What ate your money in November?

As Kenyans head into the festive season, their wallets are feeling an unprecedented squeeze. November's inflation rate climbed to 6.8%, up from October's 6.6%, painting a stark picture of the rising cost of living crisis affecting households across the nation.

The most dramatic price increases have been seen in everyday kitchen essentials. Cooking oil leads the pack with a staggering 38.5% price hike, followed by sugar at 29.7%, and the staple maize flour at 15.3%. These aren't just numbers – they represent real challenges for families trying to put food on the table.

But what's driving these increases? The weakening Kenyan shilling against major currencies has played a significant role, making imports more expensive. Add to this the ripple effects of higher fuel prices on transportation costs and ongoing global supply chain disruptions, and you have a perfect storm of inflationary pressures.

The impact extends beyond these primary commodities. Rice has seen a 12.4% increase, while everyday items like milk and bread have risen by 8.2% and 7.5% respectively. For the average Kenyan household, this means difficult choices at the supermarket checkout.

Low-income households are bearing the brunt of these increases, with many forced to adjust their shopping habits dramatically. Some families report switching to cheaper alternatives or reducing portions to make ends meet. The situation is particularly challenging in urban areas, where households typically have less flexibility in their budgets.

As we move towards the end of the year, these price increases are forcing many to rethink their holiday season spending. Financial experts advise careful budgeting and seeking out the best deals, but for many Kenyans, the reality is that their money simply isn't stretching as far as it used to.