Kenya's inflation rate dropped to 4.14% in February, marking the lowest level since August 2018, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). The decline followed a 4.70% reading in January, with food prices playing a significant role in the downward trend.
Key staples saw substantial price reductions, including maize grain, which fell 41% year-on-year to Ksh.35.63 per kilogramme. Sifted maize flour, spinach, and tomatoes also declined by 30.68%, 20.66%, and 16.63% respectively, as noted in the KNBS report.
Despite these decreases, the Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels Index rose 0.12% in February, primarily due to higher rent and cooking fuel costs. Electricity prices for 50 Kwh and 200 Kwh increased by 2.48% and 1.70% respectively, attributed to fuel cost hikes and inflation adjustments.
The transport sector benefited from lower diesel and petrol prices, causing the transport index to fall 0.50% for the month. This contrasted with rising utility costs, highlighting mixed economic pressures in February 2019.
