The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) released a report on Friday, February 27, showing increases in prices of essential commodities, particularly vegetables, while inflation slightly declined. Kenyan households may need to tighten their budgets amid rising costs for food, health, and education services.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) released its latest Consumer Price Index report on Friday, February 27, detailing price changes between January and February this year. The price of sukuma wiki rose by 2.4 percent, while that of cabbage and potatoes each increased by 4.0 percent.
The hospitality sector saw meal prices rise by 0.8 percent, with guest house accommodation charges up by 0.6 percent. Education services increased slightly, with certificate course fees rising by 0.1 percent, contributing to a 3 percent annual rise in education costs.
Health expenses continued to climb, with hospital services and medicines such as dewormers and blood pressure drugs becoming more costly. In personal care, toilet paper prices rose by 1.4 percent. Clothing prices also increased, with men's shirts up 4.1 percent and men's coats by 2.7 percent.
Insurance and financial services saw rises, with medical and vehicle insurance premiums each increasing by 0.2 percent in February, adding to a 0.7 percent year-on-year increase.
However, the transport sector experienced declines, with diesel and petrol prices falling by 2.3 percent each, and inter-city bus and matatu fares dropping by 1.4 percent. This report comes amid a slight drop in inflation, from 4.4 percent in January to 4.3 percent in February.
