Kenya’s annual inflation rate rose to 6.8 per cent in September 2026, marking its third consecutive monthly increase and the highest level since January 2024.
The latest figure compares with 6.6 per cent in August, extending the period during which inflation has remained above the midpoint of the Central Bank of Kenya’s target range.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the biggest source of price pressure, with prices rising 9.5 per cent year-on-year in September, up from 9 per cent in August. Transport prices increased 15.6 per cent, while housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels recorded annual inflation of 3.2 per cent.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 0.4 per cent, while core inflation, which excludes more volatile items, accelerated to 4 per cent from 3.4 per cent in August.
The latest acceleration places renewed pressure on household purchasing power and could complicate monetary policy decisions as authorities balance inflation control with economic growth.
Kenya’s inflation rate had stood at 6.5 per cent in July before rising to 6.6 per cent in August, according to official statistics.
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