CBK Lists Products Expected to Increase in Price as Tough Economic Times Continue
As the cost of living in Kenya continues to rise, many households may soon find it even harder to afford basic necessities.
A recent survey conducted by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), released on Thursday, has warned that the prices of essential household products, particularly food items, are set to rise in the coming weeks.
According to the CBK report, the prices of cereals—especially staple foods like maize—are expected to go up significantly in the next month.
One of the major concerns raised in the survey is the expected sharp rise in the cost of sifted maize flour.
The price is projected to jump by as much as 21 per cent in April, up from a 9 per cent increase that was recorded in March.
This means that Kenyans will likely spend more money on ugali, which is a daily meal in many homes.
Other crucial household items such as sugar, cooking fat, and cooking oil are also expected to become more expensive.
The CBK survey notes that these increases reflect price trends in the global market, where the cost of these items has been rising steadily in recent months.
Sugar prices, for example, are forecasted to rise dramatically—up to 26 per cent, compared to the mere one per cent increase perceived by respondents in March.
Cooking oil prices are also expected to rise by an additional seven per cent, adding on to the eight per cent previously recorded.
Tomatoes, a key ingredient in most Kenyan dishes, are also expected to become more expensive. The report attributes this rise to the ongoing long rains, which are likely to affect supply and distribution.
These rains, as predicted by the Kenya Meteorological Department, are expected to continue into the early weeks of May, which may worsen the situation before it gets better.
“The balance of opinion (BOO) on expected price changes shows that key food items are likely to increase in April 2025.
This includes cereals and some vegetables. Respondents believe that maize products and related items will be costlier in April 2025 compared to March 2025, largely due to seasonal patterns,” the CBK survey stated.
On a slightly positive note, the prices of certain vegetables are expected to go down thanks to the rainy season.
These include fast-growing greens such as sukuma wiki (collard greens), kale, spinach, cabbages, and other traditional vegetables.
Their prices are expected to drop, which could bring a small measure of relief to struggling families.
The survey also brings good news for rice consumers. The prices of both broken and unbroken aromatic rice are expected to decrease significantly, making them more affordable to the average consumer.
The CBK survey identified several factors contributing to the fluctuating prices of goods. Among the key drivers are high transport costs, the influence of middlemen in the supply chain, changing weather conditions, rising input and labour costs, and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. All these issues are adding pressure to the supply and pricing of basic goods in the country.
Despite the rising prices in certain areas, the report noted that the overall inflation rate is expected to remain relatively stable.
However, Kenyans are still urged to prepare for increased spending on some of their most frequently used household items.
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