AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness: Kenya says it remains Ebola-free, with 56 suspected samples testing negative, but Health PS Mary Muthoni warns risk is rising and pushes for fully operational quarantine centres, especially at busy Malaba. Court Watch: The High Court in Kerugoya has suspended NTSA’s smart driving licence and automated fines PPP with Pesa Print, freezing rollout of smart cards and digital enforcement. Digital Economy & Privacy: Kenya’s digital surveillance debate heats up as privacy concerns grow over how mobile data and other digital tools can be used. Consumer Protection & Competition: CAK research conference flags scams and unfair practices in Kenya’s fast-growing digital markets, calling for stronger oversight. Women’s Health: Aga Khan University and WHO launch a framework to strengthen breast and cervical cancer prevention, early detection, and care in Kenya and across Africa. E-Mobility: China’s Yadea enters Kenya with electric motorcycles built for commercial riders, as the electric two-wheeler market attracts more investment. Tech Talent: Kenyan students win big at Huawei ICT Global Finals in Shenzhen, including a historic Grand Prize. Energy & Climate: Joyce Kithure urges climate action that protects livelihoods, linking conservation with climate-smart agriculture.

Digital Privacy: An Al Jazeera probe has reignited Kenya’s debate on how mobile data, telecom systems and surveillance tools could be used against citizens’ constitutional privacy rights. TVET & Maritime Skills: Bandari Maritime Academy is deepening TVET partnerships to train graduates for internationally recognized STCW maritime roles, boosting Kenya’s blue-economy workforce. Consumer Protection in the Digital Economy: CAK’s research conference heard calls for tighter oversight as Kenya’s online markets expand, warning of scams, misleading practices and anti-competitive conduct. Ebola Watch: Kenya says it has screened 80,000+ travellers and tested 56 suspected samples, all negative, while strengthening risk-based entry screening and lab readiness. Ebola Politics: A fresh US$38m boost is pledged for the DRC response as global health groups push for stronger interventions amid fears the outbreak could rival 2014. Ebola Facility Backlash: Court and public pressure continues around the proposed Laikipia quarantine centre, with officials defending it as part of national preparedness. Huawei ICT Win: Kenyan university students clinched the Huawei ICT Competition Grand Prize in Shenzhen, a first for Kenya at the top award. Marine Conservation Planning: Stakeholders reviewed Kenya’s draft Marine Spatial Plan to shape access and sustainable use of ocean space to 2045. World Environment Day: Kenya’s climate push highlights community-led action, youth delivery and practical steps like waste reduction and climate-smart farming. Urban Accountability: 37 people, including Nairobi County officials, face charges over the South C building collapse, with ODPP saying there’s enough to prosecute. Smart Transport Policy: A court temporarily halted NTSA’s smart driving licence and automated fines rollout pending a petition hearing. Assistive Tech Gap: A new report says only 10–25% of assistive technology needs are met across Africa, with major access gaps for rural communities.

Ebola Watch (Kenya): Kenya screened 80,000+ travellers at points of entry; 56 suspected samples from alerts linked to DRC and Uganda tested negative, with 3,969 screened in the last 24 hours as preparedness ramps up. Court & Transport Tech: Kenya’s High Court temporarily suspended NTSA’s smart driving licence and automated fines system, halting a public-private rollout pending a petition hearing. Smart City & Research: Konza Technopolis commissioned an automated pneumatic solid waste system and is pushing a science-and-technology university model to raise innovation standards. AI + Finance (DeFi 3.5): ORIZON launched OriZone, pitching AI-driven, autonomous yield generation as DeFi evolves toward “DeFAI.” Digital Payments in Gaming: Unipesa joined GTSA 2026 to back compliant gaming payments across 21+ markets. Tech Talent: Kenyan students won Huawei’s ICT Competition 2025–2026 global Grand Prize in Shenzhen. Urban Governance: Nairobi Governor Sakaja suspended Urban Planning chief Patrick Analo and reconstituted the committee amid corruption allegations. E-Mobility: Kibo Africa plans a 10,000 electric motorcycle rollout to cut rider costs and boost adoption. Environment & Travel: World Environment Day coverage reframed eco-travel as protecting nature systems that support resilience and local livelihoods.

Ebola Response & Public Trust: The US authorised an experimental Ebola antibody treatment (MBP-134) for Americans with high-risk exposure, as scrutiny grows around the proposed Kenya quarantine facility and Kenyans question what they gain from the arrangement. Regional Health Preparedness: Kenya also hosted a forum on safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, while lawmakers pushed for stronger El Niño preparedness planning based on scientific forecasts. Climate Tech for Cities: Nairobi City Marathon launched a dual climate push, including air-quality monitoring sensors along the expressway and a 5,000-tree legacy plan. E-Mobility & Power Planning: Kenya Power moves to meter EV chargers under a dedicated e-mobility tariff, projecting major electricity sales growth by 2030. Education Workforce: Parliament approved the 2026/27 budget with KSh 4.9bn to absorb 20,000 intern teachers into permanent terms, alongside major education and health allocations. Trade & Skills: Kenya and South Africa signed six MoUs covering trade facilitation, maritime cooperation, TVET, arts and sports, aiming to cut barriers and deepen AfCFTA-linked value chains. Road Infrastructure: KeNHA issued notices for residents and traders to vacate parts of the Ruiru–Githunguri–Uplands road reserve for a 44km upgrade.

Ebola Response & Public Health: Kenya activated enhanced Ebola surveillance and preparedness as the Bundibugyo strain evolves, screening over 34,500 travelers and putting KEMRI labs on rapid testing standby; officials also admitted communication gaps around the Kenya–US Laikipia isolation and testing facility after protests and court challenges, while EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise screening and protective measures across airports, ports and land borders. Regional Trade & Tech/Industry: South Africa and Kenya signed six MoUs covering trade facilitation, maritime cooperation, TVET, arts and sports, as leaders push deeper value-chain integration and intra-African commerce. Fintech & Banking Tech: Interswitch partnered with Temenos to expand managed digital banking services across Africa, targeting Kenya among initial markets. SME Digitisation: Tech firms are racing to take small businesses online in Kenya, with plans for a digital platform to reach 100,000+ businesses by 2027 via Posta Kenya and M-Pesa infrastructure. Energy & Science: Kenya’s geothermal leadership got a spotlight as the 2029 World Geothermal Congress is set for Nairobi, and a nuclear regulator forum in Nairobi focused on strengthening radiation safety in healthcare. Environment & Data for Cities: Nairobi City Marathon paired air-quality sensors with a 5,000-tree legacy plan, while Kenya marked World Environment Day in Olkalau. IP & Governance: Kenya’s Anti-Counterfeit Authority chief Robi M King’a was elected WIPO ACE vice-chair, boosting Kenya’s role in global enforcement.

Ebola Preparedness: KNPHI and county teams in Trans Nzoia and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital (Kisumu) are stepping up Integrated Rapid Response Team training, isolation readiness, lab capacity and healthcare worker drills as Kenya watches the Congo outbreak closely. Health Policy & Youth: The Ministry of Health says 15% of girls aged 15–19 are pregnant or already mothers, pushing plans for comprehensive sexuality education and stronger adolescent SRHR services. Regulation & Data: Kenya’s Gambling Regulatory Authority wants a central monitoring system to track every betting transaction in real time, ending reliance on operator self-reporting. Education Tech Gap: AELTA warns Africa’s education reforms are being slowed by English teacher shortages and a widening digital skills gap among educators. Energy Relief: Kenya withdraws the electricity tariff review, keeping power bills unchanged after consultations. Local Innovation in Health: PS Oluga urges universities to translate research into local manufacturing for vaccines, diagnostics and other healthcare products. E-Mobility Investment: Spiro secures $215m equity to expand battery swapping across Africa, including Kenya. Agribusiness & Trade: IFTEX 2026 opens in Nairobi as Kenya’s floriculture exports surge, while U.S. wheat shipments under Food for Progress continue supporting feed development.

Ebola Response & Politics: WHO chief Tedros says Congo’s Ebola outbreak had a “big head-start” and that health authorities are “catching up” as suspected cases fall, while Kenya’s Health CS Aden Duale insists Ebola facilities remain under Kenyan control and says government won’t seek public consultation before setting up treatment and quarantine sites. Kenya-US Ebola Facility Row: Reuters reports US flights and medical teams continued arriving in Nanyuki even after a Kenyan court order to pause work, as protests turned deadly and the High Court ordered disclosure of the underlying agreement. Public Health Hotspots: Duale told Parliament that 12 counties are “very high-risk” for Ebola transmission, with screening and surveillance stepped up along major transport corridors. AI & Governance: Kenya’s AI Bill faces scrutiny after Florida sued OpenAI, highlighting concerns about harm, child safety, and data use; separate coverage also flags how Kenya wants to benchmark NYPD-style tech for a Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit. Digital Livelihoods: Jitume Digital Hub training in Bungoma is helping youths earn via online work, AI skills, and mentorship. Trade, Tech & Growth: Kenya’s floriculture sector flexes at IFTEX 2026 in Nairobi, while Kenya partners with Google to launch an AI-driven tourism strategy. Energy & Mobility: Spiro raised $215m equity to expand battery-swapping EV infrastructure across multiple African markets.

Ebola & Public Trust: Kenya’s Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia stays in the spotlight as protests and court battles continue, with the latest coverage focusing on why the plan was approved and what protections Kenyans will get. Food Safety: KALRO and KEBS warn of cereals in Kenyan markets with aflatoxin levels up to 500 parts per billion—far above the 10 ppb WHO limit—raising cancer and child-growth risks. Maternal Health Tech: Kenyan doctors are turning to virtual reality and telemedicine to tackle preventable maternal deaths. AI for Development: A push for “right policy” to make AI a real development tool in Africa, alongside calls for Kenya and Africa to finance and control their own data systems. Education & Skills: Chuka TVC expands with hostels for 1,820 trainees as TVET demand rises. Sports Infrastructure: Sports Kenya begins assessments for modern irrigation at Kasarani Stadium ahead of AFCON 2027. University Rankings: University of Nairobi reclaims Kenya’s top spot in the 2026 CWUR Global 2000. Clean Mobility: Spiro secures $215m to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping across Africa. Blue Economy: Oceana urges coastal communities and small-scale fishers to lead ocean decisions ahead of Mombasa’s Our Ocean Conference.

Ebola Response in Kenya: President Ruto defended a proposed Laikipia Air Base quarantine facility as routine preparedness, as Kenya’s High Court extended a halt on the project and protests turned deadly; meanwhile, in DR Congo the outbreak numbers shifted with suspected cases dropping and an airport reopening for humanitarian access, but experts warn the situation is likely worse than official figures. School Safety & Accountability: After the Utumishi Girls Academy dorm fire that killed 16, nine students were arrested and appeared in court as parents await DNA results, while the Architectural Association of Kenya pushed new dorm safety rules focused on fast, keyless evacuation. AI, Data & Work in Kenya: DP Kindiki urged investment in stronger national data systems as Kenya opens the Global Data Festival, while Kenyan platform workers demanded protections and dignity for the people training AI. Fintech & Digital Services: Fidelity Bank said it is using AI for fraud detection and customer engagement, and CA called for tighter inter-agency coordination to protect ICT consumers. Health & Research: Mental health advocates urged more funding and better data, and the National Biosafety Authority signed MoUs to expand modern biotech training. Business & Trade: Kenya’s floriculture sector heads into IFTEX 2026 with export earnings reported at Sh143.78bn and growing jobs; EV platform Spiro secured $215m to scale battery-swapping and clean mobility.

Ebola Response & Public Backlash: President William Ruto says Kenya is screening about 3,000 travellers daily and has recorded no Ebola cases, while defending a US-backed quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base after protests in Nanyuki turned violent. Transport Infrastructure: KeNHA has kicked off the Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba highway push, seeking firms for feasibility studies for a Ksh130bn PPP corridor. Energy & Mobility Investment: Spiro secured a $215m equity round to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping across Kenya and other African markets. Agriculture Policy & Tech: Tea levy rules for 2026 are back, reintroducing a statutory export/import charge to fund research and regulation; elsewhere, India-focused policy work highlights AI adoption gaps in farming. Digital Security: A TransUnion report flags South Africa as the top suspected digital fraud hotspot in Africa, with generative AI making scams more precise. Sports Integrity: New reporting warns World Cup spot-fixing risks as betting markets grow.

Ebola Response in Focus: Congo’s Ebola outbreak hit 282 confirmed cases as Brazil investigated two suspected arrivals, while Africa CDC warned that lack of licensed vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain and heavy cross-border movement could fuel wider spread—Kenya is also flagged among high-risk countries. Kenya-US Health Politics: Kenya’s plan for a US-linked Ebola quarantine/isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base continues to spark backlash and protests in Nanyuki, even as officials push preparedness and court battles shape timelines. Education & Skills in Northern Kenya: President Ruto used Madaraka Day in Wajir to spotlight education as the route out of marginalisation, including plans for a new university and renewed focus on teacher shortages and skills training. Clean Mobility Investment: African EV platform Spiro secured $215m to expand battery-swapping and electric mobility infrastructure across multiple markets, including Kenya. Tea Levy Update: Kenya’s Tea Board reintroduced Tea (Levy) Regulations, 2026, setting a 0.8% export levy and 100% import levy while exempting farmers and value-added products. Automotive Trade Push: Nairobi will host AUTOEXPO Kenya (June 3–5) to showcase vehicles, industrial tech and EV solutions for the region. Tobacco Control Pressure: Stakeholders marked World No Tobacco Day 2026 in Embu, urging passage of the Tobacco Control Amendment Bill 2024 amid claims of industry tactics targeting youth. Cyber Risk Alert: Kaspersky warned Kenyan businesses about rising AI-powered cyber threats ahead of GITEX Kenya. Energy Policy Direction: AfDB urged Africa to diversify energy mix and markets and fast-track renewable projects to reduce oil import dependence.

Ebola Preparedness: Kenya is stepping up Ebola readiness with isolation/quarantine planning in high-risk border counties and new facilities at major hospitals, while the EAC convenes emergency health ministers’ talks to coordinate cross-border response to the Bundibugyo outbreak. Court & Health Policy: A Kenyan court order has temporarily halted a proposed US-focused Ebola quarantine centre, even as WHO reports the first recovery of a confirmed Bundibugyo patient and regional suspected cases rise. Digital Health & Data Residency: Cloud infrastructure is now helping thousands of Kenyan health facilities access patient records faster via KenyaEMR, using on-ground hosting to keep sensitive data local. Disability Services: Murang’a County launched new occupational and speech therapy centres to decentralise rehabilitation care across subcounties. ICT Law Debate: Communications Minister Sam George says four law firms are reviewing the NITA Bill and disputes claims of rushed digital legislation. Work & Gig Economy: The ILO is moving toward global ground rules for gig workers, aiming to protect platform workers’ rights. Finance & Inclusion: Co-op Bank of Kenya and Safaricom-linked Ziidi Trader won major African Banker Awards for SME banking and fintech investment access. Public Safety: CCTV details are emerging from the Utumishi Girls Academy dorm fire investigation that killed 16 students.

Ebola Watch: Kenya has flagged 25 counties as high risk for Ebola and issued a travel advisory urging Kenyans to avoid non-essential trips to affected countries as suspected cases in DRC and Uganda keep rising. Courtroom Tech & Health: Health CS Aden Duale defended Kenya’s planned Laikipia Ebola preparedness facility, saying it will serve all patients and is not US-focused, even as a Kenyan court temporarily halted the quarantine centre plan. Data-Local Health Systems: A cloud deployment using AWS Outposts is helping thousands of Kenyan health facilities access KenyaEMR faster while keeping sensitive patient data in-country. Public Safety & Forensics: DCI says CCTV forensic analysis linked seven students to the Utumishi Girls dormitory fire that killed 16, with efforts underway to arrest one suspect still at large. Crime Tech in Nairobi: Police recovered 22 stolen phones and arrested two suspects after a social media tip led to mobile tracking in Nairobi CBD. Renewables Momentum: Africa’s power build-out is accelerating toward solar, wind and battery storage, with Kenya’s broader energy shift gaining attention. Agroforestry Research: JKUAT is coordinating an intra-Africa agroforestry mobility project to train MSc/PhD students and strengthen climate mitigation research. Education Infrastructure: Kisumu is set to get Sh5.7bn in student hostels, adding 8,300 bed spaces across institutions. Finance Policy: The IMF advises fuel-price shock responses via targeted temporary cash transfers instead of broad subsidies.

Ebola Preparedness at JKIA: Kenya has stepped up Ebola screening and surveillance at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, designating Gate 16 for arrivals from high-risk countries and setting up isolation points and online self-check forms as part of wider border measures. Court vs US Ebola Facility: Kenya’s High Court temporarily suspended a proposed US-linked Ebola isolation facility, while the US says it’s engaging Kenyan authorities and expects objections to be resolved. Public Health Infrastructure: The government says dedicated Ebola isolation and treatment units are being set up across major hospitals, plus additional facilities planned for high-risk border counties. Tech Talent to China: Musalia Mudavadi flagged off 12 Kenyan university students for the Huawei ICT Competition Global Finals in Shenzhen. Drone Cargo Expansion: Good Drone Company (GDC) is partnering with Kenyan operator ThatcherX to scale autonomous cargo drone services nationwide, building on earlier medical delivery work. AgriTech Funding Push: SokoFresh targets about US$1.5M to expand solar cold storage for avocado exports. Public Sector Delivery: A project management conference urged stronger embedding of project management in Kenya’s public sector policy to improve delivery outcomes. Healthcare Worker Mental Health: An Aga Khan University study reports 43.1% of healthcare workers in Kenya show depressive symptoms. Telecom Competition: Faiba launched a revamped “Raha Jipe” mobile data strategy as internet competition intensifies. Kenya Airways Recovery Plan: Kenya Airways is seeking emergency funding and exploring capital markets to restore profitability, alongside digital and cargo expansion.

Ebola Response & Courts: The US says it’s engaging Kenyan authorities after Kenya’s High Court temporarily blocked a proposed Ebola quarantine/isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base, with the court halting entry for exposed/infected people pending hearing. Public Health in DRC: WHO chief Tedros arrived in Congo as the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak grows, reporting 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, with response hampered by insecurity, weak isolation/referral systems, and community resistance. Kenya’s Digital Infrastructure: Kenya convened cloud and data centre leaders to lock in a “cloud-first” policy stack (cloud services, data governance, AI policy, interoperability) aimed at attracting long-term investment. Fintech AI for Merchants: Paystack launched an AI-powered merchant Dashboard to help African businesses understand transactions, revenue trends, and settlements faster. Workplace Safety Push: Kenya marked World Day for Safety and Health at Work, highlighting OSH enforcement and the human cost of workplace accidents. School Fire Investigation: DCI arrested eight students over an arson-linked dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Gilgil that killed 16 and injured 79. YouTube Lite in Kenya: YouTube Premium Lite launched at KES 299/month, offering ad-free viewing with some feature trade-offs. Clean Energy Finance Gap: East Africa’s clean energy startups say financing access remains a major barrier despite rising investor interest. Wildlife Science: A study links elephant loss to “co-extinction” effects on dung beetles, showing how protecting elephants supports wider ecosystem health.

Ebola Response in Kenya: Kenya intensified surveillance and screening at 26 entry points after the DRC outbreak, with 58,000+ travelers checked and all suspected cases testing negative so far, while 17 isolation centres were designated nationwide. Court Blocks US Ebola Facility: Kenya’s High Court temporarily halted a planned 50-bed US-run Ebola quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base after a petition raised constitutional and public-health concerns; the next hearing is set for next week. WHO Pushes for Action in Congo: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus arrived in Kinshasa saying the outbreak “can be stopped” but is “very complex,” citing displacement, food insecurity, and delayed detection. School Fire Probe: Police arrested eight students over a suspected arson attack at Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Gilgil that killed 16 and injured 79; investigators cite overcrowding, a locked exit, and alleged teacher inaction after warnings. AI Tourism Push: Kenya’s Tourism Ministry, Magical Kenya and Google Kenya launched an AI-driven tourism partnership with a real-time “Tourism Pulse Data Hub” to target high-value travellers. Customs Tech Boost: KRA reported customs revenue growth driven by real-time cargo monitoring and scanners at Mombasa Port, helping seal leaks and speed clearance. Renewables Momentum: A report highlights Africa’s rapid shift toward renewable energy, but stresses financing and bankable project preparation as key bottlenecks.