Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistic (KNBS) indicates that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) decreased by 0.79 per cent from 194.14 in September 2018 to 192.59 in October 2018 while the overall year on year inflation stood at 5.53 per cent in October 2018.
The Broad Commodity Group recorded a decrease of 0.79 per cent with Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages recording the biggest decrease between September and October 2018 at 1.76 per cent over the said period.
The data also shows that 1Kg of Maize Grain – Loose, which had previously retailed at Sh56.80 in 2017 recorded a 14.84 per cent decreased to retail an average price of Sh34.53 in October down from Sh40.55 the previous month.
Other commodities that also recorded declines include 2Kg Maize Flour – Sifted which recoded a 14.36 per cent price decline to retail at an average of Sh83.83 in October from Sh97.88 in September which is also a decrease from Sh101.58 in 2017 as well as 1Kg of Kale-Sukuma which recorded a 3.16 per cent decline to retail at sh45 down from Sh46.47 the previous month.
‘’Between September and October 2018, Food and Non-Alcoholic Drinks’ Index declined by 1.76 per cent, mainly due to lower prices of maize and maize products compared to previous month.’’ The report shows.
Adding that during the same period, prices of various vegetables were lower in October 2018 than September 2018.
The report further indicates, ‘’the year on year food inflation was 0.52 per cent in October. Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels’ Index, increased by 0.20 per cent in October 2018. The rise in the index was due to increase in house rents.’’
