Commodities Whose Prices Have Increased By More Than 50% In Kenya

Kenyans are going through a tough economic phase as they face numerous pressing problems that have come along with the rising cost of living.

The ever-escalating food basket is forcing many to dig deep into their pockets to purchase common essential commodities. Currently, it is survival for just a few who are fit.

The latest KNBS statistics show that the inflation rate for June hit 7.9 percent in the backdrop of increased food prices and high fuel prices.

Compared to May 2022, when inflation stood at 7.1 percent, the June rate has surpassed the government’s target of 2.5 to 7.5 percent required to maintain the prices of commodities in the domestic market.

The rise in inflation was mainly due to an increase in the cost of commodities under food and nonalcoholic beverages by 13.8 percent.

Here is a list of essential commodities whose prices have increased by over 50 percent

1. Cooking Oil

In January 2022, a liter of cooking oil retailed at an average of 300 shillings. In July 2022 however, the same quantity of cooking oil is retailing at a high of 460 shillings

A 3 litter and 5 liters of Fresh Fri brand cooking oil are now 1,268 shillings and 2,014 shillings respectively at Naivas supermarket.

2. Bar Soap

800g of Jamaa Cream Bar Soap is now retailing highest at 199 shillings at Naivas supermarket, up from about 135 shillings 6 months ago.

Kenyans have been lamenting on social media how the price of the commodity has since rapidly increased by over 50 shillings in just a short duration.

3. Maize Flour (Unga)A

A two-kilo packet of maize flour has breached the 200 shillings mark in supermarkets – the highest recorded price for unga in the country’s history.

A 2kg packet of Jogoo maize flour now retails at 204, Pembe at 208, while Ajab goes for 206 shillings across the major shopping outlets. The commodity is sold as high as 220 shillings in the retail shops.

In January the amount of unga cost an average of 126 shillings.

4. Tissue Paper

A spot check by Soko Directory revealed some tissue brands such as Toilex, which cost between 20 to 25 six months ago now cost between 40 and 50 shillings per roll.

On social media, a section of Kenyans said they could be forced to use alternative means when visiting the toilet if the prices were not revised downwards soon.

5. Fuel

Fuel prices in Kenya have increased by over 20 percent since January 2022.

A liter of petrol costs 159 shillings from 130 shillings, an increase of 22 percent Diesel prices have risen by 26 percent from 111 to 140 shillings, while kerosene costs soared by 20 percent to 128 shillings from 106 shillings.

A section of Kenyans demonstrates in Nairobi and Kisumu CBD to protest against the high cost of living.

They carried plates and sufurias with messages demanding that the government lowers the cost of living and reduces the cost of maize flour by 30 shillings.

Here is a table summary of the list:

Related Content: Prices of Basic Commodities Across Carrefour, Naivas, and Cleanshelf in June 2022