KNBS reports sharp rise in matatu fares, tv subscriptions

By Newsflash Repoter

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has reported a sharp increase in passenger transport costs in August, raising concerns for millions of Kenyans who depend on public transport.

According to the Consumer Price Indices and Inflation Rates report published on August 29, matatu and bus fares on the busy Mombasa–Nairobi route registered the highest spike at 15.4 percent.

Three-wheeler operators, popularly known as tuk-tuks, also raised fares by 1.5 percent, further straining household budgets.

This comes despite the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announcing a 0.5 percent drop in petrol prices during the month, with diesel costs remaining unchanged. The figures highlight how fare increases are not always directly tied to fuel adjustments, leaving commuters to shoulder unpredictable costs.

Insurance and TV Subscriptions Edge Up

The KNBS report further revealed that the cost of vehicle insurance also rose slightly by 0.2 percent in August. Analysts note that even minor increases in insurance premiums can affect motorists, particularly in a challenging economy.

Entertainment and communication services were not spared. Subscription fees for private television services such as DSTV rose by 1.5 percent, reflecting the growing cost of access to satellite TV and home entertainment.

Restaurant and Accommodation Services

Prices within the restaurant and accommodation sector also recorded small but notable increases across all categories.

According to KNBS, prepared food from cafés and takeaway outlets increased by 0.3 percent, beverages in hotels and restaurants rose by 0.3 percent, while lodging and guest accommodation prices went up by 0.2 percent.

These increases, though modest, point to a broader trend of rising living costs in urban centers, where eating out is a necessity for many workers.

Household and Personal Care Costs

Household essentials and personal care items also became more expensive in August. Body lotion prices rose by 0.2 percent, toilet soap by 0.4 percent, and tissue paper by 1.6 percent.

Though these increases appear minimal, KNBS noted that they add to the cumulative financial burden faced by ordinary households, especially when combined with rising food and transport expenses

Vegetables Record Sharp Price Increases

Kenyans also felt the pinch at the market as vegetable prices surged. Cabbage recorded the sharpest increase at 6.3 percent, followed by carrots at 2.4 percent, sukuma wiki at 1.9 percent, and tomatoes at 1.2 percent.

The rise in vegetable prices has been linked to seasonal fluctuations and supply chain pressures, further pushing up the cost of preparing basic meals.

Goods That Recorded Price Drops

Not all items registered price increases. According to KNBS, some basic commodities became cheaper in August, offering a slight reprieve to households.

Fresh unpacketed cow milk dropped by 0.9 percent, fortified maize flour by 1.7 percent, sifted maize flour by 1.5 percent, beans by 0.7 percent, loose maize grain by 0.4 percent, and oranges by 0.7 percent.

Electricity costs also fell, with the 50kWh band declining by 2.3 percent and the 200kWh band dropping by 2.1 percent. Household furnishings and maintenance recorded a slight decline of 0.2 percent.

Balancing Inflation Pressures

The KNBS report highlighted a mixed inflation trend, with some sectors recording price increases while others saw declines. Economists say this reflects ongoing volatility in the economy, influenced by both global and local market conditions.

While lower food and electricity prices have cushioned households to some extent, the steep rise in transport fares and other essentials continues to strain family incomes.

The government is expected to use this data to guide policy interventions aimed at stabilizing prices and easing the cost of living for Kenyans.