Kenya: cost of living

What is the price of petrol in Kenya?

A litre of Super Petrol costs up to KSh226.96 in Nairobi from 15 October to 14 November 2026, according to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). Diesel costs up to KSh227.76 and kerosene KSh219.87 a litre. EPRA raised the maximum prices by KSh12.93 for petrol, KSh9.90 for diesel and KSh28.49 for kerosene, after the landed cost of imported petrol rose 11.81% between August and September 2026.

These are maximum retail prices, set each month on the 14th from import costs, the exchange rate, taxes and margins. Prices are higher in towns far from Mombasa: in Mombasa petrol costs up to KSh223.81. The prices include VAT at 8%. EPRA's announcement page links the full price list for all towns.

Official sources: EPRA: maximum retail petroleum prices, 15 October to 14 November 2026 · EPRA: October 2026 pump prices announcement

What is the VAT on fuel in Kenya?

Petroleum pump prices in Kenya include Value Added Tax at 8% for the period 15 October to 14 November 2026, according to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), "in line with Government policy to cushion consumers from the negative effects of high international prices." The Central Bank of Kenya lists "the temporary reduction of VAT on fuel" among government measures that limited inflation in September 2026.

EPRA builds the VAT into the maximum price it sets each month, so the tax rate shows up directly in what drivers pay at the pump. EPRA's monthly release also gives a breakdown of the cost items that make up the retail price in Nairobi.

Official sources: EPRA: maximum retail petroleum prices, 15 October to 14 November 2026 · Central Bank of Kenya: MPC press release, 7 October 2026

How fast are food prices rising in Kenya?

Prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages in Kenya were 9.04% higher in July 2026 than a year earlier, according to the Central Bank of Kenya's Monthly Economic Indicators for July 2026, which use Kenya National Bureau of Statistics consumer price data. Overall inflation was 6.49% in July. Transport prices rose 15.56%, the fastest of any category. Overall inflation was 6.8% in September 2026, the Central Bank says, with core inflation lifted by milk, wheat products and edible oils.

Food has a large weight in the consumer price index because it takes a big share of household budgets. Food prices in Kenya move with rainfall and harvests; the Central Bank expects above-average October to December rains to help bring food prices down.

Official sources: Central Bank of Kenya: Monthly Economic Indicators, July 2026 · Central Bank of Kenya: MPC press release, 7 October 2026

What is core inflation in Kenya?

Kenya's core inflation was 4.0% in September 2026, up from 3.4% in August, according to the Central Bank of Kenya. Non-core inflation, which covers energy, transport and vegetable prices, was 14.0%, down from 14.7%. Overall inflation was 6.8%, within the government's target range.

Core inflation leaves out the most volatile prices, such as fuel and fresh food, so it shows underlying price pressure. The Central Bank says September's rise was driven mainly by processed foods, in particular milk, wheat products and edible oils. The Central Bank's Monthly Economic Indicators give the monthly series for headline, core and non-core inflation since 2024.

Official sources: Central Bank of Kenya: MPC press release, 7 October 2026 · Central Bank of Kenya: Monthly Economic Indicators, July 2026

How much does cooking gas cost in Kenya?

A 13kg cylinder of cooking gas (LPG) cost an average of KSh3,432 in July 2026, up from KSh3,147 in July 2025, according to the Central Bank of Kenya's Monthly Economic Indicators. A 4kg tin of charcoal averaged KSh98, against KSh90 a year earlier, and kerosene KSh191 a litre. From 15 October 2026 the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority set the maximum kerosene price at KSh219.87 a litre in Nairobi.

The LPG and charcoal figures are national average retail prices; prices vary by town and retailer. The EPRA Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report for the year to June 2026 records a 14.72% increase in LPG demand to 475,943 tonnes.

Official sources: Central Bank of Kenya: Monthly Economic Indicators, July 2026 · EPRA: maximum retail petroleum prices, 15 October to 14 November 2026 · EPRA: Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report 2026

What is Kenya's inflation rate?

According to the IMF, consumer price inflation in Kenya was 4.1% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 26.2%; its low point was 2010, at 4.0%. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 3.4%; Kenya is 15th highest of 39. Worldwide: 48th of 165.

What is household spending per person in Kenya?

According to the World Bank, household consumption per person in Kenya was $1,413 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $840; Kenya is 12th highest of 37. World rank, highest first: 95th of 124.

How many people in Kenya live on under $3 a day?

According to the World Bank, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Kenya was 45.5% in 2022. In 2005 the figure was 44.6%. It is 3rd highest of 7 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 41.8%. Of 72 countries with 2022 data, 3rd highest.

What share of Kenya lives below the poverty line?

39.8%: that is the share of people below the national poverty line in Kenya for 2022, according to the World Bank. It was 46.8% in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 53.0%; Kenya is 7th highest of 8. Of 52 countries with 2022 data, 7th highest.

How unequal are incomes in Kenya?

The World Bank puts the Gini index in Kenya at 38.5 in 2022. That compares with 46.4 in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 38.5; Kenya is 4th highest of 7. Of 72 countries with 2022 data, 20th highest.

How many people in Kenya go hungry?

According to the FAO, moderate or severe food insecurity in Kenya was 71.7% in 2024. Its high point since 2015 was 2023, at 73.9%; its low point was 2015, at 50.7%. It is 8th highest of 34 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 60.5%. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 11th highest.