Kenya’s annual inflation stood at 4.3% in February 2026, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. This means that the general price level in February 2026 was 4.3% higher than in February 2025. On a month-on-month basis, inflation increased by 0.2% with the overall CPI rising slightly from 148.96 in January to 149.20 in February.
The main drivers of annual inflation were Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Transport, and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels. Food inflation rose by 7.3% over the year, remaining the largest contributor to headline inflation. Transport recorded a 4.0% annual increase, while Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels increased by 1.8%.
Within the food category, several staple items registered significant year-on-year increases with cabbage prices recording one of the highest increases at 43.4%. However, on a month-on-month basis, some food prices declined. Sugar fell by 4.4 %, mangoes dropped by 3.2 %, and white wheat flour decreased by 0.8 % between January and February 2026.
Energy and fuel prices generally eased over the month. Super Petrol and Diesel prices both declined by 2.3%. Electricity costs also reduced, with the 50 kWh and 200 kWh consumption bands falling by 2.9% and 2.7%, respectively. Kerosene and LPG prices recorded modest decreases of 0.6% and 0.4%.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy items, declined slightly to 2.1% in February 2026 from 2.2% in January. Meanwhile, non-core inflation stood at 10.1%, reflecting continued volatility in food and energy prices. In terms of contribution to the overall 4.3% inflation rate, core inflation accounted for 2.5% points, while non-core inflation contributed 1.7% points. Food alone contributed 2.2% points to the headline figure, reinforcing its central role in shaping inflation outcomes.
Macroeconomic managers can take comfort in contained core inflation and easing fuel prices. But policymakers must remain vigilant. Sustained investment in agricultural productivity, storage, and supply chains is essential if food-driven inflation is to be tamed permanently. Otherwise, Kenya risks celebrating low headline inflation while households continue to feel the quiet squeeze at the market stall.
