CBK Report Lists 9 Basic Commodities Whose Prices Are Set to Increase in Coming Weeks
Nairobi, Kenya – The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has warned of looming price increases for several basic commodities, particularly vegetables and staple foods, in the coming weeks. The regulator’s latest Agriculture Sector Survey for February 2026 highlights the impact of prevailing dry weather conditions and inflationary pressures on household budgets.
The report, released on Thursday, February 19, shows that prices of spinach, sukuma wiki, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, carrots, Irish potatoes, and peas are expected to rise between February and March.
“Balance of Opinion for the January 2026 survey on expected price changes one month ahead points to a general increase in prices, largely driven by seasonal factors,” the CBK report stated.
Staple Foods Under Pressure
Beyond vegetables, maize products – a key staple for Kenyan households – are also projected to increase in price. Items such as green maize, maize grain, and maize flour have already recorded modest rises in January compared to December 2025, with further upward adjustments expected.
The survey further revealed that fresh packaged cow milk and unpackaged milk will likely become more expensive, reflecting supply constraints. Other pulses, including green grams and beans, are similarly expected to edge upwards.
“Respondents who expected overall inflation to increase one month ahead cited seasonal factors, that is, the prevailing sunny and dry weather conditions, which could cause scarcity of some food commodities,” the report added.
Commodities With Stable Prices
In contrast, the CBK noted that prices of sugar, wheat flour, cooking oil, cooking fat, and bread recorded minimal changes in January. These items are not expected to experience sharp increases in the short term, offering some relief to consumers already grappling with high living costs.
Survey Findings
The survey was conducted between January 19 and 23, 2026, involving 320 respondents across key food-producing and trading regions. Respondents overwhelmingly pointed to adverse weather conditions as the main driver of rising prices.
The report also highlighted inflationary expectations among households and traders.
“The proportion expecting overall inflation to increase in the next three months stood at 62 per cent in the January 2026 survey compared to 63 per cent in the December 2025 survey,” CBK noted.
Farmers’ Outlook
Despite the short-term challenges, farmers expressed optimism about the upcoming long rains season. Many anticipate improved acreage and output, which could stabilize prices later in the year if rainfall conditions are favorable.
“We expect that once the long rains begin, production will improve, and this will ease pressure on prices,” one respondent from a maize-growing region said.
Broader Implications
The findings underscore the vulnerability of Kenya’s food supply chain to seasonal weather patterns. Analysts warn that rising food prices could further strain household budgets, particularly for low-income families, while also fueling inflationary pressures in the wider economy.
The CBK report comes at a time when policymakers are grappling with balancing inflation control and ensuring food security. With vegetables, maize, and milk among the commodities set to rise, households may need to brace for higher costs in the weeks ahead.
Conclusion
As Kenya heads into the dry season, the CBK’s warning signals a challenging period for consumers. While some commodities remain stable, the expected rise in vegetables, maize products, and milk highlights the need for proactive measures to cushion households. Farmers remain hopeful that the long rains will reverse the trend, but until then, Kenyans may face tighter budgets as food prices climb.
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CBK Report Lists 9 Basic Commodities Whose Prices Are Set to Increase in Coming Weeks
