Kenya inflation falls

NAIROBI – Kenya’s overall annual inflation fell to 6,8 per cent in February from 9,7 per cent in January, helped by a drop in some food prices, the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) said yesterday.

The underlying inflation rate, which excludes changes in the price of food items, also eased to 6,1 per cent from 6,4 per cent the previous month. “Prices of some food commodities declined in February 2007 compared to February 2006 and thus the low inflation rates,” the CBS said in a statement.”In the first quarter of 2006, prices of foodstuffs were high due to drought.”The food and non-alcoholic drink index rose by 2,1 per cent mainly because of a rise in the prices of tomatoes, onions, chicken, eggs and fish.The fuel and power index dipped by 0,7 per cent because of a fall in the cost of kerosene, the CBS said.The bureau collects data every second and third week of each month from shops in 13 towns across the east African country.It aims to reflect spending patterns of urban Kenyan households.Nampa-Reuters”Prices of some food commodities declined in February 2007 compared to February 2006 and thus the low inflation rates,” the CBS said in a statement.”In the first quarter of 2006, prices of foodstuffs were high due to drought.”The food and non-alcoholic drink index rose by 2,1 per cent mainly because of a rise in the prices of tomatoes, onions, chicken, eggs and fish.The fuel and power index dipped by 0,7 per cent because of a fall in the cost of kerosene, the CBS said.The bureau collects data every second and third week of each month from shops in 13 towns across the east African country.It aims to reflect spending patterns of urban Kenyan households.Nampa-Reuters