Kenyan Households Feel the Pinch as Food Inflation Hits 7.8 Percent

Kenyan households faced higher food prices in December, as new data showed continued pressure on the cost of basic goods.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), annual inflation stood at 4.5 percent in December 2025, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). While some sectors recorded price declines, rising costs for essential items continued to weigh on household budgets.

Food prices were the main driver of inflation, increasing by 7.8 percent over the year. Between November and December, the prices of sukuma wiki rose by 4.7 percent, while maize flour increased by 5.1 percent. Potatoes and maize grain also became more expensive, raising the cost of preparing everyday meals.

Transport costs added to these pressures during the festive period. Inter-town bus and matatu fares increased by 5.3 percent, while international airfares rose sharply by 14.4 percent. Energy and housing costs showed mixed movements. Prices for liquefied petroleum gas edged higher, but electricity costs declined. The price of 200 kWh of electricity fell by 2.6 percent, while 50 kWh dropped by 2.8 percent. Petrol prices were unchanged at Ksh185.59 per litre.

Other categories recorded smaller changes. Alcohol and tobacco prices rose by 2.8 percent, while clothing and footwear prices remained largely stable. Some household items, including laundry soap, became slightly cheaper, although wages for domestic workers increased. Health-related costs rose by 2.6 percent, driven by higher prices for medicines and general practitioner services.

Education expenses also increased, with higher prices for textbooks and school-related services ahead of the new school term. The report showed a clear gap between core and non-core inflation. Core inflation, which includes items with more stable prices such as manufactured foods and ICT services, eased to 2.0 percent. In contrast, non-core inflation, covering food and energy, rose to 11.2 percent, with food contributing 2.4 percentage points to overall inflation.

Some items provided limited relief. Sugar prices fell by 1.5 percent to Ksh179.60 per kilogram, while mango prices declined by 1.6 percent. Lower electricity costs also helped offset part of the increase in food and transport expenses.

Overall, the KNBS data showed that while headline inflation remained moderate, rising prices for staple foods continued to place pressure on household finances as the new year began.