Tomatoes lead as the highest commodity with price increase in Kenya, TIFA report shows

Tomatoes experienced the largest price surge among essential goods and services in Kenya, with a 41% increase between June 2025 and June 2026, according to a recent TIFA research survey. The average cost of a kilogramme of tomatoes jumped from Ksh83.88 to Ksh117.87, marking the most significant rise among the selected commodities and services listed in the report. Diesel and Irish potatoes followed with 30% and 23% price increases respectively, while kale and beef saw 27% and 10% price hikes.

The survey, conducted by TIFA, cited price data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) to shed light on the escalating cost of living faced by households. The 41% price jump for tomatoes represented the highest among the commodities examined. It noted that 81% of respondents were either encountering rising living costs or dealing with constrained incomes.

TIFA underscored that policy changes or market shifts that elevate the price of essential services, including transport, fuel, food, and education, could further strain already stretched household budgets.

Concern over rising prices was widespread, with 81% of respondents expressing significant worry about escalating costs, particularly for fuel, groceries, rent, and transportation. This concern was notably higher among individuals aged 35 and above at 91%, compared to 77% among those aged 18 to 34. Women demonstrated higher concern than men, with 84% expressing worry versus 78% of men.

The survey findings suggest that households may face additional financial pressure as the government ponders policies that could impact transport costs.