This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
Kenya's inflation rate has hit a four-month high of 5.6 percent in November, forcing consumers to dig deeper into their pockets.
The notable rise in the consumer price index (CPI) is attributed to a significant increase in key foodstuffs, which outweighed recorded decreases, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
Unga prices rose by 4.3 percent month on month, following a 5.8 percent hike in October. Other commodity price increments were observed in Irish potatoes, tomatoes, and mineral water, while decreases were recorded in the cost of milk and sugar.
Mid-November saw the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) implement fuel price increments across the board, averaging Ksh.2.72, impacting both energy and transport costs.
As a result, the housing and transport index, accounting for 27 percent of the household consumption basket, rose by 0.3 points, with rent and cooking costs surging forward from October.
With food and fuel costs impacting nearly three-quarters of the average household expenditure, the hike in consumer prices is expected to put pressure on Kenyans ahead of the festive season.
Published on November 29, 2019.
