Kenyan households are facing renewed pressure on their food budgets after the latest inflation data showed significant increases in the prices of several everyday food items over the past year.
Data released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) showed that the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 9.5 per cent in the year to September 2026, remaining one of the biggest drivers of the country's overall cost of living.
Overall annual inflation stood at 6.8 per cent in September, meaning the general price level was 6.8 per cent higher than it was in September 2025.
KNBS noted that the increase was “primarily driven by a rise in prices” of food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport, and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels.
Among the most notable changes were prices of vegetables and other basic foods commonly found in Kenyan households.
The price of a kilogramme of Irish potatoes increased from Ksh91.27 in September 2025 to Ksh121.98 in September 2026, representing a 33.6 per cent increase.
Sukuma wiki recorded a similarly sharp rise, with the average price of a kilogramme increasing from Ksh92.48 to Ksh122.49, equivalent to a 32.5 per cent increase.
Cabbage prices also climbed significantly, rising by 25.8 per cent from Ksh62.91 to Ksh79.16 per kilogramme.
Meanwhile, a kilogramme of spinach increased from Ksh103.43 to Ksh127.32, representing a 23.1 per cent rise, while tomatoes rose by 21.1 per cent, from Ksh87.87 to Ksh106.44 per kilogramme.
Milk prices were also among those recording notable increases. The average price of a 500-millilitre packet of fresh milk rose from Ksh55.97 in September 2025 to Ksh61.23 in September 2026, a 9.4 per cent increase.
Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) long-life milk recorded an even higher annual increase of 11.9 per cent, rising from Ksh55.07 to Ksh61.64 for a 500ml packet. Fresh unpacketed cow milk rose by 7.7 per cent over the same period, reaching Ksh77.54 per litre.
The pressure on households also continued in September, with several food items becoming more expensive within a single month.
KNBS reported that the price of UHT milk increased by 8 per cent between August and September, while fresh packeted milk rose by 6 per cent and fresh unpacketed cow milk increased by 5.8 per cent.
The price of white wheat flour also climbed by 4.5 per cent during the month, while cabbage increased by 6.2 per cent.
However, not all food prices increased. KNBS reported that the average price of a kilogramme of tomatoes fell from Ksh111.03 in August to Ksh106.44 in September, while a 2kg packet of sifted maize flour declined from Ksh152.89 to Ksh152. Sugar also recorded a slight monthly decline, falling by 0.4 per cent.
Transport
The latest figures come as transport costs continue to exert pressure on consumers. The transport division recorded annual inflation of 15.6 per cent, although some fares declined in September.
KNBS said inter-town country bus and matatu fares fell by 1 per cent, while city bus and matatu fares declined by 0.3 per cent. International flight costs, however, rose by a notable 8.1 per cent during the month.
The statistics agency said the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the cost of purchasing a fixed basket of goods and services, with prices collected from a representative sample of outlets across 50 urban data collection zones nationwide.
The September figures therefore point to a continuing squeeze on household budgets, with some of the most noticeable increases concentrated in foods that form part of everyday Kenyan meals.
