Annual consumer price inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 4.6 per cent in October 2025. This implies that the general price level was 4.6 per cent higher in October 2025 than it was in October 2024.
The price increase was primarily driven by a rise in prices of items in the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (8.0%); Transport (4.8%), 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.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics show that the overall index increased from 146.56 in September 2025 to 146.84 in October 2025, resulting in a monthly inflation rate of 0.2 per cent.
The increase in the general price level in the economy was the same during the months of September 2025 and October 2025 at 4.6 per cent.
How were food prices in October compared to September?
Between September and October 2025, prices of several food items recorded mixed movements. The prices of maize flour (sifted) and fortified maize flour decreased by 2.3 per cent and 2.2 per cent, respectively, while those of eggs (exotic/kienyenji), kale (sukuma wiki), beans, and sugar dropped by between 0.5 per cent and 1.2 per cent.
In contrast, prices of potatoes (Irish), beef (with bones), tomatoes, and oranges increased by 1.6 per cent, 0.5 per cent, 1.2 per cent, and 4.2 per cent, respectively.
The notable increase in the price of oranges was the highest among the items monitored during the period.
Prices of transport-related items also showed mixed trends. The cost of international flights declined by 0.6 per cent, while prices of petrol and diesel remained unchanged. In contrast, country bus and matatu fares for travel between towns increased by 1.4 per cent.
Price of LPG gas in October 2025
Between September and October 2025, the price of gas (LPG) decreased by 0.6 per cent, while electricity charges rose during the period. Specifically, the cost of 200 kWh increased by 3.0 per cent, and that of 50 kWh rose by 3.3 per cent.
Prices of selected non-food items registered increases. The price of spirits rose by 0.1 per cent, while cigarettes recorded a 0.4 per cent increase.
In addition, clothing prices exhibited mixed movements, with prices of men’s suits and girls’ school uniforms declining marginally by 0.1 per cent each. In contrast, the price of men’s coats increased significantly by 4.6 per cent, while men’s shirts recorded a modest rise of 0.3 per cent over the same period.
Prices of health-related items and services also recorded mixed trends. Charges for general practitioner services and high blood pressure apparatus declined slightly by 0.1 per cent and 0.2 per cent, respectively. On the other hand, inpatient fees for room, bed, rehabilitation, and other hospital charges increased by 1.0 per cent, while the price of fever and pain relief medication, such as paracetamol, rose by 0.6 per cent.
Prices of mobile handsets in Kenya
Between September and October 2025, prices of communication and electronic items exhibited slight movements. The prices of mobile handsets (basic and smartphones) and computers (laptops) declined marginally by 0.1 per cent and 0.2 per cent, respectively. In contrast, television subscription fees for private providers increased by 0.3 per cent during the same period.
Prices of prepared food from cafés and takeaways rose by 0.2 per cent, while food from canteens and kiosks increased marginally by 0.1 per cent. Hotel and restaurant prepared foods registered a relatively higher rise of 0.5 per cent during the same period.
