World Bank warns 2.4 million Kenyans risk falling into poverty

A new World Bank report warns that up to 2.4 million Kenyans could fall into poverty by the end of 2026 as the rising cost of living continues to strain households, with urban areas expected to be the hardest hit. The report says worsening economic conditions, driven in part by the conflict in the Middle East, have intensified inflationary and external pressures. Transport prices rose by 10 per cent year-on-year in April 2026 and remained high at 9.8 per cent in June, while food inflation stood at 8.8 per cent in April and 8.6 per cent in June. The World Bank warns that sustained increases in the cost of transport and food could further undermine Kenya's efforts to reduce poverty. Jimmy Mbogoh reports.