The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has released its latest Kenya Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, offering fresh insights into how prices of essential goods and services changed between January and February. The report, published on Friday, February 27, paints a mixed picture for Kenyan households—marked by rising food and service costs alongside a modest easing of inflation.
According to the data, food items—particularly vegetables—posted the most notable price increases over the one-month period. These developments come at a time when many families are still grappling with the high cost of living, making even small monthly changes in prices significant for household budgets.
Food Prices Climb, Vegetables Lead the Surge
The CPI report shows that the price of sukuma wiki, a staple vegetable in many Kenyan homes, increased by 2.4 per cent between January and February. Cabbage and potatoes recorded even steeper rises, with each commodity going up by 4.0 per cent over the same period.
Vegetables form a core part of daily meals for most households, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. As a result, these price hikes are likely to be felt immediately by consumers, especially low- and middle-income earners who spend a large share of their income on food.
Overall, the food category remained one of the biggest contributors to month-on-month inflationary pressure, reinforcing concerns that basic nutrition is becoming increasingly expensive.
Hospitality and Accommodation Costs Increase
The hospitality sector also experienced upward price movements. KNBS data shows that hotel and restaurant meal prices rose by 0.8 per cent in February. At the same time, guest house accommodation charges went up by 0.6 per cent.
In addition, lodging and guest expenses increased by 0.6 per cent, while food sold by vendors—including street food and informal eateries—rose by 0.8 per cent. Collectively, the hospitality sector recorded an overall increase of 2.7 per cent, reflecting higher operating costs passed on to consumers.
These changes could affect domestic travel, dining out, and even business-related accommodation expenses.
Education Costs Edge Upward
Education services recorded a modest but steady rise. According to the CPI report, certificate course fees increased slightly by 0.1 per cent in February. While the monthly change appears small, it contributed to a 3 per cent annual increase in the education index.
For families with students in colleges and training institutions, the gradual rise in education-related expenses adds to the broader cost-of-living challenge, particularly when combined with higher food and housing costs.
Health-Related Expenses Continue to Rise
Health care costs also moved upward during the period under review. KNBS noted increases in hospital services, as well as higher prices for medicines. Drugs such as dewormers and blood pressure medication became more expensive, increasing the financial burden on patients managing chronic conditions.
With healthcare already accounting for a significant portion of household spending for many Kenyans, especially the elderly and those with long-term illnesses, these increases raise concerns about affordability and access to essential treatment.
Personal Care and Clothing Prices Show Mixed Trends
Personal care items showed varied movements in February. Hairdressing services increased slightly by 0.1 per cent, while toilet paper and tissue products recorded a sharper rise of 1.4 per cent.
In the clothing category, prices moved notably higher. Men’s shirts rose by 4.1 per cent, while men’s coats increased by 2.7 per cent. KNBS attributed these increases partly to higher costs for tailoring and clothing repair services, which also went up during the month.
These price changes suggest growing pressure in non-food essentials, further stretching household budgets.
Insurance and Financial Services Not Spared
Insurance costs also recorded increases in February. Medical insurance premiums and vehicle insurance premiums each rose by 0.2 per cent over the month. On a year-on-year basis, the insurance category registered a 0.7 per cent increase.
The rising cost of insurance comes at a time when many Kenyans are already struggling to keep up with mandatory covers, particularly motor vehicle insurance and basic health policies.
Transport Costs Provide Some Relief
Despite widespread price increases across several sectors, the transport category offered some relief to consumers. KNBS data shows that diesel and petrol prices declined by 2.3 per cent each in February.
Additionally, bus and matatu fares between towns fell by 1.4 per cent, easing commuting and travel costs for passengers. The reduction in fuel and transport costs helped offset some of the inflationary pressure caused by rising food and service prices.
Inflation Rate Eases Slightly
The latest CPI report shows that Kenya’s inflation rate declined marginally, falling from 4.4 per cent in January to 4.3 per cent in February. While the drop is modest, it signals some stabilization in overall price levels, largely supported by lower transport costs.
However, analysts note that persistent increases in food, health, and education costs mean many households may not feel immediate relief, despite the lower headline inflation figure.
What the CPI Report Means for Kenyans
The February CPI report highlights a complex economic landscape. On one hand, easing fuel and transport costs are helping keep inflation in check. On the other, rising prices of food, healthcare, education, and insurance continue to strain household finances.
As Kenyans adjust spending priorities, the data underscores the importance of monitoring essential commodity prices, particularly food items, which have the most direct impact on daily living.
Social Media Captions
- Food prices are rising again in Kenya, with sukuma wiki, cabbage and potatoes leading the surge, even as inflation dips to 4.3%. Full story — read more on the comment section.
- KNBS latest CPI report shows higher costs for food, health, education and insurance, while fuel and transport prices fall. Details inside — read more on the comment section.
- From vegetables to medical insurance, February saw price hikes across key sectors despite easing inflation. Here’s what the KNBS report reveals — read more on the comment section.