The latest Consumer Price Index report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows annual inflation at 4.5 per cent, with food prices rising 7.8 per cent. Staples like maize flour and sukuma wiki are set to cost more in January 2026. Some relief comes from declines in sugar and electricity prices.
The KNBS Consumer Price Index report, released on December 31, 2025, highlights shifts in prices of goods and services in Kenya through the end of 2025. Food inflation has been the sharpest, rising 7.8 per cent annually, with maize flour up 5.1 per cent, sukuma wiki 4.7 per cent, potatoes 2.9 per cent, and maize grain 1.9 per cent from November to December 2025.
Transport costs also increased, with inter-town matatu and bus fares up 5.3 per cent and international flights 14.4 per cent due to holiday travel demand. Housing and energy saw minor adjustments, with gas/LPG prices rising 0.4 per cent, while electricity charges fell: 2.8 per cent for 50 kWh and 2.6 per cent for 200 kWh.
"Between November and December 2025, the price of one kilogram of sugar fell from Ksh182.37 to Ksh179.60, while maize grain (loose) increased from Ksh68.08 to Ksh69.39," the report states.
"The cost of electricity for 200 kWh consumption dropped from Ksh5,676.22 in November to Ksh5,530.12 in December, while 50 kWh fell slightly from Ksh1,293.82 to Ksh1,257.30. Petrol prices remained steady at Ksh185.59 per litre."
Hard drinks and tobacco rose 2.8 per cent over the year, and health costs 2.6 per cent. Education services increased 2.2 per cent, with school textbooks up 0.5 per cent. Core inflation eased to 2.0 per cent, while non-core items like food and energy hit 11.2 per cent. Sugar prices dropped 1.5 per cent to Ksh179.60 per kilogram, and mangoes 1.6 per cent to Ksh153.99, offering some respite for ordinary households.
