9 Commodities Set to See Price Hikes in the Coming Weeks
The prices of several commodities, especially vegetables, are expected to rise from February to March this year, according to a recent report by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
The Agriculture Sector Survey for February 2026 highlights that vegetables such as spinach, sukuma wiki, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, carrots, Irish potatoes, and peas are likely to experience price increases in the coming weeks.
In a survey report released on Thursday, February 19, the CBK attributed the anticipated rise in prices to the ongoing sunny and dry weather conditions affecting several regions across the country.
“Balance of Opinion for the January 2026 survey on expected price changes one month ahead points to a general increase in prices, largely driven by seasonal factors,” the CBK report stated.
Similarly, maize products—which are essential staple foods for many Kenyan households—are also projected to become more expensive. Items such as green maize, maize grain, and maize flour are expected to see upward price movements.
The CBK noted that maize products had already recorded modest price increases in January compared to December last year, with further rises expected due to seasonal supply and demand dynamics.
The report also highlighted that the prices of fresh milk—both packaged and unpackaged—are likely to go up in the coming weeks.
Likewise, other fresh produce like green grams and beans are expected to increase in price, reflecting supply pressures and weather-related challenges in key farming areas.
On the other hand, certain commodities, including sugar, wheat flour, cooking oil, cooking fat, and bread, saw minimal changes in January and are not expected to experience significant price hikes in the short term.
Why Prices Are Rising
The CBK survey, conducted between January 19 and 23 this year, interviewed 320 respondents across major food-producing and trading regions. The participants largely pointed to adverse weather conditions as the main factor driving the expected price increases.
The respondents also linked the anticipated price changes to the broader context of rising inflation across the country. According to the CBK report:
“The proportion expecting overall inflation to increase in the next three months stood at 62 per cent in the January 2026 survey compared to 63 per cent in the December 2025 survey.”
The report further explained that those expecting inflation to rise in the next month cited seasonal factors, particularly the persistent sunny and dry weather, which could lead to shortages in some essential food commodities.
Despite the looming price hikes, farmers remain hopeful that improved planting acreage and higher yields during the upcoming long rains season could stabilize commodity prices later in the year, provided rainfall patterns are favorable.
In summary, households should expect higher prices for key vegetables, maize products, milk, and certain legumes in the coming weeks. However, stable prices are likely for sugar, wheat flour, cooking oil, and bread, offering some relief amid broader inflationary pressures.
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