Inflation highlights.

Kenya’s overall inflation rate rose to 4.4 per cent in March 2026, up slightly from 4.3 per cent recorded in February, reflecting changes in the cost of key consumer goods and services.

According to data from the Central Bank of Kenya, inflation is measured as the change in prices between March 2025 and March 2026.

Core inflation, which stood at 2.1 per cent, was driven by increases in essential food items such as beef with bone, fortified maize flour and wheat flour.

However, some commodities including cooking oil, sugar and rice recorded price declines, helping to ease pressure on household budgets.

Non-core inflation, which rose to 10.8 per cent, was largely influenced by sharp increases in the prices of vegetables. Cabbages, tomatoes and sukuma wiki recorded significant price hikes, reflecting seasonal and supply-side factors.

Meanwhile, energy costs remained relatively stable, with minimal changes in electricity, gas and diesel prices. Core items account for 81.1 per cent of the Consumer Price Index basket.