Kenya recorded a slight increase in January inflation rate following an increase in food and transport cost. Inflation for the past month increased from 5.62% in December 2020 to 5.69% in January 2021.
A Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) monthly report attributes the modest increase to higher food and transport costs. The cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 1.26% Month on Month and 7.36% year on year.
READ: Kenya’s December Inflation Rate Climbs to 8-month High on Rising Food Prices
Cooking oil recorded the highest increase in price, retailing at Ksh 227.66 a litre, 10.4% higher than its December 2020 price. White bread, Maize flour, cabbage, and Irish potatoes also registered price increments at 6.55%, 2.3%, 3.39%, and 2.12% respectively. On the hand, prices of peas, mangoes and tomatoes bell by 11.61%, 3.35% and 1.54%, respectively.
The transport index increased by 1.7% in January due to a 4.94% increase in diesel prices, and a 0.15% increase in petrol prices.
READ: Super Petrol Prices Rise to Ksh 106.99 in January EPRA Review
Cost of housing, water, electricity and gas increased by 0.31%, driven by a 4.22% increase in the price of Kerosene, and a 3.18% increase in the cost of electricity.
