AGP Executive Report

Ebola Watch: Health CS Aden Duale says three suspected Ebola patients and four contacts tested negative, and Kenya has no confirmed cases as of May 21—though officials warn the risk of importation remains high amid the DRC and Uganda outbreaks. Trade Friction: Tanzania’s Kioo Limited is protesting Kenya’s proposed 35% excise duty on EAC glass bottles, arguing it breaks the spirit of the EAC Customs Union just as leaders push to remove trade barriers by June 30. Digital Customs Push: East Africa is betting on digitised customs and electronic cargo tracking to speed clearance, cut fraud, and make cross-border trade smoother. Health Tech: KNH rolled out THD technology for haemorrhoids in a minimally invasive partnership, aiming for less pain and faster recovery. Youth Mental Health: A Nairobi study finds loneliness is often worse at school than at home, calling for stronger psychosocial support and anti-bullying. Education Placement: KUCCPS says Form Four leavers can still switch university courses after admission—up to two years—if they missed the revision window.

UIA 2030 Award: The International Union of Architects and UN-Habitat just named winners for the UIA 2030 Award, spotlighting projects that tackle SDGs through climate adaptation, ecological restoration, housing, and inclusive public space. Banking & Digital Growth: NCBA posted Sh6 billion net profit for Q1 2026, up 9%, with operating income rising 15% as digital lending expands—though it also boosted loan-default provisions by 56% to Sh2.5 billion. Health & Care Innovation: Kenyatta National Hospital marked a milestone by performing minimally invasive haemorrhoids treatment on two patients using THD technology, in partnership with Pentaprism Medical Africa. Digital Safety for Kids: Google.org-backed Be Internet Awesome is rolling out in Kenya with Junior Achievement Africa and ZanaAfrica to reach 28,000 children, teachers, and parents with online safety training by 2027. Climate & Built Environment: WorldGBC is supporting Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa to draft climate roadmaps for the built sector, aiming for practical emissions cuts and resilience to 2050. Kenya–Kazakhstan Push: During Ruto’s state visit, both sides renewed trade and tech cooperation talks, including GovTech/FinTech and plans for a Kenya trade hub in Kazakhstan. Startup Ecosystem Watch: Namibia stayed No.2 in Southern Africa’s startup rankings, while Kenya continues to be cited as a key regional player.

AI Infrastructure & Cyber: Liquid C2 Kenya’s Richard Muthua argues Kenya must strengthen local cloud and data protection as AI moves from pilots to core operations. Online Safety: Google.org, Junior Achievement Africa and ZanaAfrica roll out Be Internet Awesome to reach 28,000 children, teachers and parents by 2027. Fintech Funding: Sorted Wallet raises Sh570m to expand a lightweight crypto wallet built for feature phones across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Kenya–Kazakhstan Trade Push: Presidents Ruto and Tokayev back GovTech/FinTech sharing and propose a Kenyan trade hub in Kazakhstan, with direct flights and new corridors on the table. Health & Outbreak Watch: WHO-linked coverage highlights Ebola escalation in Congo and Uganda, while Canada’s Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders teams head to support response. Policy & Regulation: Kenya moves to tighten tea-sector rules to curb factory theft and green-leaf hawking, and to protect 800,000+ farmers. Regional Integration: AUDA-NEPAD urges faster African economic integration, warning slow progress keeps the continent behind.

Ebola Response: Canada is sending aid workers to the DRC as a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreads, with WHO reporting nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths and no vaccine/treatment specific to this strain. AI & Cybersecurity: Kenya’s cyber threat picture is worsening—3.3 billion threat events flagged in Q1, while Kaspersky warns AI is fueling new fraud and “Shadow AI” risks. Energy & Data Centers: Microsoft’s Kenya AI data center plan is still stuck on power—officials say it would require switching off “half the country,” underlining how grid limits can stall tech investment. Clean Energy: Kenya and Germany back green hydrogen momentum at the 4th symposium, pushing a hydrogen pipeline built on mostly-renewable power. Tech Market: Nothing launches its full smartphone and audio ecosystem in Kenya via Mitsumi. Regional Trade: Kenya and Kazakhstan sign ICT, logistics, finance, climate and space deals during Ruto’s Astana visit. Finance: KCB posts steady Q1 results as earnings rise despite tough conditions. Policy & Rights: Kenya’s High Court rules minors in consensual under-age sex cases should not be prosecuted, and ADAK runs SDT anti-doping alignment training.

Cybersecurity & AI Threats: Kaspersky is warning Kenya and East Africa that fast AI adoption is also boosting AI-powered scams, deepfakes, and “Shadow AI” risks inside organisations—urging clear policies, controls, and staff training at AI Everything Kenya x GITEX. AI Talent Pipeline: Applications are open for MEST’s 2027 AI Startup Program, with a fully funded 7-month build-and-incubate track and up to $100,000 pre-seed pitches. Gender Justice Pressure: Rights groups have issued a 40-day ultimatum over Kenya’s GBV and femicide crisis, threatening protests and legal action if key steps aren’t implemented. Ebola Watch (Kenya): Health CS Aden Duale says Kenya has no Bundibugyo-linked Ebola cases, but has intensified risk-based screening and surveillance at entry points. Courts & Youth Rights: Kenya’s High Court says minors in consensual under-age sex cases should not be criminally prosecuted and should get better access to sex education. Trade & Diplomacy: President Ruto’s Kazakhstan visit is turning into deals on trade, energy, logistics, and tech, with Ruto receiving the Order of Dostyk. Kenya Tech & Data Centres: A seminar highlights Africa’s data-centre growth potential—but stresses power and infrastructure as the real bottleneck.

Electric Mobility Push: Bolt has started rolling out electric ride-hailing in Cape Town, adding a dedicated EV category in its app and targeting 500 electric vehicles via YugoRide by end-2025, with Johannesburg next. Tax Compliance Drive: KRA says it collected Sh7.8bn from 97,000 first-time direct taxpayers in four months, signaling a shift from new levies to deeper compliance. AI in Pricing: Kenya Airways is deploying an AI pricing platform (Jupiter 5.0) to speed fare updates and tighten oversight as airlines battle demand swings and currency pressure. AI Subscription Expansion: Google is widening Google AI Pro in Kenya by bundling YouTube Premium Lite plus Gemini features and 5TB cloud storage. Online Safety Crackdown: TikTok removed 820,552 videos in Kenya in Q4 2025 and banned 108,752 accounts, with most takedowns happening automatically and quickly. Banking Results: Equity Group profit jumped 24% to KSh19.1bn in Q1, with digital channels handling most transactions. Cybersecurity Warning: Kaspersky says AI adoption is raising new cyber risks, from deepfakes to “Shadow AI,” urging stronger policies and staff training.

GITEX Nairobi Kickoff: East Africa’s biggest tech event starts Tuesday with a bold “build locally” push, including Aphorion Labs showing HeatherDB running on a Raspberry Pi and a US$5 server—plus Signvrse’s AI sign-language access platform—while the wider market leans into security and trust as AI adoption accelerates. UK–Africa Founder Support: The UK launches UK–Africa Ecosystem Week during London Tech Week, offering curated sessions, concierge help, and a flagship Ecosystem Day to help African founders navigate the UK market. Fintech Rails Get Faster: Checker raises $8m to help banks and fintechs launch stablecoins via a single API, after processing $3b+ in transactions in the past year. Cyber & Policy: A new study led by Exeter and partners (with the AU) aims to help African states apply international law in cyberspace—Kenya is noted as the only African country with a published national position. Health Watch: WHO is weighing experimental tools as Ebola cases and deaths rise in DRC, with supplies being prepared from Kenya. Digital Governance: TikTok bans 108,752 Kenyan accounts for policy violations.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: Health workers are racing to contain a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo after WHO declared it a public health emergency of international concern, with cases confirmed across DRC and Uganda and reports of deaths rising past 100—while supplies are being rushed in, including protective gear flown from Kenya. Kenya Courts Data Sovereignty: Kenya’s High Court temporarily blocks the planned sale of a 15% Safaricom stake to Vodacom, turning a telecom deal into a wider fight over control of M-Pesa-linked data and economic sovereignty. AI Meets Power Reality: Microsoft’s proposed $1bn Kenya AI data centre faces a major hurdle as government says it would require switching off “half the country” to meet power needs. Fintech Regulation Push: At a Nairobi conference, fintech leaders urged smarter stablecoin rules—promising faster cross-border payments, but only with clear compliance. Kenya’s Tech Spotlight: AI Everything Kenya X GITEX Kenya (May 19–21) is set to bring investors and startups to Nairobi, as Kenya positions itself as an AI and digital hub. Global Markets Jitter: EM stocks slid and bonds sold off on inflation fears tied to the Iran war, with G7 finance ministers meeting in Paris to steady the fallout.

Ebola Emergency: WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC a public health emergency of international concern as deaths near 80 and cases spread toward Uganda, with health teams rushing to set up treatment centres in Ituri and more protective supplies being flown in. Fintech & Stablecoins: At a Nairobi conference, fintech leaders pushed for clearer stablecoin rules to cut the cost and delays of cross-border payments, while regulators signalled they’re moving cautiously toward a formal framework. AI & Startups: Kenya is set to host “AI Everything Kenya X GITEX Kenya” (May 19–21), banking on fresh startup momentum and investment to cement Nairobi’s AI hub status. Telecom Court Clash: Kenya’s High Court has temporarily halted the planned sale of a 15% Safaricom stake to Vodacom, turning a corporate deal into a wider fight over control of the digital and payments backbone. WhatsApp Update: Meta is rolling out “After Reading” so disappearing messages delete only after a recipient views them, plus expanded recovery options.

Ebola Alarm: Kenya has put counties on high alert after DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak surged, with the Health Ministry ordering surveillance at entry points, rapid response teams, staff training, safe burials, and isolation readiness. Microsoft vs Power Reality: Kenya’s “$1 billion AI data center” plan hit a major snag as officials warned it could require switching off “half the country” to meet electricity needs. Stablecoin Push: At the Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference, fintech leaders urged faster stablecoin adoption to cut cross-border payment delays and costs, even as regulators draft tighter digital asset rules. KUCCPS Portal Fix: KUCCPS explained why high-demand courses like Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Engineering disappeared from the portal—slots filled in the first phase—then reopened course revisions. Cyber Pressure: New threat data shows Africa’s financial and government sectors are taking the hardest cyber hits, with Kenya among the more targeted markets. Solar Rollout: Construction has started on 114 solar mini-grids across 14 counties under the off-grid solar access push. Conservation Twist: A growing international trade in Giant Harvester Ant queens is raising fears of a new “poaching” wave beyond wildlife.

Ebola Alarm: WHO has declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern as deaths climb past 80 and a confirmed case is reported in Goma, raising fears of spread across borders. Kenya Readiness: Kenya’s Ministry of Health has put counties on heightened alert, citing heavy East Africa movement and directing immediate preparedness steps. Power Bills Up: EPRA announced new May charges that will push up electricity costs, including fuel and forex-related adjustments plus a water levy for large hydro power. Tax Filing Disruption: KRA scheduled a four-hour iTax maintenance (Sun 17 May 10pm–Mon 18 May 2am), temporarily affecting online filing and compliance services. Engineering Reform: The Engineers Board is rolling out outcome-based education training to align engineering teaching with international standards by 2029. Digital Money Push: Kenya’s blockchain crowd is urging faster stablecoin adoption to cut cross-border payment delays and costs, alongside tighter regulation. Solar Expansion: Government launched construction of 114 solar mini-grids across 14 counties to reach over 300,000 people.

Ebola Emergency: Congo’s new Ebola outbreak in Ituri is worsening fast, with the Africa CDC reporting at least 87 deaths and warning of active community spread as health teams push screening and contact tracing; the WHO has declared it a public health emergency of international concern, with Uganda now on high alert. AI + Power Reality Check: Microsoft’s $1bn Kenya AI data centre plan is hitting a hard wall—President Ruto says it would require switching off “half the country” to meet power needs, even as Kenya positions itself as a digital infrastructure hub. Digital Trust & Regulation: Kenya’s crypto users face tighter oversight under new licensing, reporting and compliance rules, as the state moves to close gaps tied to FATF pressure. Health Systems Debate: African health leaders are urging integration of traditional medicine into primary care, with the AU medicines agency pushing for continent-wide regulation and patient safety. Africa-France Momentum: The Africa Forward Summit ends with big promises on digital, green industry and finance reforms—now the question is execution.

Ebola Emergency: DR Congo’s new Ebola outbreak in Ituri has surged to at least 80 deaths, with locals in Bunia reporting frequent burials as health teams intensify screening and contact tracing. Kenya Health Response: Kenya has activated enhanced surveillance and preparedness after lab confirmation in Congo, warning of a moderate risk of importation due to regional travel while stressing no cases detected locally. Kenya–China Health Tech: Kenya hosted a workshop on accessible medical imaging diagnosis to boost China-Africa healthcare cooperation, aiming for low-cost, scalable diagnostic access. Climate & Methane Push: African lawmakers meeting in Nairobi pledged a stronger, coordinated continental voice in global climate and methane talks, tying policy demands to development and food security realities. Digital Economy & Regulation: Kenya’s crypto sector is moving toward tighter oversight as the Capital Markets Authority drafts a local framework for virtual asset service providers. Education Update: KUCCPS reopened applications for 2025 KCSE candidates to revise choices or seek placement, extending the portal to May 22. Energy Reality Check: Microsoft’s Kenya AI data center stalled over power guarantees—Ruto warned it could require shutting off half the country’s electricity.

Retail Expansion: Vivo Energy Kenya has opened the Shell Dennis Pritt Service Station in Kilimani, pitching it as a “destination” hub with fuel plus a convenience centre, lubricant bay, car wash and pharmacy. Digital Inclusion & Youth Policy: Paradigm Initiative is pushing for reforms so youth entrepreneurs and informal workers aren’t left out of social programmes due to weak digital access and patchy policy delivery. Public Finance That Reaches People: UNICEF says Digital PFM can turn “invisible” budget money into trackable, facility-level spending, with Kenya’s Bajeti Yetu and ESIR cited as examples of opening budgets and linking funds to services. AI in the Real World: A new report warns the first “AI war” is already changing decision speeds—and that the same pressure is coming to boardroom systems like approvals and fraud checks. Macro Watch: CBK says the shilling stayed stable against the dollar despite oil-price pressure from the US–Israel–Iran conflict. Africa Connectivity: A new Atlantic subsea cable plan, Via Africa, aims to boost resilience and bandwidth diversity across West Africa.

Geothermal IPO Buzz: Google-backed Fervo Energy just hit a $10bn valuation after a Nasdaq debut that jumped its share price 30%+—investors are betting AI data centers need steady baseload power. Climate Policy Pressure: In Nairobi, African lawmakers met to push methane cuts, but Kenya’s Ledama Olekina warned against livestock-reduction plans that could crush pastoralist livelihoods. Public Health in Design: Kenya’s Health PS told architects to bake public health guidelines into public works, citing the deadly impact of unhealthy built environments. Kenya Tech & Inclusion: TECNO rolled out an AI mobile ecosystem for digital literacy and small businesses, while Huawei DigiTruck graduated trainees in Lamu—proof that “AI for access” is moving from talk to training. Regulation Watch: Kenya’s stablecoin oversight is shifting toward function-based rules, with regulators asking what the token does, not just the tech behind it. Infrastructure Update: Ruto moved up the Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway timeline, aiming for earlier dualling milestones.

UAE–Kenya Trade Corridor: A new Indian Ocean corridor model is taking shape around logistics and long-term industrial integration, shifting the Africa-global trade story from aid talk to private capital and capacity building. Health Security: Kenya-linked research flags a bat coronavirus that can enter human cells, while Africa tightens cross-border surveillance after a hantavirus cruise outbreak. Postal Digital Pivot: Posta’s move into digital services is driving 10% finance growth as courier and parcel demand offsets declining traditional mail. Energy Costs: EPRA lifts May–June fuel prices—diesel up by KSh 46 and petrol by KSh 16 per litre—reflecting higher landed import costs. Research & Cities: APHRC launches the Ulwazi II Knowledge Hub, and Musalia Mudavadi heads to Azerbaijan for WUF13, pushing housing from “conversation to execution.” Tech & Privacy: Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses keep selling fast as privacy lawsuits and backlash grow.