Kenya Inflation Rate Hits Over 3-Year High of 7.3%

2026-10-30 09:37 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

The annual inflation rate in Kenya accelerated further to 7.3% in October 2026, the steepest since July 2023, up from September's 6.8%.

This marked the seventh consecutive month that inflation was above the 5% midpoint of the central bank’s target range.

Main upward pressure came from prices of transport (17.1% vs 15.6% in September), following a pump price increase announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) earlier in October.

Fuel prices recorded some of the biggest increases compared to October last year, with kerosene jumping by 41.6%, diesel by 32.5% and petrol by 22.8%.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation also quickened to 10.2% from 9.5%, reflecting higher costs for beef, beans, cabbage, Irish potatoes, oranges and cooking oil.

Additionally, prices rose faster for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (3.7% vs 3.2%).

On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.7%, following a 0.4% increase in the prior month.



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Kenya Inflation Rate Hits Over 3-Year High of 7.3%
The annual inflation rate in Kenya accelerated further to 7.3% in October 2026, the steepest since July 2023, up from September's 6.8%. This marked the seventh consecutive month that inflation was above the 5% midpoint of the central bank’s target range. Main upward pressure came from prices of transport (17.1% vs 15.6% in September), following a pump price increase announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) earlier in October. Fuel prices recorded some of the biggest increases compared to October last year, with kerosene jumping by 41.6%, diesel by 32.5% and petrol by 22.8%. Food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation also quickened to 10.2% from 9.5%, reflecting higher costs for beef, beans, cabbage, Irish potatoes, oranges and cooking oil. Additionally, prices rose faster for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (3.7% vs 3.2%). On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.7%, following a 0.4% increase in the prior month.
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