The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has revealed that Kenyans continued to grapple with a mixed cost-of-living outlook in December 2025, as prices across key consumer categories showed varied movements both on a monthly and annual basis, impacting the annual inflation rate.

According to the Kenya Consumer Price Index and Inflation Report released by KNBS on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, different drivers contributed to the increased inflation rate to 4.5 per cent higher in December 2025 than it was in December 2024.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages

Food prices recorded a monthly increase of 0.8 per cent, driven mainly by rising costs of staple items. Kale (sukuma wiki), maize flour (loose), and potatoes became more expensive, with prices rising by 4.7 per cent, 5.1 per cent, and 2.9 per cent, respectively.

However, some relief was noted as prices of sugar, cooking oil, and mangoes declined by 1.5 per cent, 0.7 per cent, and 1.6 per cent. On an annual basis, the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages index rose by 7.8 per cent over the twelve months to December 2025, underscoring sustained pressure on household food budgets.

Transport

Transport costs rose sharply every month, increasing by 1.9 per cent between November and December 2025. This was largely attributed to higher travel costs during the festive season. Country bus and matatu fares for inter-town travel went up by 5.3 per cent, while international flight prices surged by 14.4 per cent. Over the year, the transport index increased by 5.2 per cent.

Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels

The housing and utilities category recorded a marginal monthly decline of 0.1 per cent. Electricity prices fell by 2.8 per cent for 50 kWh consumption and 2.6 per cent for 200 kWh, offering some relief to consumers. In contrast, gas/LPG prices edged up by 0.4 per cent during the same period. Over the twelve months to December 2025, prices in this division rose by 1.6 per cent.

Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics

Prices in this category increased by 0.2 per cent month-on-month. Traditional beer prices rose by 5.5 per cent, while spirits recorded a modest increase of 0.5 per cent. Miraa prices, however, declined slightly by 0.1 per cent. On an annual basis, the index for Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Narcotics rose by 2.8 per cent.

Clothing and footwear

Clothing and footwear prices went up by 0.5 per cent in December. Women’s dresses recorded a 0.7 per cent price increase, while boys’ sports shoes became cheaper, declining by 0.3 per cent. Over the year, prices in this category rose by 1.5 per cent.

Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance
This category recorded a slight monthly increase of 0.1 per cent. Laundry soap prices declined by 0.2 per cent, but costs related to household services went up, with gardener wages rising by 1.6 per cent and domestic servant wages increasing by 0.3 per cent. Annually, prices under this division rose by 1.6 per cent.

Health

Health-related costs increased by 0.2 per cent between November and December 2025. Medicines used to manage cholesterol and blood pressure went up by 0.2 per cent, while antibiotic prices rose by 1.8 per cent. General practitioner services also became more expensive, increasing by 0.4 per cent. Over the twelve-month period, the Health division index increased by 2.6 per cent.

Overall, the December 2025 data released by the KNBS reflects continued inflationary pressure in key sectors such as food and transport, even as some categories like electricity and select consumer goods provided limited relief.