Kenya’s Inflation Rises to 6.8 Per Cent as Food and Transport Costs Climb

By Haliet Gesare | Newsline Media

NAIROBI, KENYA — October 22, 2026

Kenyan households continued to face a rising cost of living in September as annual inflation increased to 6.8 per cent, up from 6.6 per cent in August, with food and transport prices accounting for much of the increase.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the rise reflects the growing cost of essential goods and services, putting further pressure on household budgets.

In its September Consumer Price Index and Inflation report, KNBS identified food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport, and housing-related expenses as the main contributors to inflation.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose by 9.5 per cent over the year, while transport costs recorded a sharper increase of 15.6 per cent. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels went up by 3.2 per cent over the same period.

“Annual consumer price inflation was 6.8 per cent in September 2026,” the KNBS report stated.

Together, the three expenditure categories account for more than 57 per cent of the weighting in the Consumer Price Index, making them significant drivers of the overall inflation rate.

For many households, the increases mean that more money may be needed to cover everyday expenses, including food shopping and transport to work or school. Families already working with tight budgets could find it increasingly difficult to balance essential spending with other financial needs.

However, the inflation rate does not mean that all goods and services have become more expensive by the same percentage. The actual impact varies from household to household, depending on spending habits, location and the items purchased.

The latest figures highlight the continued importance of food and transport prices in determining the cost of living in Kenya. As households and businesses plan their finances, changes in the prices of these essential items will remain an important indicator to watch.

Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics — Consumer Price Indices and Inflation Rates, September 2026