AGP Executive Report

Flood and El Niño Risk: Kenya Met warned of heavy rain, strong winds and flash-flood danger across more than 40 counties. The UN says an exceptionally strong El Niño could intensify extreme weather; flooding may displace more than 874,000 people in Somalia, and agencies are urging early preparation across the region. Lake Victoria Under Pressure: A new basin report says 42.6% of the catchment faces high erosion risk, while wetlands have shrunk by about a third since the 1980s. Regional ministers called for stronger cooperation to protect the lake and livelihoods. Wildlife Conservation: Kenya and The Nature Conservancy have launched a $160 million community conservation initiative covering 17.3 million hectares, with funding aimed at supporting wildlife and local communities. Electronic Waste: Kenya generated an estimated 88,000 tonnes of e-waste in 2022, but no formally collected amount was recorded, leaving reusable equipment, valuable materials and sensitive business data at risk.

Severe Weather: Kenya Met warns of heavy rain, strong winds and flash-flood risk across more than 40 counties, including parts of Nairobi. Residents are urged to stay alert, as floodwaters can affect places beyond where rain has fallen. Drought and Dairy: With drought squeezing milk production and driving up feed costs, President Ruto has backed expanding dairy options to help meet demand and reduce pressure on traditional cattle farming. Tree Growing: NG-CDF plans to plant 500,000 trees a year and says it has invested about Sh3.2 billion in climate initiatives, including water harvesting, solar power and flood control. Housing and Environment: NEMA is seeking public comments on environmental reports for a proposed 7,128-unit Lang’ata housing project, after a court halted construction over environmental compliance and public-participation concerns. Lake Victoria Basin: Regional ministers warned that 42.6% of the basin’s catchment faces high erosion risk and wetlands have shrunk by about a third since the 1980s, renewing calls for coordinated protection and flood preparedness.

Weather: Kenya Met forecast rain across 24 counties, with thunderstorms in 13, as wider warnings flag flash-flood risks in several areas. Lake Victoria: Regional ministers meeting in Kisumu warned that 42.6% of the basin’s catchment faces high erosion risk and wetlands have shrunk by about a third since the 1980s, putting fisheries and communities under pressure. Conservation: Kenya and The Nature Conservancy have unveiled a $160 million initiative to fund wildlife conservation, while calls grow for development planning to protect biodiversity and wildlife corridors. Water and forests: The Mwala water project is set to deliver 6.6 million litres daily to communities in Lower Eastern; separately, FLY 748 and Kenya Forest Service are partnering to restore 10 acres of Ngong Forest.

Weather Alert: Kenya Met forecasts heavy rain and strong winds across dozens of counties through October 30, with flash-flood risks for residents and motorists. Biodiversity and Development: A new call urges Kenya to plan roads, farms and energy projects around wildlife corridors, as habitat loss leaves animals with fewer safe places to move. Forest Restoration: Fly 748 and the Kenya Forest Service will restore 10 acres of Ngong Forest over three years, planting indigenous trees with community partners. Wildlife Conservation: The government has launched a $160 million conservation plan, while reports of lions poisoned in retaliatory attacks underline the risks facing wildlife and communities. Clean Transport: Ride-hailing services could help speed the shift to electric motorcycles and tuk-tuks, cutting urban air pollution while lowering transport costs. Environmental Oversight: Experts say the proposed Lamu refinery faces environmental and constitutional hurdles, keeping scrutiny on the project’s potential impacts.

Weather Alert: Kenya Met warns of heavy rain, gusty winds and rough seas through October 30, with isolated storms posing flash-flood risks; coastal communities, fishers and mariners are urged to take care. Forest Restoration: Fly 748 and the Kenya Forest Service will restore 10 acres of degraded Ngong Forest over three years, working with a community forest association. Wildlife Conservation: A Sh20.78 billion, 10-year Thamani Asili programme aims to improve conservation across 17.3 million hectares and support rural livelihoods, with government and philanthropic partners each contributing $80 million. Nairobi National Park: Conservation campaigners say construction is continuing while court cases challenging projects inside the park remain unresolved, risking damage before judges can rule. Soil Health: A FAO-KALRO programme has mapped more than 3,600 soil samples across 45 counties to help farmers make informed choices and tackle soil degradation. Coral Reefs: A global assessment warns that 96% of major warm-water reefs are critically endangered; its lead scientist is a marine researcher based in Kenya.

Weather Risks: Kenya Met warned of rain in 46 counties and possible flash floods, while strong winds and rough seas put coastal fishers and boat users on alert. In Nairobi, hot nights and dust-laden winds added to concerns over shifting conditions. Wildlife Conservation: The government and The Nature Conservancy launched a US$160 million initiative to fund community-led conservation, a major investment in protecting Kenya’s wildlife and natural areas. Lamu Refinery: Experts say the proposed Sh2.1 trillion refinery must address community concerns over land, water, public participation and environmental risks before moving ahead. Farming: Organic growers are turning to community-run certification to cut costs and reach more markets, while young agribusiness ventures show how farming can create jobs despite barriers to finance, skills and technology. Nuclear Safety: An IAEA review praised Kenya’s progress on radioactive waste management but urged the country to complete its national plan and strengthen oversight as nuclear plans advance.

Rains and Flood Risk: Kenya’s weather service forecasts rain in parts of 45 counties through Oct. 29, with storms posing flash-flood risks in some coastal and northeastern areas. Kakamega’s governor has urged miners, sand harvesters and riverbank residents to suspend activities as heavy rains approach. Conservation Funding: Kenya has launched a 10-year, US$160 million initiative for conservation and community development across 31 counties, with potential benefits for millions of people. Lake Victoria Basin: IUCN and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission have agreed to work together on biodiversity, climate resilience, water management and ecosystem restoration. El Niño Preparations: UN agencies warn an exceptionally strong El Niño could bring severe floods and droughts, worsening food insecurity across eastern Africa, and urge early action to protect vulnerable communities.

Water Security: Kenya is targeting January 2027 to begin storing water at Thwake Dam. Once completed, the project is expected to supply 1.3 million people, generate hydropower and support irrigation across Lower Eastern. El Niño Preparedness: The UN warns the developing El Niño could reach unprecedented strength, while experts say Nairobi may still face hotter-than-usual days despite forecasts of seasonal rain. Wildlife Conservation: Kenya has secured a $160 million conservation finance deal, while a new KWS project aims to support conservation and jobs in 31 counties. Climate Action: A UN report says the world is on course for about 2.6°C of warming, as climate talks in Addis Ababa ended without agreement on the timing and budget for key reports. Nature and Farming: As COP17 negotiators meet, the African Development Bank is helping 13 countries bring the value of natural resources into budgets and development plans. Kenya’s pesticide regulators also shared approaches to managing highly hazardous chemicals and protecting farmers.

Conservation Finance: Kenya’s 10-year, $160 million Thamani Asili programme will support conservation across 31 counties, protect 17.3 million hectares and improve community livelihoods. Government funding will be matched by donors. El Niño Preparedness: The UN warns the strengthening El Niño could bring severe flooding and drought, with Kenya among the countries urged to prepare. Kenya’s Met has forecast rain in 44 counties, while Nairobi Dam’s spillway has been opened ahead of heavy rains. Climate Action: A new UN report says current policies could leave the world on track for 2.8°C of warming; emissions must fall sharply this decade to limit the overshoot. Meanwhile, IPCC talks in Addis Ababa ended without agreement on the next assessment reports’ schedule or budget. E-Waste: Kenya generated an estimated 56,000 tonnes of electronic waste in 2025, with recoverable metals worth up to Sh6.5 billion — a growing resource opportunity, but unsafe disposal can contaminate the environment and harm health.

Climate: A new UNEP report released in Nairobi says the world is on course for 2.6°C of warming this century even if countries meet their pledges. Limiting the overshoot will require emissions cuts of 18% by 2030, the report says. Farm safety: Kenyan farmers are being urged to watch for counterfeit and unregistered pesticides, which can leave residues in food, water and soil, harm biodiversity and reduce crop yields. Food prices: The CBK warns prolonged dry weather and higher fuel and transport costs could push up prices of milk, maize flour, wheat flour, sugar and peas. Amboseli: Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku is pressing the government to resolve delays in transferring park management and settling revenue-sharing arrangements, saying local communities should benefit from protecting the wildlife and landscape they live alongside.

Invasive Species: Opuntia stricta is spreading across Laikipia, injuring and killing livestock and reducing pasture. Community-led biological control is helping, but funding gaps limit its reach. Weather and Farming: Kenya Met forecasts rain in 21 counties and strong winds in parts of Turkana and Marsabit. In Trans Nzoia, drought has devastated maize harvests, renewing calls for drought-tolerant seed. Food Security: Solar-powered cold chains could help cut the large share of Kenyan produce lost after harvest, protecting farmers’ incomes and getting more food to consumers. Climate Action: Kenya’s next phase of the FLLoCA programme should give communities greater influence over climate funding and project choices. Carbon Removal: A Nanyuki nut processor has received Kenya’s first carbon-removal credits from agricultural-waste biochar, which can also improve depleted soils.

Rains and Flood Readiness: Kenya Met forecasts rain in 46 counties from Oct. 20–26. Nairobi has opened the Dam spillway ahead of the rains and warned riverside residents about possible spillage. Climate Science: IPCC talks ended without a timetable for the next major climate assessment. Kenya was among countries seeking to delay it beyond 2028, potentially leaving science out of a key round of emissions pledges. Biodiversity: As COP17 opens, conservationists say Africa must protect about 15% more of its land and sea to meet the 30-by-30 target. Of $14.3 billion pledged for African ocean protection since 2014, only $5.8 billion has been delivered. Invasive Species: Mesquite, introduced to curb erosion, has reportedly spread across two million hectares, threatening grazing land and native plants. Experts say much of Kenya is vulnerable.

Weather: Kenya Meteorological Service forecasts rain in parts of 46 counties from October 20–26, with isolated storms possible in several arid and eastern counties as the short-rains season begins. Green Minerals: At a Nairobi conference, African experts called for regional investment in processing critical minerals locally, so communities gain jobs and more value from the shift to clean energy. Biodiversity: As the global nature summit opens in Armenia, conservationists warn Africa needs more protected land and reliable funding; of $14.3 billion pledged for African ocean protection since 2014, only $5.8 billion has been delivered. Conservation Finance: International aid cuts are leaving conservation groups short of funds. New Indigenous-led and grassroots financing models could give local organizations greater control, but need fair partnerships and accountability. One Health: A regional workshop in Machakos is training animal-health laboratory auditors to improve disease detection and cross-border preparedness.

Climate Readiness: Teachers in flood-prone Busia and landslide-hit parts of Kakamega warn that heavy rains could put exam staff and students at risk, raising questions about emergency plans as El Niño threatens. Resilient Farming: In drought-prone Wajir, pastoralists are growing cowpeas to diversify food and income as unreliable rain and scarce pasture squeeze livestock. County Funding: New legislation lifts county allocations by Sh425.6 million, with funds earmarked for climate resilience, drought response, water and sanitation. Nature Under Pressure: An invasive tree planted to curb desertification has reportedly spread across two million hectares, threatening grazing land and native vegetation; experts say much of Kenya is at risk. Conservation and Coasts: The Nairobi Rivers Commission has a new chair, while Western Indian Ocean countries agreed on 15 actions to advance ocean protection and sustainable development.

El Niño Watch: Kenya faces a mixed outlook, with forecasts warning of rain in dozens of counties as the El Niño threat looms, while poor rainfall has already contributed to crop failures and food shortages in West Pokot. Invasive Species: Mesquite, once planted to curb erosion and provide fuelwood, is now spreading across grazing land and threatening native vegetation; reports say it covers about two million hectares. Wildlife: Four people were arrested in Laikipia with 38.6kg of suspected game meat, amid wider concern over the killing of wildlife for food. Elephants are also destroying crops in parts of Elgeyo Marakwet, deepening conflict with farmers. Waste: IGAD is urging East African countries to improve e-waste collection and recycling, warning that hazardous materials can contaminate ecosystems. Farming: Soil acidity is reported to affect 63% of Kenya’s arable land, prompting calls for soil testing to guide fertiliser use and protect yields.

Wildlife Crime: Four suspects were arrested in Laikipia with 38.6kg of suspected game meat, as authorities step up efforts against poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Waste: IGAD is urging East African countries to expand e-waste collection and recycling; only 22.3% of the 62 billion kilogrammes generated worldwide in 2022 was formally recycled. Weather and Food: Kenya’s Met forecast rain and thunderstorms in 23 counties, while an El Niño-linked dry spell is disrupting fresh milk supplies. Urban Nature: A fire spread into Nairobi National Park near the Southern Bypass on Saturday; its cause remains under investigation. Land and Biodiversity: A tree planted to curb desertification has reportedly spread across two million hectares, raising concerns about its impact on land and ecosystems. A global biodiversity summit has also urged faster action to protect nature.