NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s annual inflation rose to 4.4 per cent in March 2026, driven largely by increases in food, transport, and housing-related costs, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
Data released by the agency shows that food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport, and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels account for more than 57 per cent of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), highlighting their influence on household spending.
“The overall index increased from 149.20 in February 2026 to 150.00 in March 2026, resulting in a monthly inflation rate of 0.5 per cent. The year-on-year inflation stood at 4.4 per cent in March 2026,” KNBS said.
The food and non-alcoholic beverages category recorded the sharpest annual increase, rising 7.7 per cent compared to March 2025. Tomato prices climbed by 23.2 per cent over the year to an average of Sh99.60 per kilogram from Sh80.88, and increased by 13.3 per cent between February and March.
Potato prices also rose significantly, increasing 18.8 per cent year-on-year to an average of Sh107.16 per kilogram from Sh90.22. However, some staple commodities registered declines in the past month, with sugar, maize grain, and cabbage dropping by 1.3 per cent, 2.4 per cent, and 3.8 per cent, respectively.
Transport costs increased by 3.8 per cent over the year, although fuel prices remained unchanged in March.
“During the period between February 2026 and March 2026, prices of transport-related items showed mixed trends. The price of diesel and petrol remained the same in the review period,” the report states.
The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels category rose by 2 per cent annually. Month-on-month, electricity prices increased by 2.5 per cent for 50 kilowatt-hour consumption and 2.2 per cent for 200 kilowatt-hour usage, while liquefied petroleum gas declined slightly by 0.1 per cent. Rent for single rooms remained unchanged.
Other divisions recorded modest increases. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics rose by 2.3 per cent annually, with beer prices increasing slightly by 0.3 per cent compared to February.
The health index recorded 2.7 per cent inflation over the year, with cancer medication rising by 2.8 per cent in the month under review. General practitioner consultation fees increased marginally by 0.1 per cent.
Education costs increased by 3.3 per cent annually, while insurance and financial services recorded a 0.7 per cent rise. Personal care, social protection, and miscellaneous goods and services rose by 2.5 per cent, driven by higher prices for toilet paper, body lotion, and hairdressing services.
The latest CPI figures show that rising costs in essential goods—particularly food, transport, and utilities—continue to shape household spending patterns and sustain pressure on the cost of living.
