Kenya’s annual inflation rate rose slightly to 6.8% in September 2026, up from 6.6% in August, reflecting continued pressure on household costs.
The core Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket, which accounts for 81.1% of the overall index, recorded inflation of 4.0%, while non-core inflation was significantly higher at 14.0%.
Among core items, beef with bone recorded the largest price increase at 12.1%, followed by sugar at 10.5%, fresh packeted cow milk at 9.4%, white flour at 6.9% and cooking oil at 4.8%. Sifted maize flour recorded a marginal increase of 0.2%.
Non-core items recorded sharper price increases, led by Irish potatoes at 33.9%. Diesel prices rose by 26.9%, tomatoes by 21.1% and petrol by 15.8%.
Electricity prices remained relatively stable, increasing by 1.2% for 50 kWh and 1.1% for 200 kWh during the month.
