The annual inflation rate in Kenya ticked higher to 4.4% in March 2026 from a seven-month low of 4.3% in the prior month. Prices accelerated mostly for food & non-alcoholic beverages (7.7% vs 7.3% in February); housing & utilities (2% vs 1.8%) and health (2.7% vs 2.4%). Meanwhile, price growth moderated for alcoholic beverages & tobacco (2.3% vs 2.5%); clothing & footwear (1.8% vs 2%) and restaurants & hotels (2.4% vs 2.7%). Transportation prices also increased at a slower 3.8%, compared to 4% previously, as government fuel procurement measures helped contain sharp price rises, even amid reports of temporary shortages at certain independent fuel retailers. President William Ruto recently unveiled a set of measures designed to protect Kenyans from potential supply disruptions and economic shocks stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.5%, after a 0.2% increase in the preceding month.