Kenya inflation seen down in October, fuel prices a worry
Kenya's year-on-year inflation is expected to fall for the 11th month running in October, helped by a better harvest easing food prices but offset to some extent by rising fuel costs. Despite the signs that inflation could be close to bottoming out, analysts think the central bank has scope to keep easing interest rates as attention shifts to supporting economic growth. Eight out of 11 analysts polled by Reuters predicted inflation would decline in October, with a median estimate of 4.88 percent, down from 5.32 percent in September. Forecasts ranged from 3.60 percent to 6.00 percent. The data is due on October 31. "Inflation is nearing the bottom in the current cycle. While fuel price increases may dampen the downward pressure on inflation, low food inflation is still likely to over-ride them," said Mbiyo Phumelele, head of macroeconomic research at CFC Stanbic Bank. Kenya's Energy Regulatory Commission raised pump prices for the second straight month during ...





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