13 Food Items That Will Cost You More From This Month

A survey by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) shows that agricultural stakeholders expect prices of 12 food items, including rice and maize flour, to increase.

Other food items listed were wheat flour, sugar, cooking oil, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes

Prices of carrots, green maize, green grams, and beans are also projected to increase from October 2025.

Stakeholders explained that their projections for the increase were due to seasonality - where there is low production of some of the food items.

"Balance of opinion (BOO) on expected price changes in October 2025 shows mixed expectations with prices of select food items expected to increase, remain unchanged, or decrease.

"For instance, the prices of green maize and tomatoes are expected to increase in line with seasonality,"  read the report in part.

Currently, across retail outlets, the price of a 2kg packet of maize flour ranges between Ksh149 and Ksh200, depending on the brand.

On the other hand, a 2kg packet of sugar is Ksh340 for most brands. Most retail outlets price a 2kg packet of rice at Ksh350.

Conversely, four food items such as bread, milk, spinach, and sukumawiki are also expected to drop.

"The prices of spinach and kale-sukuma wiki are expected to moderate in October 2025," read the statement in part.

"This is expected with the onset of the October-December rain, which will support fast-growing fresh vegetables."

Inflation Expectations

Overall, the survey by CBK projects an increase in the cost of living in the next 3 months, which will be occasioned by the increase in some food items

"The September 2025 survey showed that inflation expectations in the next three months were evenly balanced, with 51% of the sampled respondents expecting inflation to increase, while 49% expected inflation to either decrease or remain unchanged. Those expecting an increase indicated that uncertain rainfall outcomes due to climate change and the high cost of production could

lead to price increases," CBK noted in its report.

"Respondents who expected inflation to either decline or remain unchanged cited the moderately low inflation environment, stable pump prices, stable exchange rate, and bumper harvests in food basket areas, particularly maize, as possible factors that could lead to price declines or unchanged price outcomes."