Prices of Everyday Items Drop as Cost of Living Eases
Prices of essential goods such as sugar, petrol, maize, white flour, and milk have dropped compared to last year, reflecting government efforts to ease the high cost of living under President William Ruto’s administration.
Despite facing heavy criticism over rising living costs, the government has been working behind the scenes to stabilize prices and lower inflation.
According to data analyzed by newshub.co.ke, inflation has significantly reduced from 6.3% in February 2024 to 3.5% in February 2025. This means that while prices are still rising, they are doing so at a much slower rate than before.
Major Price Reductions in Key Commodities
Several everyday items have recorded notable price declines. Among them, kerosene saw the most significant drop, decreasing by 21.5% from Ksh193.96 per litre in February last year to Ksh152.18 last month.
White wheat flour also became more affordable, falling by 17.5% from Ksh200.41 to Ksh165.29. Sugar prices saw a similar downward trend, dropping by 16.8% from Ksh200.01 to Ksh166.45.
Electricity costs have also gone down, with the price of 200 KWH decreasing by 16.6% from Ksh6,753.47 to Ksh5,634.92. Meanwhile, diesel prices fell by 14.5%, reducing from Ksh196.21 per litre to Ksh167.84, offering relief to businesses and transport operators.
Food Prices Drop, Benefiting Consumers
Other staple foods also recorded price reductions, though at a slower rate. Loose maize grain saw an 8.7% drop, from Ksh68.67 per kilogram to Ksh62.68, while loose maize flour declined by 5.7%, from Ksh74.11 to Ksh69.92.
Fortified maize flour, which is commonly consumed in households, became 7.2% cheaper, dropping from Ksh172.75 to Ksh160.33. Similarly, sifted maize flour reduced by 7.4%, falling from Ksh154.54 to Ksh143.10.
White bread recorded only a slight price drop, going from Ksh66.58 to Ksh66.35, while the cost of fresh packaged cow milk decreased marginally from Ksh57.31 to Ksh56.79.
Though these reductions are not drastic, they signal improved food affordability for many households.
Fuel and Electricity Prices Also See Notable Drops
The fuel sector experienced significant cost reductions beyond just diesel and kerosene. Petrol prices fell by 14.4%, dropping from Ksh206.97 per litre to Ksh177.25.
This aligns with falling global oil prices and local regulatory measures aimed at easing the cost of fuel.
Electricity prices also went down, with the cost of 50 KWH decreasing by 10.7%, from Ksh1,406.00 to Ksh1,255.06.
Lower electricity costs could translate into reduced expenses for businesses, manufacturers, and households, ultimately driving down the overall cost of goods and services.
Cooking Oil Prices Increase Despite General Price Drops
However, not all essential commodities saw a decline in price. Cooking oil (salad) was the only major item that experienced a price increase, rising by 5% from Ksh333.31 to Ksh350.10.
Experts attribute this increase to supply chain disruptions, rising production costs, and fluctuations in global edible oil prices.
Why Are Prices Going Down?
Government officials cite several factors contributing to the decline in commodity prices. These include a stable exchange rate, reduced Central Bank lending rates, and government subsidies, particularly in fertilizer and seed production.
Additionally, the Hustler Fund, which has disbursed Ksh60 billion in loans, has played a role in easing financial burdens on small-scale traders and low-income households.
“This has freed millions from exploitative lenders and precarious financial situations, allowing them to cater to their needs, support their businesses, and build better credit scores,” said Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
With the cost of living easing, many households are beginning to experience some relief, though ongoing economic challenges mean the government will need to continue implementing measures to ensure long-term affordability of basic goods.
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