Kenyans are feeling the pinch of rising costs, according to Maina Muchara, Council Member of the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK).

Speaking during an interview with a local TV, on Monday, September 8, 2025, Muchara highlighted that cumulative inflation between 2022 and 2024 reached around 21 per cent. This means that, to maintain the same purchasing power as three years ago, salaries should have increased by the same percentage.

Muchara pointed out that disposable income, which covers daily living expenses, has been significantly eroded.

“SHA took 2.75 per cent and housing costs took another 1.5 per cent,” he said. “These deductions, along with rising transport, food, water, and electricity costs, have left ordinary Kenyans worse off.”

He added that the strain is visible in everyday decisions, such as fuel use and household spending.

He also drew attention to the country’s cut flower industry, one of Kenya’s largest exporters, which has suffered a decline of over 32 per cent in the last three to four years. Rising production and logistics costs have reduced productivity, affecting earnings in foreign exchange.

“It means that even as the shilling is being uh propped up to stand up a bit, it can’t survive for long when the exports are not going out,” Muchara explained.

Ruto’s claims

His remarks come in contrast to earlier claims by President William Ruto, who has said Kenya’s economy is now stable and among the top six largest economies in Africa. Speaking in July, Ruto recalled the economic challenges his administration inherited and credited disciplined planning for sparing Kenya from the crises that affected five other at-risk countries.

According to Ruto, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently acknowledged Kenya’s economic progress, noting that the country had climbed from the 8th to the 6th largest economy in Africa. He also highlighted the stabilisation of the Kenyan shilling, which has improved from 165 to 129 against the US dollar, as evidence of strengthened economic fundamentals.

However, critics argue that macroeconomic indicators do not reflect the reality for ordinary citizens. Muchara stressed that the cumulative effect of inflation, rising housing and living costs, and stagnant salaries has left many households struggling.

“So when we look at why is it that people are not feeling it. It is not that they are not feeling it, they are feeling the pain,” he said.