Kenyans are set to face higher prices for essential goods in the coming months, as the latest government data shows rising costs for key commodities including maize, kale, cabbage, fortified maize flour, and Irish potatoes.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reported that the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages division recorded a 7.3 per cent annual increase in prices by January 2026, making it the largest contributor to overall inflation.
KNBS in its latest Consumer Price Indices and Inflation Rates report released on Friday, showed that maize grain prices climbed from Ksh69.39 per kilogram in December 2025 to Ksh71.28 in January 2026. Over the same period, the cost of fortified maize flour rose from KSh162.56 to KSh173.51 for a 2-kilogram packet.
Prices of kale and cabbage rose sharply, climbing by 4 and 9 per cent respectively, as concerns over potential supply disruptions intensify, as experts warn that potential delays in the onset of the March-May long rains could affect crop yields.
At the same time, energy costs are also adding to household pressures, with electricity bills for 50 kWh having risen by 3.7 per cent, while 200 kWh increased by 3.4 per cent. Kerosene recorded a marginal decline of 0.6 per cent, but fuel prices remain a key factor in the overall cost of living.
Transport costs also added to inflationary pressure, recording a 4.8 per cent annual rise in public transport fares and fuel prices, even as petrol and diesel registered slight month-on-month drops, according to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The rise in these prices comes against a backdrop of steady but moderate overall inflation, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showing annual inflation at 4.4 per cent in January 2026, slightly down from 4.5 per cent in December 2025.
Core inflation, which excludes items such as food and fuel, increased to 2.2 per cent, reflecting sustained price pressures in sectors such as manufactured foods, health, education, and ICT services, according to the report.
On the other hand, non-core inflation, representing more volatile commodities, stood at 10.3 per cent, pointing to the continued fluctuations in food and energy costs.
Further, Irish potato prices went up by 3.4 per cent, while household goods such as laundry soap and domestic services increased by around 0.5 to 0.6 per cent between December and January.
Education costs have added to household burdens, with private secondary school tuition rising by 3.1 per cent and pre-primary tuition up by 3.3 per cent. Boarding fees for primary, secondary, and tertiary schools also increased modestly over the same period.
Health services recorded mixed price movements, with costs for cancer medicines and eye care slightly declining, while fees for diabetes care, laboratory tests, and general practitioner services rose, pushing the sector’s annual inflation to 2.7 per cent.