Kenyans Brace for Rising Household Costs After April Fuel Price Hike, Survey Reveals

Fuel Hikes to Hit Food and Transport Hardest, TIFA Poll Shows

A new TIFA survey reveals that Kenyans are bracing for significant household pressures following the fuel price increases implemented in April 2026. The study shows that food and transport costs are expected to be the most immediate concerns for most households.

According to the poll, nearly all respondents—about 96%—who expect to be affected by the fuel price changes also anticipate knock-on effects in their daily lives. The most commonly cited impact is a rise in food prices, mentioned by 72% of respondents, closely followed by increased transport costs at 69%.

Other secondary effects were reported at much lower levels, including higher cooking fuel costs (15%), difficulty paying school fees (11%), and increased farming expenses (5%). A small proportion (3%) mentioned other impacts, while 1% were unsure.

The findings highlight a widespread perception that fuel price increases will ripple through essential household needs, particularly food and transport, which already make up a significant share of daily household expenditure. While fewer respondents mentioned secondary effects such as education and farming costs, the concern remains broad, reflecting how fuel prices are closely linked to overall living costs.

TIFA conducted the survey through nationally representative fieldwork between May 2 and May 11, 2026. The study covered nine regions: Central Rift, Coast, Lower Eastern, Mt Kenya, Nairobi, Northern, Nyanza, South Rift, and Western Kenya. Data was collected via face-to-face household interviews conducted mainly in Swahili and English, with a sample of 2,013 respondents and a margin of error of ±2.18%. Larger margins of error may apply when analyzing sub-samples.

The survey findings provide a snapshot of public expectations regarding the economic impact of fuel price adjustments, underlining the close relationship between fuel costs and essential household expenditures.

The impact of rising fuel costs is already visible on the ground. Motorists, transport operators, traders, and civil society groups have recently staged protests against the rising fuel prices. Transport operators, including matatu and boda boda riders, have warned that higher fuel prices force them to increase fares, which directly affects commuters and household budgets.

Food prices remain a key concern as well, given that fuel costs influence transportation and distribution expenses along the supply chain. Protests have also prompted calls for government intervention, with some demanding subsidies or tax reductions to cushion consumers from the rising cost of living.