This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
Kenya's Inflation Rate Hits Record High as Food Prices Skyrocket ¶
Kenya's inflation rate rose to 4.95% in October 2019, driven by high foodstuff prices, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
The inflation rate, which was released on October 31, 2019, is a record high and marks a significant increase from the 3.83% recorded in September 2019.
KNBS director general Zachary Mwangi attributed the rising inflation to the increase in prices of foodstuffs, stating that prices of several foodstuffs were significantly higher during the month under review compared to the prices recorded during the previous month.
According to the data, the prices of a kilogram of maize flour increased by 5.82% in October 2019, while the prices of loose grain maize flour, sifted maize flour, and tomatoes increased by 5.82%, 4.58%, and 4.44% respectively.
The food and non-alcoholic index went up by 0.48% to KSh 252.74, with the index carrying the highest weight (36.04%) in the criteria used to calculate inflation.
CBK Deputy Governor Sheila M'Mbijjewe noted that Kenya's economy was growing, but the growth was not being felt on the ground.
