Energy Transition: Sub-Saharan Africa posted strong gains in the World Economic Forum energy transition rankings; Kenya ranked 87th, with progress tied to policy readiness and investment. Circular Economy Textiles: SMART will join Basel Convention talks in Geneva on used textiles and whether shipments face stricter controls that could disrupt reuse markets. Agriculture Resilience: Farmers are adopting climate-smart practices in ASAL areas, while tea research highlights improved varieties to withstand climate shocks and pests. Weather Watch: Kenya Met forecast occasional rains and very cold nights in parts of the country, including Nairobi and Central counties.

Ocean Action & Blue Economy: The 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa wrapped up with $5.7bn in commitments, with Kenya pushing a shift from talk to implementation and jobs, investment and livelihoods tied to marine protection. Climate & Food Security: FAO and WFP say they need $202m to protect 8.8m people across 22 high-risk countries from expected El Niño impacts, including droughts, floods and storms, with support like cash aid, climate-resilient seeds and flood control. Protected Areas Under Pressure: NEMA has invited public comments on a plan to build the Athi Dam inside Tsavo East National Park, a move that could reignite debate over development in wildlife areas. Weather Watch: Kenya Met warns of occasional rains and very cold nights (down to 4–6°C) in parts of Central and showers in several regions over the next five days. Urban Climate Governance: Nairobi hosts the Innovate4Cities conference (June 21–24), putting African city resilience and climate implementation in the spotlight. Cyber Resilience: KEBS and NC4 will co-host an information security conference in Naivasha (June 29–July 3) as cyber threats intensify. Conservation & Communities: Kisumu fishermen near Ndere Island National Park reject claims of KWS harassment, saying cooperation brings jobs and development.

Climate Diplomacy in Nairobi: Innovate4Cities Conference (June 21–24) brings over 1,000 participants to spotlight African-led solutions on housing, infrastructure, digital tools and climate justice. Blue Economy Funding: Kenya unveils a Sh79bn (2025–2035) investment plan to restore mangroves and seagrasses and protect coastal livelihoods, with blended finance options. Ocean Protection Push: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, countries back fisheries transparency reforms and stronger marine governance to curb illegal fishing. ASAL Farming Resilience: Farmers in Makindu and wider ASALs adopt climate-smart practices like ripping, zai pits, mulching and crop diversification, using weather advisories to cut hunger risk. Agroecology Gains Ground: Kiambu and Murang’a farmers train on chemical-free agroecology and biopesticides, with warnings about soil depletion from synthetic inputs. Wildlife Protection Results: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and KWS report a month of anti-poaching work covering 32,674km, confiscating 1,018 snares and making 53 arrests. Waste Management Update: Embakasi sees a surge in garbage collection (up to 6,000 tonnes/day at peak), but polythene remains a major problem despite the plastic ban. El Niño Watch: Scientists warn East Africa must prepare for another climate shock as El Niño intensifies, raising flood, disease and crop-loss risks.