Here Is The List Of Food And Commodity Prices Expected To Rise

Kenyans may soon have to dig deeper into their pockets to afford basic food items, as a new survey by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) forecasts a significant increase in the prices of key commodities starting June 2025.

According to the CBK’s Agriculture Sector Survey released on Tuesday, June 17, a majority of respondents anticipate that prices of essential foods, particularly cereals and certain vegetables, will rise sharply due to both local and global market trends.

The report, based on extensive feedback from agricultural stakeholders and market participants across the country, noted that cereals such as maize and its by-products would be among the hardest hit. This surge in prices is attributed primarily to seasonal factors and supply chain challenges.

Respondents cited disruptions in supply, rising input costs, and global commodity market volatility as the main reasons for the anticipated price hikes.

The survey revealed that respondents expect the cost of maize flour and related cereal products to edge higher in June compared to May 2025. “The balance of opinion on expected price changes shows that the prices of key cereal products and select vegetables are expected to increase in June 2025, reflecting seasonal factors,” the CBK stated in its report.

In addition to cereals, the prices of other household staples such as sugar, cooking fat, and cooking oil are also projected to rise significantly. The CBK attributed this to escalating global prices and disruptions in the international supply chain, which have made imports more expensive.

“The expected rise in sugar and cooking oil prices is largely influenced by current developments in the global market, where costs have surged due to increased demand and constrained supply,” the report noted.

While many food items are projected to become more expensive, there is some reprieve for consumers when it comes to certain vegetables. The CBK survey indicated that prices for kale (sukuma wiki), cabbage, spinach, and various traditional vegetables are likely to drop over the coming weeks. This trend is being driven by the favourable rainfall experienced across several agricultural zones from March to May 2025.

The improved weather conditions have led to better yields and a steady supply of leafy greens, which in turn is expected to ease pressure on prices. Additionally, the CBK noted that the number of respondents anticipating a price increase in tomatoes declined in May compared to April 2025, suggesting relative price stability for the staple crop.

Despite the looming price hikes for several food commodities, the overall inflation outlook remains relatively positive. The CBK survey reported that most respondents expect the country’s inflation rate to either remain steady or decline slightly over the next month.

This expectation is largely driven by the combination of favourable weather conditions, which have supported agricultural production, and a stable exchange rate. The Kenyan shilling has shown signs of resilience against major international currencies, particularly the US dollar, helping to moderate import costs.

“The anticipated stability of the exchange rate and the positive impact of the long rains are expected to cushion inflationary pressures in the short term,” the survey highlighted.

Beyond inflation, the CBK also sought views on the broader economic outlook, particularly in terms of growth prospects for the Kenyan economy. The findings were largely optimistic. A significant 67 per cent of survey respondents expressed confidence that the country’s economic performance would improve over the next three months.

This optimism is rooted in expectations of enhanced agricultural output due to the good rains, improving business conditions, and stable macroeconomic indicators. Many respondents cited increased activity in sectors such as agriculture, services, and construction as signs of growing momentum in the economy.

While Kenyans should brace for a potential rise in the prices of key food commodities, especially cereals, sugar, and cooking oil, the CBK’s latest Agriculture Sector Survey offers a mixed but cautiously optimistic outlook.

The expected decrease in the cost of some vegetables, coupled with positive projections for inflation and overall economic growth, suggests that the country may weather the upcoming price shocks with some level of resilience.

However, consumers, especially those in low-income households, may feel the pinch as the prices of staple goods rise. Policymakers and market stakeholders will need to monitor these developments closely and consider appropriate interventions to cushion vulnerable populations from the impact of food price inflation.

Read Also: Kenya’s Food Market Under Strain: A Deep Dive into Commodity Prices And What They Mean For Households And The Economy – June 2025 Review