Cost of living crisis deepens as inflation hits 7.3pc ahead of polls

A cashier processes payment at Naivas Supermarket's Eastgate outlet in Nairobi's Donholm on October 17. Many consumers' buying power has been eroded by the rising living cost. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Kenya’s cost of living crisis deepened in October, with annual inflation accelerating to 7.3 per cent from 6.8 per cent in September, official data showed on Friday.

This was driven by a relentless surge in fuel,  transport, and staple food prices that now threatens to define the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.