(NAIROBI) – The cost of living in Kenya has continued to climb two years after the Gen Z protests that shook the country, leaving many families still struggling with the same economic burdens that drove them onto the streets.
The nationwide demonstrations in 2024 forced the government to drop several tax proposals from that year’s Finance Bill. Yet household budgets remain under severe pressure. Many families have been forced to change how they spend their money just to get by.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows the average real monthly income rose slightly from 55,452 shillings (about 428 US dollars) in June 2024 to 56,566 shillings (about 437 US dollars) in June 2025. However, that figure is still more than 3,300 shillings below the 59,895 shillings recorded in 2021. This means purchasing power has not returned to the level seen four years ago.
Food inflation climbed from 6.2 percent in May 2024 to 9.4 percent in May 2026. Transport costs rose by 16.5 percent over the same period. The overall inflation rate reached 6.7 percent, up from 5.1 percent. Households are now spending a larger share of their income on food and transport while cutting back on clothing, entertainment and other goods that are not essential.
The price of fuel has added to the strain. A litre of diesel in Nairobi now costs 232.86 shillings, a rise of 49.76 shillings over two years. Petrol has gone up by 24.19 shillings to 214.25 shillings per litre.
Treasury Secretary John Mbadi acknowledged the public mood while presenting the 2026/2027 budget on 11 June. He said the message from Kenyans was clear. People want an economy that works for them, a lower cost of living, more jobs and business opportunities, and the benefits of economic growth to reach all citizens. He added that the public also wanted taxes on essential goods reduced, an end to the waste of public funds and a stronger fight against corruption. Those demands echo the complaints at the heart of the 2024 protests.
For many outside the capital, the situation remains difficult. Amos Kwedho, a rural worker, said the reality on the ground is different from the picture given by the government. He said spending power has fallen sharply since 2024 and many people have no money in their pockets. He closed his boda boda business last year after riders could no longer pay their daily fees because of rising fuel and spare part costs. He sold his ten motorcycles and put the money into a bar, but that business has also suffered as customers spend less. Profits there have dropped by nearly 20 percent compared to 2022.