KNBS Reveals Price Changes for Essential Commodities as Inflation Drops
Kenya’s Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has released its latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, highlighting notable shifts in the cost of essential commodities even as the country’s overall inflation rate recorded a slight decline.
The report, published on Friday, February 27, shows that while inflation eased marginally from 4.4 per cent in January to 4.3 per cent in February, the prices of several key household items—particularly food—continued to rise, placing pressure on consumers.
According to KNBS, food prices were among the most affected, with vegetables recording the sharpest increases over the one-month period. Sukuma wiki, a staple in many Kenyan households, rose by 2.4 per cent, while the prices of cabbage and potatoes each increased by 4.0 per cent.
The bureau noted that the rising cost of food remains a significant contributor to household expenditure. “Food items, particularly vegetables, recorded the most significant price increases over the period under review,” the report indicated, pointing to sustained pressure within the food index.
Beyond food, the hospitality sector also registered price increases. Hotel and restaurant meal charges rose by 0.8 per cent, while guest house accommodation costs increased by 0.6 per cent. Similarly, food sold by vendors recorded a 0.8 per cent rise, contributing to an overall 2.7 per cent increase in the hospitality category.
Education costs also edged upward, with certificate course fees rising slightly by 0.1 per cent. This contributed to a broader annual increase of 3 per cent in the education index, reflecting steady cost growth in the sector.
Healthcare expenses were not spared, with KNBS reporting increases in hospital service charges and the cost of essential medicines. Drugs such as dewormers and those used to manage blood pressure became more expensive during the review period, adding to the financial burden on households seeking medical care.
In the personal care category, the report showed mixed trends. Hairdressing services recorded a modest increase of 0.1 per cent, while the cost of toilet paper and tissue products rose more sharply by 1.4 per cent.
Clothing prices also saw notable increases, particularly in men’s wear. The cost of men’s shirts rose by 4.1 per cent, while men’s coats increased by 2.7 per cent. KNBS attributed this rise partly to higher costs in tailoring and clothing repair services.
Financial and insurance services also experienced upward adjustments. Medical and vehicle insurance premiums each rose by 0.2 per cent in February, contributing to a 0.7 per cent year-on-year increase in the sector.
Despite these increases, the report highlighted some relief for consumers in the transport sector. Fuel prices recorded a decline, with both diesel and petrol dropping by 2.3 per cent over the month. Public transport costs also eased, with bus and matatu fares between towns falling by 1.4 per cent.
KNBS noted that these reductions played a role in moderating the overall inflation rate. “The decline in fuel and transport costs contributed to the slight easing of inflation observed in February,” the report stated.
The latest data underscores a complex economic picture, where declining inflation does not necessarily translate into lower living costs for households. While some sectors experienced price drops, the continued rise in food and essential services suggests that many Kenyans are still grappling with a high cost of living.
Economists say the mixed trends reflect underlying supply pressures, seasonal factors, and broader economic dynamics influencing different sectors unevenly. As the year progresses, attention is likely to remain on food prices and fuel costs, which play a central role in shaping overall inflation and household spending.
With inflation remaining relatively stable but essential commodity prices fluctuating, policymakers face the challenge of balancing economic stability with measures aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden for ordinary citizens.
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KNBS Reveals Price Changes for Essential Commodities as Inflation Drops
