The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reported that the country's inflation rate increased to 4.35% in March 2019, marking a 1.6% rise from February's level. The agency attributed the surge to prolonged drought conditions, which elevated food commodity prices across key sectors.
The food and non-alcoholic drinks index rose 3.3% between February and March, with staple items like tomatoes experiencing significant price pressures. A kilogram of tomatoes reached Sh90 in March, a 9% increase from Sh82.4 in February, reflecting broader supply chain disruptions caused by the drought.
KNBS emphasized that the inflationary trend underscored growing household financial strain, as essential food items became less affordable amid reduced agricultural output. The agency's findings highlight the economic impact of climate-related challenges on Kenya's macroeconomic stability.
