Kenya’s Food Prices Soar as Cost of Milk Hits Kshs. 60

Kenyans are currently facing inflated food prices with staple commodities seemingly becoming out of reach. The matter, which has brought out a heated debate from several concerned bodies and the common Mwananchi who feels the pinch most, seems to be escalating further.

Maize flour, sugar, and cooking oil are on the top list of basic commodities whose prices have significantly increased in the last two months, yet they are among foodstuffs consumed mainly by households daily.

A 1-kilogram packet of sugar retailing at 135 shillings while 2kg is 245 shillings in most shopping outlets. A 2-kilogram package of Soko brand Unga is sold between 120 to 150 shillings.

On the other hand, milk is retailing at an average of 103 shillings per liter, with a 500ml packet going for between 55 shillings and 60 shillings in various supermarkets and retail shops, up from 50 shillings recently.

Cooking oil has become a luxury commodity to the many broke and struggling Kenyans as a liter (depending on the brand) goes for over 300 shillings, up from 160 shillings registered in 2020.

Here is a look at how food prices have changed in the country:

Most households, especially those residing in the country’s urban areas, use gas for cooking, which therefore falls under their basic items. A 6-kilogram cylinder of gas, which was being refilled between 600 to 700 shillings in March 2021, is currently refilled at 1,500 shillings.

ALSO READ: Inflation Drives Apple Prices to Kshs. 262.20/kg in Nairobi

On top of these, Kenyans are also worried that soon they will be forced to adjust their pockets in transport costs after the price of fuel hiked a week ago.

The hike in food prices is attributed to the continuous drought in major parts of the country and the shortage due to the ongoing Russia Ukraine war that has blocked trading and importation of products and raw materials such as fertilizer, oil, wheat, etc.

Analysts say that if the war prolongs, countries globally, including Kenya, are likely to face more economic hurdles, including the explosion in inflation rates due to increased cost of production and manufacturing costs.

Kenya’s inflation in February dropped to 5.07 percent from 5.39 percent in January 2022 despite the public outcry over the price hike of essential commodities.

Coupled with the harsh political atmosphere, Kenyans should brace for increased food prices beyond elections.