Following the release of new inflation data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Kenyan households are experiencing increased financial strain due to the higher prices of essential goods, particularly food items, which experienced a significant rise between October and November 2025.
According to a report issued by KNBS on Friday, November 28, 2025, inflation edged up in November, primarily fueled by jumps in the prices of food, transportation, and household necessities. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, these three categories account for over half of the weight used to determine the cost of living in the country.
The primary factor behind the price increase was a surge in prices for items in the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages sector (7.7%), Transport (5.1%), and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and other fuels (1.9%) over a one-year period. According to the statement, these three divisions collectively comprise more than 57 per cent of the total weight across the 13 major expenditure categories.
A moderate rise in inflation rates
The bureau noted that the overall inflation rate had decreased marginally from 4.6 per cent in October 2025 to 4.5 per cent in November 2025.
The overall index rose from 146.84 in October 2025 to 147.08 in November 2025, giving a monthly inflation rate of 0.2%. In November 2025, inflation had dropped to 4.5% year-over-year, according to KNBS, a decrease from the 4.6% inflation rate in October 2025.
Analysis of commodity tables reveals that several essential items experienced significant price fluctuations between October and November 2025.
The price of sugar fell from Ksh184.95 per kilogram in October to Ksh182.23 per kilogram in November. Sukuma wiki prices rose from Ksh 91.56 to Ksh 94.07, with onions increasing from Ksh 106.21 to Ksh 111.37, exacerbating difficulties for households struggling with food expenses.
Carrots fell slightly, although their decline was less than that seen in 2024, from Ksh132.88 to Ksh132.32 on a month-by-month basis. Prices for oranges rose from Ksh115.53 to Ksh118.86.
Household cooking essentials saw a continuation of steady price increments, with cooking oil prices rising from Ksh343.44 to Ksh345.27 per litre.
Not all prices rose. Tomato prices plummeted to Ksh86.04 from Ksh87.88, providing a welcome respite to numerous households. Maize flour (sifted) saw a modest decrease from Ksh148.79 to Ksh143.96, whereas potatoes remained relatively stable at Ksh92.34.
Oranges have seen a price rise of 12.7% compared to 2024, with onions, a common ingredient in many dishes, experiencing a 16.1% increase.
Movements in the consumer price indices
Electricity prices showed varying trends. The 50 kWh rate dropped from Ksh1,315.80 to Ksh1,293.82, whereas the 200 kWh category decreased only slightly.
Month-on-month, transport costs rose by 0.4 percent, indicating that fuel prices continued to be high. Prices for diesel and petrol remained unchanged, while travel costs between cities climbed, with long-distance fares up 9.1% year over year.
Despite a relatively low overall inflation rate, the steady increase in the cost of food – a major component of inflation – significantly influences how Kenyan families shift their shopping priorities every month.
The data from the KNBS indicates that food and non-alcoholic beverages, which bear the costs.
