The last time food prices spiked this dramatically in Kenya was nearly six years ago, in 2011 when food price inflation reached an all time high of 26.2 per cent. But drought was not all that pushed up food prices that high. It may have been lost in the narrative since, but food prices were a key demand of initial protesters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. In the context of high income uncertainty, it is very difficult to cope if unexpected expenses arise, like medical expenses. ALSO READ: State steps in as families try to make ends meetIn this context, even a small increase in food prices costs lives, not from starvation, but from forgone opportunities, delayed treatment and mental anguish.

Source: Standard Digital May 12, 2017 21:45 UTC