Inflation Inches Up to 3.5% in February As Food and Utility Costs Rise Up Significantly

Kenya’s inflation rate rose to 3.5% in February 2025, up from 3.3% in January, driven by rising food prices, higher utility bills, and increased transport costs, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).

The month-to-month inflation rate stood at 0.3%, reflecting continued price adjustments in essential goods and services. The cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages saw the most significant increase, with everyday household staples experiencing notable price jumps:

1. Onions rose by 1.0% per kilogram
2. Tomatoes increased by 1.3%
3. Sukuma wiki (kales) went up by 0.5%
4. Sugar saw a sharp 3.2% rise
5. Cooking oil increased by 1.6%
6. Fresh unpacked cow milk rose by 0.5% per litre

Read Also: Kenya’s January Inflation Ticks Up To 3.3%, Driven By Higher Food Prices

Meanwhile, a few staple foods recorded price drops, easing pressure on some household budgets:

1. A 2kg packet of wheat flour fell by 2.4%
2. Sifted maize flour dropped by 0.5%
3. Fortified maize flour declined by 0.8%
4. Electricity, Transport, and Non-Food Items See Mixed Trends

Beyond food, fluctuations were recorded in other sectors:

1. Electricity tariffs for 200 kilowatts dropped by 1.8%
2. One-way local flight tickets fell by 4.8%, offering some relief for domestic travelers
3. Miraa (khat) prices declined by 4.5% per kilogram

KNBS compiles the CPI by collecting retail prices during the second and third weeks of each month, making it a crucial tool for tracking Kenya’s economic stability. The year-on-year inflation data helps policymakers assess economic trends and adjust fiscal strategies accordingly.

As food and energy prices continue to shape the country’s inflation trajectory, Kenyans brace for continued cost-of-living pressures, while economic analysts watch closely for potential policy interventions to stabilize the market.

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