Kerosene and Electricity Prices Move in Opposite Directions in Latest KNBS Report

The cost of kerosene in Kenya has risen sharply over the past year, while electricity prices have declined slightly, according to the latest report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).

The October 2026 Consumer Price Index and Inflation Report shows that a litre of kerosene retailed at an average of KSh 220.88, up from KSh 155.96 in October 2025. This represents a 41.6 per cent increase over the year.

The increase was particularly sharp between September and October. Kerosene prices rose from KSh 192.56 to KSh 220.88 per litre, adding KSh 28.32 to the cost of every litre in just one month. This was a 14.7 per cent increase, making kerosene the biggest price gainer in its category.

Electricity prices, however, recorded a slight decline.

Households consuming 50 kilowatt-hours paid an average of KSh 1,257.18 in October, compared with KSh 1,315.80 a year earlier, representing a 4.5 per cent reduction.

For households using 200 kilowatt-hours, the average bill fell from KSh 5,764.15 to KSh 5,529.66, a decline of 4.1 per cent. Both electricity categories also recorded a slight monthly drop of 0.1 per cent.

Cooking gas prices also increased, although at a slower rate. A 13-kilogramme LPG cylinder averaged KSh 3,429.61 in October, compared with KSh 3,419.24 in September. This represents a monthly increase of 0.3 per cent. Compared with October 2025, the price was 9.5 per cent higher.

Overall, the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category recorded a 3.7 per cent increase over the year and a 0.8 per cent rise between September and October.

KNBS also reported that Kenya’s annual inflation rate rose to 7.3 per cent in October, up from 6.8 per cent in September. The increase was largely driven by higher prices of food, non-alcoholic beverages, transport and housing-related expenses.

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