Two years after Gen Z protests, food inflation bites harder
Food takes up the largest share of spending among low- and middle-income households. Even small changes in the price alter household budgets...
✨ Key Highlights
Two years after widespread Gen Z protests against high taxes and the cost of living, the price of essential food items in Kenya continues to strain household budgets, despite modest overall food bill increases.
- A basket of seven common food items rose by 3.1% to Sh1,101.37 in May 2026 from Sh1,068.48 in June 2024.
- Key staples like maize flour have seen significant price hikes, with a 2kg packet now costing 18% more.
- Overall food inflation has accelerated to 9.4% in May 2026, up from 5.6% during the protests.
- The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data reflects the persistent economic hardship that fueled the demonstrations.
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Fuel prices jump by up to Sh49.76 a litre in two years since deadly protests - June 2026
Kenya is marking the second anniversary of deadly protests with significantly increased fuel prices, which have risen by up to Sh49.76 a litre since June 2024, fueling high inflation and public anger. Two years after widespread Gen Z protests against high taxes and the cost of living, the price of essential food items in Kenya continues to strain household budgets. Separately, the High Court has allowed Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah's petition challenging Kenya's public debt to proceed, dismissing attempts to have it thrown out, as the country faces mounting economic pressures.
