Annual consumer price inflation was 6.5 per cent in July 2026, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This implies that the general price level was 6.5 per cent higher in July 2026 than it was in July 2025.
The price increase was primarily driven by a rise in prices of items in the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (9.0%); Transport (15.6%), and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels (3.2%) over the one year. These three divisions together account for over 57 per cent of the total weight across the 13 major expenditure categories.
The overall index increased from 154.91 in June 2026 to 155.20 in July 2026, resulting in a monthly inflation rate of 0.2 per cent. The year-on-year inflation stood at 6.5 per cent in July 2026.
Which products had a price drop in July?
Between June and July 2026, the price of tomatoes fell by 3.7 per cent, closely followed by carrots, which declined by 3.6 per cent, while maize flour – sifted recorded a price drop of 1.6 per cent. On the other hand, potatoes (Irish) saw a price increase of 2.1 per cent, and mangoes registered the largest price gain at 3.2 per cent.
During the period between June 2026 and July 2026, country bus/matatu fares (town to another town) recorded a marginal price decline of 0.3 per cent, while boda boda (motorcycle) fares edged up by 0.3 per cent over the same period. Similarly, city bus/matatu fares within town and its environs rose by 0.3 per cent
Between June and July 2026, the price of Gas/LPG declined by 1.1 per cent, offering a slight reduction in cooking fuel costs. In contrast, electricity prices rose noticeably, with the 200 kWh consumption bracket increasing by 3.1 per cent and the 50 kWh bracket rising by 3.5 per cent.
Between June and July 2026, the price of spirits rose slightly by 0.1 per cent, while beer (lagers, stouts) recorded a higher price increase of 0.3 per cent. Wines registered the largest price gain among the three categories, increasing by 0.4 per cent.
The price of men’s sports shoes declined slightly by 0.2 per cent, while boys’ school uniforms recorded a price increase of 0.5 per cent. Men’s T-shirts registered the largest price gain among the three items, rising by 0.6 per cent.
Between June and July 2026, the price of mattresses rose slightly by 0.2 per cent, while beds recorded a higher price increase of 0.4 per cent. Detergents registered the largest price gain among the three items, rising by 0.8 per cent.
Cost of laboratory tests in Kenya for July 2026
The price of laboratory tests declined by 0.2 per cent, while medicines for diabetes recorded a price increase of 0.8 per cent. Antibiotics registered the largest price gain among the three items, rising by 2.1 per cent.
The price of laboratory tests declined by 0.2 per cent, while medicines for diabetes recorded a price increase of 0.8 per cent. Antibiotics registered the largest price gain among the three items, rising by 2.1 per cent.
Between June 2026 and July 2026, the ICT index remained constant while prices of foodstuff for pets declined by 0.3 per cent, while school textbooks for pre-primary and primary levels recorded a price increase of 0.6 per cent. Exercise books registered the largest price gain among the three items, rising by 0.7 per cent.
Between June and July 2026, prices of foodstuff for pets declined by 0.3 per cent, while school textbooks for pre-primary and primary levels recorded a price increase of 0.6 per cent. Exercise books registered the largest price gain among the three items, rising by 0.7 per cent.
The education index remained constant during the period. The price of lodging/guest expenses rose by 0.4 per cent, while food from vendors registered a higher price increase of 0.6 per cent during the reference period.
Between June and July 2026, the price of medical insurance rose by 0.2 per cent, while education insurance registered a slightly higher price increase of 0.3 per cent.
Between June and July 2026, the price of body lotion rose by 0.7 per cent, while photocopying/scanning/typing services registered a higher price increase of 1.1 per cent. Toilet paper/tissue paper recorded the largest price gain among the three items, rising by 1.3 per cent.
