Annual consumer price inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 4.5 per cent in November 2025. This implies that the general price level was 4.5 per cent higher in November 2025 than it was in November 2024.
The price increase was primarily driven by a rise in prices of items in the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (7.7 %); Transport (5.1 %), and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and other fuels (1.9%) 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 146.84 in October 2025 to 147.08 in November 2025, resulting in a monthly inflation rate of 0.2 per cent. The year-on-year inflation rate stood at 4.5 per cent in November 2025, a slight decline from an inflation rate of 4.6 per cent in October 2025.
Which items had a drop in prices in November 2025?
Fortified maize flour registered the highest reduction in price among the cereals and cereal products at 3.8 per cent, while the price of sifted maize flour also decreased by 3.2 per cent.
Tomato prices decreased by 2.1 per cent while prices of kale (sukuma wiki) rose by 2.7 per cent. Prices of onions (leeks and bulbs) rose by 4.9 per cent, marking the highest increase among the fresh produce items. Sugar prices recorded a drop of 1.1 per cent, whereas beef with bones prices recorded a 1.5 per cent increase.
During the period between October and November 2025, prices of transport-related items showed mixed trends. Country bus and matatu fares for travel between towns increased by 1.4 per cent.
Electricity charges declined for both consumption levels, with the cost of 50 kWh falling by 1.7 per cent and that of 200 kWh decreasing by 1.5 per cent, indicating a general easing in electricity tariffs. In contrast, the price of firewood increased by 1.2 per cent, reflecting a rise in the cost of traditional cooking fuel. Water charges from Water Service Providers (WSPs) recorded a modest uptick of 0.6 per cent.
Between October and November 2025, cigarette prices increased slightly by 0.1 per cent, while miraa (khat) registered a more notable increase of 0.6 per cent. Spirits recorded a modest price rise of 0.2 per cent.
Cost of women’s clothes in November 2025
Meanwhile, prices of women’s trousers declined slightly by 0.1 per cent, indicating a modest price reduction. In contrast, the price of women’s dresses rose by 0.2 per cent.
Between October and November 2025, the cost of electric bulbs and fluorescent tubes declined marginally by 0.2 per cent. In contrast, laundry soap and bar soap registered a modest price increase of 0.2 per cent, while detergents rose by 0.4 per cent.
Medicines for managing cholesterol and blood pressure recorded a slight decline of 0.1 per cent. In contrast, the price of common fever and pain relief medications, such as paracetamol, rose by 0.3 per cent while the price of information and communication goods and services remained constant between October and November 2025.
Between October and November 2025, the cost of religious books declined marginally by 0.2 per cent. Exercise books experienced a modest increase of 0.1 per cent. Similarly, the price of tour or honeymoon packages rose by 0.1 per cent.
However, the price of education services remained constant between October and November 2025.
Food purchased from canteens and kiosks recorded a slight decline of 0.2 per cent. In contrast, lodging and guest accommodation expenses rose by 0.1 per cent. Similarly, the prices of hotel and restaurant prepared foods increased by 0.1 per cent.
Between October and November 2025, the price of insurance and financial services remained constant, while prices of personal care products recorded varying increases over the period.
Toilet soap rose by 0.2 per cent, while body lotion experienced a slightly higher increase of 0.3 per cent. Toothpaste and mouthwash showed a more notable rise of 0.4 per cent.
