Kenya’s overall inflation climbed to 4.6% in September 2025, compared with 4.5% in August, according to official figures released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
The rise, announced on Monday, September 29, 2025, highlights increasing pressure on household budgets, particularly from food price hikes.
The report notes that “The overall inflation rate in August 2025 was 4.5 percent,” adding that the core Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket accounts for 81.1% of the overall CPI.
The report shows that core inflation stood at 2.9%, largely shaped by mixed price movements in staple commodities. The steepest rise was observed in sugar, which surged by 20.4%. This was followed by maize flour (sifted) at 17.0%, and cigarettes at 6.4%.
On the other hand, some items recorded mild increases or stability. Fresh packeted cow milk rose by 1.9%, non-aromatic rice by 0.8%, and white wheat flour by 0.5%.
These figures indicate the heavy-weight food continues to carry in Kenya’s inflation calculations, with essential kitchen staples driving up household expenditure.
Meanwhile, non-core inflation stood at 9.6%, reflecting sharp volatility in fresh produce and fuel categories. Tomatoes registered the most significant price spike, soaring by 40.0%, while cabbages climbed 17.0%. Loose maize grain also went up by 14.3%.
Energy costs saw smaller movements. Electricity for 200 kilowatts rose by 2.1%, petrol increased 2.0%, while electricity for 50 kilowatts showed a negligible change of 0.1%.
According to the report, food-related items remain the biggest driver of inflation, with categories like sugar, maize products, and vegetables showing double-digit increases. By contrast, energy-related costs saw relatively modest adjustments, though still contributing to overall price pressures.
The figures highlight both the resilience and the volatility within Kenya’s consumer basket. With households facing steep increases in common foods such as tomatoes, maize flour, and sugar, the inflationary impact on everyday living costs is significant.
The figures underscore the persistent challenge of rising living costs for ordinary Kenyans, with food remaining the primary driver of pressure on household budgets. The steep increases in sugar, maize flour, and fresh produce such as tomatoes and cabbages highlight the vulnerability of essential commodities to market shocks.
While energy-related costs such as petrol and electricity rose only marginally, they add to the cumulative strain. The report by KNBS signals the importance of continued monitoring and targeted policy interventions to stabilise prices, protect consumers, and sustain economic resilience in the face of fluctuating conditions.