CBK: Kenyans To Pay More For 8 Food Items This Month

Eight food items could have their prices go higher in February 2025, including cooking oil, according to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

In the Agriculture Sector Survey for January 2025, the CBK revealed that food items such as kales/sukuma wiki, traditional vegetables, cabbages, spinach, tomatoes and potatoes could have their prices adjusted upwards this month, with stakeholders blaming this partly on the rainy season of October to December 2024.

Furthermore, the prices of sugar and cooking oil could shoot up, in response to the rise of global prices. However, the price of cooking fat could stay the same.

Photo of the Central Bank of Kenya. /REUTERS

"Prices of kales/sukuma wiki, traditional vegetables, cabbages, spinach, tomatoes and potatoes are expected to be relatively higher in February 2025 compared to January 2025, some reflecting seasonality factors while others reflect the impact of inadequate October-December 2024 rainfall," stated CBK in its report.

"On balance, sampled respondents expect prices of sugar and cooking oil (salad) to increase slightly in February 2025, reflecting developments in the global market, where prices of these items have edged up in the recent past. However, the price of cooking fat is expected to remain unchanged."

In addition to getting information about the expected changes in prices of select food items, the January 2025 survey also sought respondents’ views about expected changes in the general consumer price level in the economy (inflation).

The proportion of respondents expecting overall inflation to increase in the next month and the next three months was relatively higher in January 2025 compared to December 2024. 

Those who expected an increase mostly cited the possibility of reduced market supplies due to inadequate October–December 2024 rainfall in some regions and the possibility of oil price increases due to uncertainties surrounding the Middle East conflict. 

Others were concerned about the noted modest increases in prices of select essential food items in the global market particularly processed food items such as sugar, cooking fat and vegetable oil.

The sharp increase in food prices was expected to drive overall inflation higher in the next three months. However, despite the forecasted rise in the cost of several goods, the survey indicated a possible price reduction for various rice varieties and dairy products.

Additionally, overall farm production was expected to improve in the coming months, driven by favourable rainfall anticipated between March and April this year.