List Of Commodities Whose Prices Have Increased According To KNBS Report

Kenyans continue to feel the pinch of the rising cost of living, as a new report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reveals a significant increase in the prices of 23 essential commodities between June 2024 and June 2025.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report released on June 30, prices for basic goods and services that support everyday life, from food and fuel to healthcare and household items, have all gone up, contributing to an annual Inflation rate of 3.8 per cent.

Food remains one of the most affected sectors, with several household staples recording notable increases in cost. Among the most significantly impacted were carrots, cabbages, and sugar. Carrots saw a steep 11.1 percent rise in price, followed closely by cabbages at 10.8 percent, and sugar, which rose by 5.5 percent. These items are widely consumed across the country, making their inflation particularly burdensome for ordinary households.

Other common foodstuffs that saw price hikes over the past year include: Maize grain: up 2.8 percent, Spinach: up 2.3 Percent, Sifted maize flour: up 2.1 percent, Tomatoes: up 1.2 percent, Kale (sukuma wiki): up 1.0 percent and Beef with bones: up 0.7 percent.

The steady rise in food prices continues to strain household budgets, especially for low- and middle-income families who spend a large portion of their earnings on basic meals.

Fuel prices, which had remained relatively stable in recent months, bucked the trend in June with a surprising increase. Petrol prices rose by 1.6 per cent to retail at KSh 178.19 per litre. This surge had a ripple effect on the transport sector, leading to an overall 0.7 per cent increase in transportation costs.

The report also noted a rise in prices of alternative energy sources, Firewood: up 2.0 percent, and Charcoal: up 1.0 percent. While these are often used in rural areas and informal settlements, their price hikes signal increased pressure even on traditionally low-cost energy options.

Housing costs were not left behind in the wave of inflation. The KNBS report indicated that the cost of construction materials such as tiles increased by 0.7 percent. Additionally, monthly rental charges for a single room, commonly rented by low-income earners, went up by 0.2 percent to an average of KSh 4,176.85. Although the rent increase may appear modest, it contributes cumulatively to the rising cost of shelter and utilities in urban centres.

Healthcare-related products were among the commodities that recorded noticeable increases. Prices for eye care medication rose by 0.7 percent, while deworming drugs went up by 2.1 percent. These are basic medical items used by millions, and any price change impacts access to healthcare, particularly for the vulnerable.

The cost of everyday household items also climbed: Buckets and basins: up 0.9 percent, Refrigerators: up 0.8 percent, Shoe polish: up 0.6 percent, and Bar soap: up 0.5 percent.

Children’s and women’s clothing: slight increases across various categories. These increases in consumer goods contribute cumulatively to overall household expenses, further squeezing family budgets.

Despite the widespread price hikes, a few items did record a drop in prices, offering some relief to consumers. Most notably, diesel prices declined dramatically, falling by 101 percent to retail at KSh 163.89 per litre. This figure appears to be an error or a misprint in the data, as a 101 per cent drop would imply the commodity is free or that sellers are paying consumers to take it, which is implausible.

Electricity costs also went down slightly: 50 kWh package: down 1.6 percent, 200 kWh package: down 1.5 percent. These reductions in energy prices are significant in mitigating the overall impact of inflation, especially in households that rely heavily on grid power for daily needs.

Similarly, a few food items saw marginal price drops: Cooking salad oil: down 0.4 percent, Fresh unpacked milk: down 0.4 percent, Irish potatoes: down 0.2 percent. While these decreases are minimal, they play a role in cushioning families against the full weight of rising food costs.

According to KNBS, the monthly inflation rate for June 2025 remained steady at 0.5 per cent, unchanged from May 2025. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) maintains an inflation target range of between 2.5 per cent and 7.5 per cent in the medium term. At 3.8 per cent, the current inflation rate remains comfortably within this target, although the lived experience of many Kenyans may suggest otherwise.

The continued rise in prices of essential goods highlights the fragile state of consumer purchasing power in Kenya. For millions of households already grappling with stagnant incomes, the increasing cost of food, rent, healthcare, and fuel poses a significant challenge. As Kenya enters the second half of the year, all eyes will be on fiscal policies, international fuel prices, and weather conditions, which heavily influence food supply, for signals of what lies ahead.

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