Topics ・ Economy

Cost of Living

Economy

Food, fuel, housing, school fees — and what Parliament is doing about them.

Gharama ya Maisha — Chakula, mafuta, makazi, ada — na Bunge linafanya nini.

Updated 21 Jun 2026
  • Inflation is one of the three indicators Parliament's Budget & Appropriations Committee tracks each quarter against the macro-fiscal framework. — KNBS / Parliamentary Budget Office
  • Statutory deductions on a payslip (PAYE, NSSF, NHIF/SHIF, Housing Levy) are all set by Acts of Parliament — Parliament can change them. — Acts of Parliament
  • Food and fuel prices are the largest drivers of headline inflation in Kenya; both are sensitive to the Finance Bill and the Petroleum Development Levy. — KNBS Consumer Price Index

The story so far

"Cost of living" is the umbrella under which Kenyans group the squeeze on food, fuel, rent, school fees, and the deductions on a payslip. None of these prices is set by Parliament directly — but most are shaped by it: through the Finance Bill, the Housing Levy, NHIF/SHIF rates, fuel levies, and the Budget that the Appropriations Bill enacts each June.

This page tracks what MPs and Senators are saying about cost-of-living pressure, which Bills could move the needle, and how Parliament's Budget & Appropriations Committee is reading the latest KNBS inflation prints.

If a particular item is hitting your household hardest — fuel, fees, food — ask Mzalendo what Parliament has said about it, or follow the Finance Bill 2026 for the single biggest lever moving this cycle.

What Parliament is doing about it

No parliamentary documents are linked to this topic yet.

Most active voices on this issue

Members of the current Parliament ranked by their certified contributions on this issue. Select a count to read the actual speeches.

  1. 1 Samson Ndindi Nyoro National Assembly · United Democratic Alliance · Kiharu 24 contributions
  2. 2 Anthony Kimani Ichung'wah National Assembly · United Democratic Alliance · Kikuyu 16 contributions
  3. 3 Junet Sheikh Nuh Mohamed National Assembly · Orange Democratic Movement · Suna East 8 contributions
  4. 4 Omanyo Catherine Nakhabi National Assembly · Orange Democratic Movement · Busia 6 contributions
  5. 5 John Kiarie Waweru National Assembly · United Democratic Alliance · Dagoretti South 4 contributions
  6. 6 Caroli Omondi National Assembly · Orange Democratic Movement · Suba South 4 contributions
  7. 7 George Macharia Kariuki National Assembly · United Democratic Alliance · Ndia 4 contributions
  8. 8 Harrison Garama Kombe National Assembly · Orange Democratic Movement · Magarini 4 contributions
  9. 9 George Gitonga Murugara National Assembly · United Democratic Alliance · Tharaka 3 contributions
  10. 10 Millie Grace Akoth Odhiambo Mabona National Assembly · Orange Democratic Movement · Suba North 2 contributions

Take action