31.03.202611:53:08UTC+00Kenya Inflation Rate Edges Higher in March

Kenya’s annual inflation rate edged up to 4.4% in March 2026, from a seven-month low of 4.3% in February. Price growth quickened mainly in the categories of food and non-alcoholic beverages (7.7% vs 7.3% in February), housing and utilities (2% vs 1.8%), and health (2.7% vs 2.4%).

In contrast, inflation eased for alcoholic beverages and tobacco (2.3% vs 2.5%), clothing and footwear (1.8% vs 2%), and restaurants and hotels (2.4% vs 2.7%). Transport costs also rose more slowly, at 3.8% compared with 4% previously, as government fuel procurement initiatives helped curb sharper price increases, despite reports of temporary shortages at some independent fuel retailers.

President William Ruto recently announced a package of measures aimed at shielding Kenyans from potential supply disruptions and economic shocks linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. On a monthly basis, the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.5%, following a 0.2% rise in the previous month.