KNBS Report: Prices Dip on 8 Essential Items

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KNBS Report: Prices Dip on 8 Essential Items

According to a report released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics on Thursday, the prices of eight essential commodities decreased in November relative to October.

One dietary item that experienced the greatest percentage decline of 6.5 percent was maize flour (2 kilogram packets). This was only surpassed by potatoes, which saw a decline of 7.1 percent per kilogram.

The price of electricity for 200 kilowatts and 50 kilowatts decreased by 1% and 1.2%, respectively.

Kenyans buying maize flour at local supermarkets (left) and Kenya Power electricity tokens.

Additional essential commodities that experienced a decline in price comprised Sukumawiki (2.4 percent), maize cereal (3.3 percent), and cabbages (3.6 percent).

As a result of the reinstatement of the subsidy program, the price of 1 liter of kerosene for Kenyan citizens decreased by 1 percent in comparison to October.

In the same way, diesel prices decreased by the same margin per liter.

Tomatoes (17.7 percent), oranges (3.8 percent), wheat flour (3.3 percent), carrots (2.7 percent), beef (1.9 percent), and onions (1.1 percent) were among the food items whose prices increased.

Notwithstanding the commitment of President William Ruto to ensure that culinary gas is accessible to all Kenyans, the cost of a 13-kilogram container of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) increased by 1.1 percent.

Kenyans employed in the construction industry will also be impacted by the 1.1% increase in cement prices.

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The KNBS noted in its statement that the nation’s inflation rate decreased to 6.8% in November from 6.9% the previous month.

Inflation was influenced by various sectors, including transportation, housing, utilities, and the food industry.

A day after President Ruto assured Kenyans that his Kenya Kwanza administration had reduced the cost of living, KNBS issued the aforementioned statement.

“We all agreed to adequately address the cost of living. Today, I can stand on this podium and say that, at a time like this last year, the cost of unga was Ksh240. As I speak, the prices have dropped to between KSh 140 and 130,” the President remarked during the first anniversary of the Hustler Fund at Green Park Garden.

Nevertheless, the opposition contended that even though Kenyans were struggling to make ends meet, the head of state had not yet fulfilled his pledge.

“At all times, we will retain the right to call on the people to take steps that we deem necessary to force the government to lower the cost of living,” opposition leader Raila Odinga threatened, on Wednesday, November 29.

Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi inspecting unga prices at supermarkets on November 24, 2023.

KNBS Report: Prices Dip on 8 Essential Items

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