Kenya’s inflation rate jumped to 3.6% in March 2025, a modest increase from February’s 3.5%, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). This marks a continuation of the upward trend in consumer prices, as the cost of essential goods and services climbs higher compared to a similar period last year.
The rise in inflation was largely attributed to the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages category, which surged by 6.6% year-over-year, and the Transport category, which recorded a 1.5% increase. Conversely, prices in the Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels category experienced a slight decline of 0.8% over the past year.
Prices for everyday staples notably increased in March, with kale (sukuma wiki), potatoes, and loose maize grain recording price hikes of 6.2%, 4.5%, and 3.3%, respectively. However, sugar prices saw a slight dip of 0.7%, and beans decreased by 0.2%. The Transport category reflects a significant rise in local flight costs, up 3.9%, though petrol and diesel prices remained stable.
Analysts Opinion on Kenya’s Inflation.
Felix Ochieng, Co-Founder at The Trading Room remarked that while the inflation rate remains relatively low in comparison to historical averages, certain trends warrant close observation. “The increase in food prices is concerning, especially as it could disproportionately affect vulnerable households. Additionally, the transportation cost hike adds further pressure on consumers’ wallets,” he noted.
Furthermore, he pointed out that stable fuel prices were a positive signal in an otherwise challenging inflation environment. “The unchanged petrol and diesel prices have helped cushion consumers, providing a degree of stability amid rising costs in other areas.”
Kenya’s economic stakeholders continue to monitor these developments closely, as they assess the broader implications for consumer spending and economic growth.
Also Read: Kenya Inflation Rises to 8.3% Backed by High Food, Fuel Prices.
