Kenyan households are facing renewed pressure on their budgets after annual inflation rose to 6.8 per cent in September, driven largely by higher food and transport costs.
The latest figures show inflation accelerating from 6.6 per cent in August, extending concerns over the cost of living as families continue to spend more on essential goods and services.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages recorded annual inflation of 9.5 per cent, while transport costs increased by 15.6 per cent compared with September last year. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 3.2 per cent.
Some of the sharpest increases were recorded in everyday food items.
Fresh packed milk rose to an average Sh61.23 for half a litre, while unpacked milk increased to Sh77.54 per litre.
A two-kilogramme packet of white wheat flour rose to Sh181.11, while cooking oil averaged Sh359.36 per litre.
Vegetable prices also continued to put pressure on household budgets. Sukuma wiki rose to about Sh122.49 per kilogramme, representing a 32.5 per cent increase compared with a year earlier.
Cabbages were about 25.8 per cent more expensive than a year ago, while Irish potatoes were up 33.6 per cent.
Meat prices also remained elevated, with beef with bones averaging Sh782.68 per kilogramme.
There was, however, some relief in selected products. Sugar prices declined slightly while tomatoes and spinach also recorded month-on-month reductions.
Transport remains one of the biggest pressures facing consumers.
Although some public transport fares eased marginally during September, overall transport inflation remained at 15.6 per cent year-on-year.
Petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged during the month but were substantially higher than a year earlier.
Petrol averaged Sh214.95 per litre while diesel stood at Sh219.04. Compared with September 2025, petrol was 15.8 per cent more expensive and diesel had risen by 26.9 per cent.
International air travel costs also increased during September.
Electricity offered some relief, with the cost of selected consumption bands declining during the month.
The latest inflation figures are significant because household spending power remains a major economic and political issue as Kenya moves towards the 2027 General Election.
Higher prices for food and transport disproportionately affect lower-income households because essentials account for a larger share of their monthly expenditure.
The September numbers therefore underline a continuing challenge for policymakers: maintaining economic stability while ensuring that improvements in headline economic indicators translate into lower everyday costs for Kenyan households.
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Category: Business · Related Topic: Kenya Economy
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