Rising food prices drive Kenya’s inflation to 4.6 per cent in September
Over the past year, inflation has fluctuated between 2.7 per cent in October 2024 and a peak of 4.5 per cent in August, reflecting a gradual economic recovery despite continuing pressures from global supply chains.
Rising costs for food and non-alcoholic beverages pushed Kenya’s annual inflation to 4.6 per cent in September 2025, marking a slight increase from the previous month as households grapple with higher grocery bills.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that prices for a typical basket of goods and services were 4.6 per cent higher than in September 2024.
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“The overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose from 146.21 in August to 146.56 in September, translating to a 0.2 per cent increase in monthly inflation, slightly below August’s 0.3 per cent rise,” KNBS notes.
Over the past year, inflation has fluctuated between 2.7 per cent in October 2024 and a peak of 4.5 per cent in August, reflecting a gradual economic recovery despite continuing pressures from global supply chains.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages, which account for 33 per cent of the CPI, led the annual rise with an 8.4 per cent increase. KNBS data shows that oranges increased 5.6 per cent, mangoes 3.0 per cent, cabbages 2.7 per cent, potatoes 2.6 per cent and tomatoes 1.2 per cent.
Meanwhile, some staples recorded price declines. Maize grain fell 3.9 per cent to Sh68.14 per kg, sifted maize flour dropped 3.0 per cent to Sh152.28 for 2kg, kale decreased 1.0 per cent to Sh92.48 per kg, and sugar fell 0.7 per cent to Sh185.21 per kg. KNBS attributed the mixed trends to seasonal harvests reducing some prices while drought conditions pushed others higher.
Transport costs rose 4.0 per cent annually, though monthly prices eased 0.3 per cent. Petrol fell 0.4 per cent to Sh185.59 per litre, diesel dropped 0.1 per cent to Sh172.64, and bus fares declined 0.5 per cent. However, car batteries rose 1.4 per cent and rentals edged up 0.4 per cent.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased 1.4 per cent over the year. Charcoal surged 3.4 per cent monthly, electricity for 200 kWh increased 1.0 per cent to Sh5,597, and single-room rent rose 0.2 per cent to Sh4,193. Gas/LPG and kerosene recorded small declines of 0.2 per cent and 0.5 per cent, respectively.
Other sectors recorded moderate gains. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics rose 3.3 per cent, clothing and footwear also up 3.3 per cent, health increased 3.0 per cent, mainly due to higher prices for spectacles and antacids, furnishings up 2.0 per cent, recreation 2.8 per cent, education 2.2 per cent, restaurants 2.6 per cent and personal care 3.1 per cent. Information and insurance remained stable at 0.8 per cent each.
KNBS reported that core inflation contributed 2.8 points to overall inflation, while non-core inflation added 1.7 points, with food and non-alcoholic beverages alone accounting for 2.7 points.
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