KNBS: Food Prices Remain High Despite Cheaper Maize Flour

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has reported that food prices remained under pressure in August 2026, despite a drop in the cost of a 2kg packet of sifted maize flour.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index report, food and non alcoholic beverages inflation stood at 9.0 per cent in the year to August, remaining well above Kenya’s overall inflation rate of 6.6 per cent.

The price of a 2kg packet of sifted maize flour fell by 2.7 per cent during the month, from Ksh157.15 in July to Ksh152.89 in August. Tomatoes also became cheaper, falling by 2.2 per cent, while fortified maize flour declined by 2.0 per cent.

Other basic food items recorded smaller declines. Sugar prices fell by 0.6 per cent, while cooking oil dropped by 0.4 per cent.

However, the lower prices were offset by increases in several foods commonly found in Kenyan households.

Sukuma wiki recorded the biggest monthly increase among the selected food items, rising by 4.3 per cent to Ksh121.21 per kilogramme. Irish potatoes followed, increasing by 4.1 per cent to Ksh118.05 per kilogramme. Mangoes rose by 3.6 per cent to Ksh155.56 per kilogramme, while beef with bones increased by 1.2 per cent to Ksh777.36 per kilogramme.

The annual figures paint an even tougher picture for consumers.

Irish potatoes were 32.7 per cent more expensive in August compared with the same month last year. Sukuma wiki prices increased by 29.8 per cent, while cabbages rose by 21.7 per cent. Oranges were 18.8 per cent more expensive, while beef with bones increased by 12.1 per cent.

KNBS said, “Over the twelve months until August 2026, the prices under the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages division increased by 9.0 per cent.”

Food was also the biggest contributor to the annual increase in consumer prices, adding 2.6 percentage points to the overall inflation rate.

The figures highlight the pressure facing households as the cost of individual foods moves in different directions. While cheaper maize flour may offer some relief to families, higher prices for vegetables, potatoes and meat can quickly absorb those savings.

Food and non alcoholic beverages carry the largest weight in Kenya’s Consumer Price Index, meaning changes in their prices have a significant effect on the overall cost of living.

The August figures therefore offer a mixed picture. Some basic food items became cheaper during the month, but the wider food basket remained expensive, with annual food inflation still standing at 9.0 per cent.