• Prices of items such as 1kg Kapenta which went down by K56.76 from K290.63 to K233.87.
• Additional reductions were noted in the prices of 14kg of other fruits which reduced by K204.9 from K314.65 to K109.75.
• Other key contributing factors to the reduced cost of living include a slight decrease in the inflation rate.

Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says the cost of living for a family of five for November 2021 has decreased to K8, 145.28 from K8, 268.72Ngwee in October.

JCTR Social and Economic Development Programme Manager Chama Mundia explained the downward movement in the basket by K123.44 is attributed to reduced prices of items such as 1kg Kapenta which went down by K56.76 from K290.63 to K233.87, 40kg of vegetables which went down by K14.83 from K438.62 to K423.79.

Mrs. Mundia noted that additional reductions were noted in the prices of 14kg of other fruits which reduced by K204.9 from K314.65 to K109.75.

She however, pointed out that the November basket also recorded price increases in items such as 10 liters of milk which increased by K52.84 from K244.26 to K297.1, 1kg pounded groundnuts increased by K13.68 from K34.97 to K48.65, 2kg soya pieces increased from K113.68 to K126.46.

“Additionally, the non-food but essential items section also recorded an increase in a 90kg bag of charcoal from K360 to K378.” She added.

Mrs. Mundia said JCTR has noted a steady decline in the cost of living as seasonality continues to affect the price movements in selected items on the basket.

According to her, “For instance, the price of other fruits has significantly reduced given the availability of fruits such as mangoes.”

“Other key contributing factors to the reduced cost of living include a slight decrease in the inflation rate.”

She added that the exchange rate in November however hovered around K17 to one US Dollar and possibly negatively impacted prices of products dependent on imported inputs such as milk.

“On the contrary, given the onset of the farming season, groundnuts and soya bean prices have gone up,” Mrs. Mundia stated.