Kenya’s inflation edges up to 4.6% in September as food costs surge
Kenya’s overall inflation rate rose to 4.6 percent in September 2025 up slightly from 4.5 percent in August, driven mainly by sharp increases in food prices, according to data released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
The inflation figures, released in collaboration with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), show that non-core inflation rose by 9.6 percent, outpacing core inflation, which stood at 2.9 percent.
Food costs drive inflation
Prices of essential food items recorded significant increases compared to the same period in 2024.
Tomatoes rose by 40 percent, the steepest jump among household commodities.
Cabbages went up by 17 percent.
Loose maize grain increased by 14.3 percent, while sifted maize flour climbed 17 percent.
Sugar rose sharply by 20.4 percent.
The rise in maize and sugar prices, both critical to household diets, has raised concern over food affordability and cost of living for low- and middle-income households.
Energy and other costs
The report shows a mixed trend in energy prices. Petrol rose by 2 percent, while electricity for households consuming 200 kilowatts went up by 2.1 percent. However, smaller households consuming 50 kilowatts of electricity recorded only a 0.1 percent increase.
In the core inflation category, prices of cigarettes rose by 6.4 percent, while other items such as fresh packed cow milk (+1.9%), non-aromatic rice (+0.8%), and white wheat flour (+0.5%) recorded modest increases.
Inflation Within Target Range
Despite the rise, the September inflation rate remains within the CBK’s target band of 2.5 to 7.5 percent. The core Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, accounted for 81.1 percent of the overall CPI.
KNBS said the inflation rate is calculated as the change in prices between September 2025 and September 2024.
Regional and global context
While Kenya’s inflation remains moderate, analysts warn that persistent food price increases could put pressure on households and complicate economic management. Global fuel market trends and local weather conditions are expected to influence future inflation performance.
