Annual consumer price inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 4.3 per cent in February 2026.
This implies that the general price level was 4.3 per cent higher in February 2026 than it was in February 2025.
The price increase was primarily driven by rises in prices of items in the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (7.3%); Transport (4.0%); and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and other fuels (1.8%) over the one year. These three divisions together account for over 57 per cent of the total weight across the 13 major expenditure categories.
Between January 2026 and February 2026, prices of sugar, mangoes and wheat flour-white decreased by 4.4, 3.2 and 0.8 per cent, respectively.
In the same period, prices of kalesukumawiki went up by 2.4 per cent while prices of cabbage and potatoes increased by 4.0 per cent each.
What was the price of transport-related items between January and February 2026?
During the period between January 2026 and February 2026, prices of transport-related items showed mixed trends.
The price of diesel and petrol dropped by 2.3 per cent each in the review period. In addition, fares of country bus/matatu fares from one town to another went down by 1.4 per cent.
Electricity price decreased by 2.9 per cent and 2.7 per cent for 50 kWh and 200 kWh, respectively, between January 2026 and February 2026. In addition, prices of kerosene and gas/LPG decreased by 0.6 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively, during the same period.
Between January 2026 and February 2026, beer (lagers and stouts) recorded a slight price decline of 0.2 per cent. In contrast, miraa (khat) experienced the largest increase at 1.3 per cent, while spirits registered a price increase of 0.3 per cent.
Prices of clothing items in February 2026
Between January 2026 and February 2026, prices of clothing items showed both decreases and increases. Girls’ dresses and men’s suits recorded price declines of 0.6 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively.
In addition, men’s T-shirts showed a notable decrease of 4.1 per cent. In contrast, men’s coats rose by 2.7 per cent. The cost of tailoring and clothing repairs also increased slightly by 0.9 per cent.
Detergents recorded a slight decrease of 0.1 per cent, while refrigerators and freezers declined by 2.6 per cent, indicating lower prices during the period. In contrast, dishwashing paste/liquid increased by 1.6 per cent.
Dewormers showed a slight decrease of 0.1 per cent. In contrast, medicines for cholesterol and blood pressure increased by 0.4 per cent, while general practitioners’ services rose by 0.7 per cent.
Between January 2026 and February 2026, prices for items under ICT remained constant while prices of tour and honeymoon packages recorded a slight decrease of 0.1 per cent. The prices of exercise books increased by 0.5 per cent, and pre-primary and primary school textbooks rose by 0.3 per cent.
Between January 2026 and February 2026, certificate course fees recorded a slight increase of 0.1 per cent. Prices of hotel and restaurant cakes and snacks rose by 0.8 per cent, while lodging and guest expenses increased by 0.6 per cent. Similarly, food from vendors recorded an increase of 0.8 per cent.
Prices of medical insurance and motor vehicle insurance each rose by 0.2 per cent.
Prices of hair dressing services rose by 0.1 per cent, while toilet soap increased by 0.9 per cent. Toilet paper/tissue paper prices recorded a higher increase of 1.4 per cent.
