Kenya’s overall inflation rate increased to 6.7 per cent in May 2026, up from 5.6 percent recorded in April, driven largely by rising energy prices and higher transportation costs linked to elevated global oil prices.
Based on the Weekly Bulletin issued by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on June 5 2026 the pressure on prices increased in the month as both core and non, core inflation rose Quite a bit.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices and represents the general economy price changes, increased to 3. 2% in May from 2. 8% in April. This means that price pressures are growing and spreading across various goods and services.
At the same time, non-core inflation jumped to 16. 0% from 13. 4% during the same time, showing a big rise in the prices of food, fuel, and other volatile items.
The Central Bank links the main increase in headline inflation to rising energy prices and higher transportation costs caused by the surge in world oil prices. This is a change after several months of relatively stable inflation that had been within the government’s target range.
According to CBK data, headline inflation has been rising since the start of 2026, going up steadily from 3. 8% in January to 4. 5% in February, 5. 6% in April, and now 6. 7% in May.
Indicators from inflation point to increased pressure on the cost of the living for households and businesses, Mainly in sectors that use a lot of fuel and transport.
CBK said that it would keep a close eye on the economic situation, both at home and abroad, and do what’s necessary to maintain price stability and support sustainable economic growth.
The Weekly CBK Bulletin dated June 5 2026 offers a snapshot of recent monetary and financial happenings in the country.