Relief for Kenyans as Sugar, Maize Flour, and Gas Prices Shift

Kenyans experienced some relief in September 2025 as the prices of key household commodities, including maize flour, sugar, and cooking gas, shifted.

This is according to the latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Consumer Price Index report for the month of September.

The month-on-month changes provided consumers with a brief respite despite overall inflationary pressure.

“Annual consumer price inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 4.6 per cent in September 2025. This implies that the general price level was 4.6 per cent higher in September 2025 than it was in September 2024,” stated part of the KNBS report.

Sugar, Maize Flour, and Gas Prices-KNBS

Prices of staple foods declined in the month under review, with the average price of a 2kg packet of sifted maize flour dropping by 3.0% from KSh 156.99 in August to KSh 152.28 in September.

Loose maize grain registered the sharpest decrease at 3.9%, falling to KSh 68.14 per kilogram. Sugar prices also edged down by 0.7%, retailing at KSh 185.21 per kilogram.

The price of sugar registered a slight decline between August and September 2025, although it remained significantly higher compared to the same period in 2024.

In September, the national average retail price of a kilogram of sugar fell by 0.7%, dropping from KSh 186.53 in August to KSh 185.21.

However, year-on-year data shows a sharp increase. Sugar was 20.4% more expensive in September 2025 than in September 2024, when a kilogram was retailed at KSh 153.80.

Also Read: Matatu Fares and Gas Prices Rise as Maize Flour Costs Drop – Report

Additionally, Cooking gas registered a marginal decline, with a 13kg cylinder retailing at KSh 3,151.65.

“Over the twelve months until September 2025, the Food and Non-alcoholic Beverages division index rose by 8.4%,” KNBS,noted.

Fuel prices similarly trended downward, resulting in reduced transport costs for travellers.

Similarly, the price of country bus/matatu fare for travel between towns dropped by 0.5%

Commodities with increased prices

However, several fresh produce items recorded increases.

The prices of oranges rose by 5.6%, mangoes by 3.0%, cabbage by 2.7%, potatoes by 2.6%, and tomatoes by 1.2%.

Prices of leafy greens, including kale and spinach, declined by 1.0% and 1.8% respectively, highlighting a mixed performance in the food basket.

In September 2025, prices in the clothing and footwear division showed both declines and increases.

“Over the twelve months until September 2025, the prices under Clothing and Footwear division rose by 3.3%,” KNBS said.

Also Read: KNBS Reports Growth Across All Kenyan Economic Sectors

The prices of men’s leather shoes dropped by 0.3%, while men’s shirts decreased slightly by 0.1%.

Comparatively, it was noted that upward movements occurred for other clothing items, with kangas/kikois rising by 1.1%, girls’ school uniforms by 0.4%, and men’s suits by 0.6%

In September 2025, prices of alcoholic beverages and stimulants increased.

The price of miraa (khat) rose by 1.0%, marking the highest change in this category as price of traditional beer went up by 0.6%, while the price of beer (lagers and stouts) increased modestly by 0.2%. Similarly, the price of wines registered a slight rise of 0.1%.

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