May inflation up 7.30 pc, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics says

Foodstuff at Ngara market, Nairobi. PHOTO/HOEBE OKALL 

In Summary

• The cost of maize flour, cooking fuel, water and electricity also went up
• The cost of living has been on upward trend after a decline in February

By BEATRICE OBWOCHA
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Cost of living in Kenya continued to rise with inflation for the month of May moving up to 7.30 per cent up from 6.41 per cent in April 2014.

 

The rise in the cost of living was fueled by a 1.25 per cent jump in the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks.

The cost of maize flour, cooking fuel, water and electricity also went up.

“These price increases outweighed falls in the price of sugar, milk and a few other items thereby resulting in an aggregate rise in the food index,” a statement by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Director General Zachary Mwangi indicated.

The cost of electricity rose in May due to fuel cost adjustment. Transport index also rose due to an increase in the cost of diesel, petrol and bus fare.

The cost of living has been on upward trend after a decline in February.

Inflation in January was 7.21 per cent, dropped to 6.86 per cent in February and 6.27 per cent in March.