Unicharm, Toyota Tsusho and CFAO Launch KSh2 Billion Sanitary Pad Venture in Kenya

Unicharm Corporation, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and CFAO Kenya Limited have launched a KSh2 billion joint venture called Sofy Unicharm East Africa Limited in Nairobi.

The new company will manufacture and distribute sanitary pads and disposable diapers in Kenya and export the products to neighbouring East African markets.

Operations began in September 2026 and the venture targets KSh1.5 billion in revenue and aims to reach two million women across East Africa by 2030.

Takahisa Takahara, President and Chief Executive Officer of Unicharm Corporation, said the investment underscores the partners’ commitment to regional growth, local manufacturing and economic development.

Daigo Fujiwara, Managing Director of Sofy Unicharm East Africa, said the business will tackle hygiene challenges, reduce period poverty and promote women’s health and dignity.

Kazuyuki Urata, Circular Economy Division CEO at Toyota Tsusho, said the firm will draw on its experience to build a sustainable long-term business in East Africa.

Amb. Dennis Awori, chairman of CFAO Group Kenya, said the joint venture will strengthen local manufacturing, develop industrial skills and improve product availability.

Cabinet Secreatry Lee Kinyanjui welcomed the investment, noting it will deepen manufacturing, increase local content and urged collaboration with Kenyan SMEs and standards agencies.

The company will work with NGOs and government bodies such as JICA, UNFPA and UN Women Kenya on menstrual health education and awareness programmes.

It estimates that about 54 per cent of Kenyan girls have faced difficulties obtaining sanitary products, highlighting the need for affordable options.

The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey shows that 91 per cent of women aged 15–49 used disposable sanitary pads, while five per cent used reusable ones.

The venture will also incorporate sustainability measures, including local production, responsible product use, waste management and resource circulation.

The launch follows Sofy’s entry into Kenya in 2023 with Deep Absorb pads, the introduction of locally made Long Lasting pads in January 2025 and the rollout of single-pad sachets to address cost barriers.