Beer Prices Increase Ahead of Treasury’s Hefty Budget Tabling

Kenyans’ high expectations and growing anxiety over high taxation as the government strives to meet growing spending have been confirmed as evidenced by the changes in prices of beer per bottle implemented on June 10, 2021.

While the National Treasury has not proposed any new income taxes under the 2021 Finance Bill, it was evident that Kenyans would not be spared from greater taxes.

Ahead of the tabling of the 2021/2022 budget, local beers have seen a significant increase in their pricing by the bottle. Effective today, you will pay Ksh. 18 more for a bottle of Tusker Malt and Tusker Lite by East African Breweries Limited (EABL).

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Similarly, the price of Whitecap Light has been increased by Ksh. 18 whereas the variant it is based on, Whitecap Lager hiked by 9 shillings more.

EABL’s beer, Balozi Lager has also been increased by Ksh. 9 with Smirnoff Black Ice and Guarana also carrying the same Ksh. 9 price change.

The beverage Snapp, together with Tusker Cider has been increased by Ksh. 8 more, while the Guinness small bottle has seen a Ksh. 4-increase, marking the lowest price change among the listed alcoholic drinks.

Here is a table summarizing the change:

Table. 1

Other manufacturers and distillers are yet to declare their prices, but the likelihood of a similar price increase is projected.

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