Men's coat prices surged by 4.6% between September and October 2025, marking the sharpest increase in the clothing and footwear sector. This occurred despite overall commodity prices remaining unchanged in October. The changes are linked to weather conditions and the peak tourism season.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that men's coat prices rose by 4.6% over the two-month period, the largest increase among all items in the clothing category. “From September to October 2025, clothing prices showed mixed changes. Men's suits and girls' uniforms decreased by 0.1% each. On the other hand, men's coat prices increased by 4.6%, while men's shirts rose by 0.3%,” a KNBS statement said.
The price hike is attributed to a combination of weather factors and the tourism season. Short rains in Kenya begin from October to December, a period that also coincides with the peak tourism season. Mornings and evenings become very cold, boosting demand for warm clothing like coats. Tourists visiting highland areas for wildlife safaris also increase coat demand.
Overall, the inflation rate remained at 4.6% in line with September, as rises in non-food and non-fuel goods offset declines in food and transport prices. Over the 12 months to October 2025, clothing and footwear prices increased by 2.9%, driven mainly by strong demand for men's coats.
A Statista report estimates that revenue in Kenya's apparel market will reach $6.19 billion (Sh802 billion) in 2025, with women's apparel leading at $2.33 billion (Sh302 billion). KNBS collects this data through monthly price surveys in 50 urban areas, between the second and third weeks of each month.
Inflation remains within the Central Bank of Kenya's acceptable range of 2.5% to 7.5%, with policymakers focusing on economic growth and job creation. The Kenyan shilling's value has stayed stable, averaging Sh129 per US dollar over the past year.