Cheaper power and fuel dampen September inflation
The cost of living fell in September despite an increase in the prices of foodstuff and non-alcoholic drinks.
Data released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Monday showed that inflation stood at 6.6 per cent in September, down from 8.36 recorded in August.
It is the first time that inflation is dropping after a steady rise since April.
The decline is attributed to a 0.52 per cent drop in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel index.
“This decline was attributed to notable falls in the cost of kerosene and electricity,” KNBS acting director-general Zachary Mwangi said in a statement.
The cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks increased by 0.58 per cent between August and September.
During the same review period, the transport index decreased by 0.41 per cent due to what the statistics bureau described as a reduction in pump prices of both petrol and diesel in the month of September.
Overall Consumer Price index increased 0.15 per cent from 152.02 in August to 152.24 in the period under review.
The index is developed using information collected from 25 data zones located in 13 urban centres across the country.
Inflation has been on an upward trend since April, hitting a 25-month high in August on account of soaring food prices.
