INFLATION RISESThe KNBS also reported that inflation rose for the fourth consecutive month to close the year at 5.82 per cent in December, eating into the purchasing power of consumers. AdvertisementThe rise was from 5.56 per cent recorded in November, 4.95per cent in October and 3.83 per cent in September, which was the lowest rate in 2019. At 5.82 per cent, inflation is still within the government’s target of between 5 and 7.5 per cent, but the sharp rise in the last quarter points to tough times ahead. This price increased in December by 0.77 per cent on the month–on-month inflation and by 52.26 per cent, compared to same period in 2018. However, during the same period, prices of unpacketed fresh milk and mangoes dropped by 0.67 per cent and 3.44 per cent respectively.

Source: Daily Nation December 31, 2019 15:00 UTC