Kenya inflation jumps to 6.8% in Sept 2026 as food, transport costs surge

Kenya's annual inflation rose to 6.8% in September 2026, its highest level in a year, up from 6.6% in August. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported Wednesday that food prices (9.5%) and transport costs (15.6%) were the main drivers, with housing/utilities adding 3.2%. This marks the sixth straight month inflation stayed above the Central Bank of Kenya's 5% midpoint target.

While food and transport surged, core inflation (excluding volatile items) rose moderately to 4% from 3.4%. Governor Kamau Thugge says he expects inflation to remain within the CBK's 2.5%-7.5% target range in the near term. Specific September movements showed white wheat flour up 4.5%, fresh milk products up 5.8-6.0%, but tomatoes down 4.1% and loose maize flour down 1.9%. Transport fares were mixed: local buses cheaper by up to 1.0%, but international flights jumped 8.1%.

For context, Nigeria's inflation eased slightly to 15.39% in August 2026, continuing its disinflation trend. With food making up one-third of Kenya's inflation basket, households feel pressure from drought, regional conflicts and weather patterns - even as some food items become cheaper.

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/09/30/kenyas-inflation-rises-to-6-8-in-september-highest-in-one-year/