Retail prices of selected commodities that have gone up

The latest inflation data reveals that Kenyan consumers are facing higher costs for a variety of essential services and goods, with men’s coats topping the list of price hikes.

Between February 2025 and February 2026, the retail price of a man’s coat surged by 2.7%, marking the highest increase among the selected commodities.

Household hygiene products also felt the pinch, as the price of dishwashing paste and liquids rose by 1.6%, followed by a 1.4% jump in the cost of toilet paper and tissue.

Beyond the supermarket aisles, the cost of personal care and professional services is also creeping upward. Miraa prices increased by 1.3%, while both tailoring services and toilet soap saw a 0.9% rise.

The healthcare sector was not spared, with general practitioner fees increasing by 0.7% and essential medicines for cholesterol and blood pressure rising by 0.4%.

Even the insurance and service sectors recorded upticks, with medical and motor vehicle insurance both increasing by 0.2%, and hair dressing services edging up by 0.1%.

While these individual percentages may seem minor, their collective impact adds a layer of financial strain to the daily lives of Kenyans navigating an increasingly expensive retail environment.