Kenya’s March inflation figures edged up slightly to 4.4% compared to 4.3% in February as the Gulf Crisis begun to manifest in the local economy.
The price of food was the biggest contributor for the inflation spiral with tomatoes and beef recording the highest increase by 13.3% and 1.8% respectively. However, prices of sugar, maize grain and cabbages declined by 1.3%, 2.4% and 3.8% providing relief to many Kenyan households. Overall the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 1.1%.
During the period between February 2026 and March 2026, prices of transport-related items showed mixed trends. Price of diesel and petrol remained the same in the review period, attributed to the Kenya’s Government to Government deal with oil producing countries.
Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels contributed 0.4% to monthly inflation.
Kenyans paid more for electricity which increased by 2.5 per cent and 2.2 per cent for 50 kWh and 200 kWh, respectively between February 2026 and March 2026.
However, prices of gas/LPG decreased by 0.1 per cent during the same period.
Kenya’s rental charges for a single room remained unchanged in the same period.
Kenya’s Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Narcotics prices increased 0.1%. Between February 2026 and March 2026, beer (lagers and stouts) recorded a slight price rise of 0.3%. In contrast, Miraa (khat) prices experienced decrease of 1.2%.
Monthly inflation of items under Clothing and Footwear was 0.1%. Between February 2026 and March 2026, boy’s trousers/shorts and men’s shirts recorded slight price declines of 0.2 per cent and 0.1 per cent, respectively. In contrast, prices for boy’s leather shoes and girl’s school uniforms increased by 0.3 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively 0.1%
The Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance division recorded an inflation rate of 0.1 per cent between February and March 2026. Shoe polish/cream recorded the highest rise at 0.7 per cent, indicating a relatively stronger upward movement compared to other items. Both laundry soap/bar soap and detergents experienced moderate increases of 0.3 per cent each.
Kenya’s medical bills up due to medicine for Cancer patients
Kenya’s health sector recorded an inflation rate of 0.3%. General practitioner’s services recorded a marginal rise of 0.1 per cent. In addition, medicine for cancer experienced a sharp increase of 2.8 per cent.
Overall, the Information and Communication division recorded a monthly inflation of 0.1 per cent. Between February and March 2026, prices for information and communication equipment showed mixed trends.
The price of computers (tablets) declined significantly by 2.5 per cent, indicating reduced costs in this category. In contrast, prices for televisions and mobile handsets (both basic and smartphones) increased modestly by 0.3 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively.
In the Recreation, Sport and Culture, monthly inflation for this division was 0.1 per cent. Between February and March 2026, Kenya’s prices in this category moved in opposite directions. Exercise books recorded a decline of 0.4 per cent, suggesting a slight easing in the cost of basic educational materials. In contrast, tour and honeymoon packages increased by 1.7 per cent.
Between February and March 2026, Kenya’s certificate course fees recorded went down slightly while post graduate fee rose by 0.1 per cent. Overall the
Restaurants and Accommodation Services prices rose by 0.1%. Between February and March 2026, prices within the hotel and restaurant category showed minimal changes. Hotel and restaurant cakes and snacks recorded a slight decline of 0.1 per cent, indicating a small reduction in prices.
Meanwhile, both café and take-away prepared food, as well as hotel and restaurant prepared foods, registered marginal increases of 0.1 per cent each.
The prices of Medical insurance and motor vehicle insurance remained the same between February 2026 and March 2026.
Between February and March 2026, Kenya’s prices for personal care and household hygiene items increased across all listed products.
Toilet paper/tissue paper recorded the highest rise at 1.4 per cent, indicating notable upward pressure in essential household supplies.
The price of one (1) kilogram of cabbages decreased from KSh 74.33 to KSh 71.52, while one (1) kilogram of maize grain – loose dropped from KSh 72.19 to KSh 7 70.44.
Similarly, spinach (1 kilogram) recorded a marginal reduction from KSh 113.11 to KSh 111.58. The cost of gas/LPG (13 kilograms) slightly declined from KSh 3,134.75 to KSh 3,132.34.
However, electricity prices increased, with 200 kilowatts rising from KSh 5,564.78 to KSh 5,689.98 and 50 kilowatts increasing from KSh 1,265.96 to KSh 1,297.26. Meanwhile, the price of one (1) litre of petrol remained unchanged at KSh 179.35. 0.4 per cent, while hair dressing services saw a modest rise of 0.1 per cent.
ALSO READ :Soaring Cost of Food Pushes Monthly Inflation to 4.5%
Leave a comment