NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 20 – High cost of living is the biggest challenge facing Kenyans, cited by 62 percent of respondents in the latest TIFA poll.
The findings, contained in TIFA’s latest Ride-Hailing Industry Survey in Kenya, show that rising prices of transport, fuel, food and education are putting pressure on household budgets.
The survey found that the average price of a kilogramme of tomatoes rose to Sh117.87 in 2026 from Sh83.88 in 2025, representing a 33.99 percent increase.
The price of a kilogramme of beef also increased to Sh760.75 from Sh690.15 over the same period.
The rising cost of essential goods has heightened consumer concerns, with 92 percent of respondents saying they were somewhat concerned about rising prices, while three percent said they were not concerned.
“Rising prices across essential household goods have reduced consumers’ disposable income. As a result, passengers are likely to be highly sensitive to any policy that increases transport costs,” TIFA said.
Constrained incomes were identified as the second biggest challenge at 19 percent, driven by low incomes, poor business performance and unemployment.
High taxes followed at 12 percent, while corruption, crime and insecurity were cited by six percent of respondents. Two percent identified no significant challenge.
The survey found that 81 percent of Nairobi households were experiencing either rising living costs or constrained incomes, leaving limited room to absorb further increases in essential goods and services.
“Policies or market changes that raise the price of essential services—such as transport, fuel, food, or education—are likely to place additional pressure on already stretched household budgets,” TIFA said.
