Kenyan households are navigating a tough economic landscape as the price of everyday food items continues to rise, even as the overall national inflation rate saw a marginal decline. The latest data released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) on Friday, November 28, 2025, shows that while the year-on-year inflation for November stood at 4.5%, down from 4.6% in October, the reality at the market tells a story of strain for the average family.

The core of the issue lies in the rising cost of the food basket, which remains the primary driver of the cost of living. The KNBS report emphasized that over the past year, food and non-alcoholic beverage prices soared by 7.7%, significantly impacting household finances. This directly affects how families put food on the table, forcing many to make difficult choices with their budgets.

Your Shilling Buys Less at the Market

A closer look at the monthly price changes reveals a mixed but challenging picture for consumers. While some staple prices offered a slight reprieve, others shot up, stretching wallets thinner.

• Onions: Prices for leeks and bulbs saw the sharpest increase among fresh produce, rising by 4.9% between October and November.
• Sukuma Wiki (Kale): The cost of this essential vegetable increased by 2.7%.
• Beef with Bones: The price for this common source of protein registered a 1.5% increase.
• Transport: Fares for country bus and matatu travel between towns also went up by 1.4%.

However, there was some welcome relief in other areas. The price of a 2kg packet of fortified maize flour decreased by 3.8%, while tomato and sugar prices dropped by 2.1% and 1.1% respectively. Electricity charges for both 50 kWh and 200 kWh consumption also declined slightly, by 1.7% and 1.5%.

The Bigger Picture for Kenyan Households

The slight drop in the headline inflation number is primarily attributed to decreases in the cost of housing, water, and electricity. Yet, these gains are easily overshadowed by the persistent rise in food and transport costs, which together account for more than half of the spending for many Kenyan families. The year-on-year inflation for transport was recorded at 5.1%, underscoring the sustained pressure on commuters and the supply chain.

Analysts note that while the overall inflation figure remains within the Central Bank of Kenya's target band, the consistent rise in the price of essentials continues to erode the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. The data confirms the lived experience of millions: that even with stable headline numbers, the daily cost of survival is a growing challenge.

Looking forward, the trajectory of food prices will remain a critical factor for household economic stability. As families adjust their spending, the pressure is on for wider economic strategies that can cushion them against the relentless rise in the cost of basic commodities.