Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo has pushed back against public sentiment that the cost of living remains unbearably high, arguing that official data shows prices have declined significantly over the past 2 years, particularly for fuel and basic household goods.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Sunday, December 21, 2025, Kiptoo acknowledged that many Kenyans are still cautious in their spending, but insisted that inflation trends indicate easing cost-of-living pressures.

“I think it’s a sentiment I keep hearing all the time, and I think I would not say they’re right, they’re wrong. But I would also want to say that the data I have also indicates otherwise. That actually the cost of living has largely been addressed,” Kiptoo stated.

Price comparisons

The PS provided specific price comparisons between November 2023 and November 2025 to support his assertion.

According to Kiptoo, one kilogram of sugar, which cost Ksh280 in November 2023, now retails at Ksh182, representing a 16% decline.

“The difference is about 40 shillings, and that is a 16 per cent decline. So clearly, if you go to the supermarket and you are buying that time or that much now, you are saving,” he said.

For maize flour, the PS noted a slight decline from Ksh77.40 per kilogram in November 2023 to Ksh74 currently.

Fuel price reductions

Kiptoo placed particular emphasis on fuel price reductions as evidence of easing cost pressures.

He revealed that one litre of petrol, which averaged Ksh218 in November 2023, now costs approximately Ksh 185-186, representing a 15% decline.

“One litre of petrol was costing 218 shillings on average in 2023. Now it’s costing 185, about 186. Again, that is about a 15 per cent decline,” the PS said.

Similarly, he mentioned that diesel prices have dropped from Ksh204 per litre to an average of Ksh172, citing a 15% decline.

Inflation data

Kiptoo said the same trend can be observed in other household energy costs, including cooking gas and electricity, but stressed that the broader picture is captured by inflation data, in particular, the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The Treasury PS referenced the CPI as official evidence that inflation has declined, suggesting that Kenyans are not spending as much as before.

“When you look at the basket of goods measured by way of the consumer price index, this CPI, which we use, shows clearly that inflation has declined. And when inflation has come down, it means that you are not spending as much as before,” Kiptoo explained.