Headache for Kenyans as Prices of Essential Commodities Hike

Kenya’s annual consumer price inflation rose to 7.3 per cent in October 2026, up from the level recorded in October 2025, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).

According to the report released on October 30, KNBS stated that the overall prices of goods and services were 7.3 per cent higher in October 2026 than they were during the same month last year.

KNBS attributed the rise mainly to higher prices in three expenditure categories: Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, which recorded annual inflation of 10.2 per cent; Transport at 17.1 per cent; and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels at 3.7 per cent.

“Annual consumer price inflation was 7.3 per cent in October 2026, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This implies that the general price level was 7.3 per cent higher in October 2026 than it was in October 2025,” read part of the report.

KNBS Reports 17.1% Rise in Transport Costs as Petrol Prices Jump

KNBS noted that transport costs recorded the highest annual price increase in October 2026, rising by 17.1 per cent as petrol and diesel prices climbed.

The report showed petrol prices rose 6 per cent between September and October, while diesel rose 4.4 per cent. Taxi fares also rose by 1.5 per cent, while local flight costs fell by 2.6 per cent.

Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages recorded the second-highest annual inflation at 10.2 per cent, with fresh packeted cow milk registering the sharpest monthly increase among the listed food items at 4.7 per cent.

Irish potato prices rose 2.5 per cent, while beef with bones rose 0.8 per cent. However, sugar prices fell by 1.2 per cent, with loose maize flour and oranges each declining by 1.1 per cent.

In the housing and utilities category, kerosene prices surged by 14.7 per cent during the month. LPG prices increased by 0.3 per cent, while rent for a single room rose by 0.1 per cent. Electricity costs for households consuming 200 kilowatt-hours declined marginally by 0.1 per cent.

KNBS also reported increases in selected household and personal care products. Tissue paper prices rose by 1.3 per cent, body lotion by 0.7 per cent and toilet soap by 0.5 per cent. Detergents increased by 0.4 per cent, while laundry soap went up by 0.1 per cent.

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Prices in the Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Narcotics division rose by 2.8 per cent over the 12 months to October. Miraa recorded a monthly increase of 1.7 per cent, while cigarette prices rose by 0.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, the annual inflation rate for Recreation, Sport and Culture stood at 3.6 per cent, while Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance recorded 3.1 per cent.

Education and Restaurants and Accommodation Services each recorded annual inflation of 3.1 per cent and 3.0 per cent, respectively. Health, Clothing and Footwear, and Personal Care recorded annual increases of 2.8 per cent, 2.2 per cent and 2.8 per cent, respectively.

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Average Retail Prices of Selected Commodities

According to KNBS, the following were the national average retail prices in October 2026 compared to September 2026.