Japanese companies Unicharm Corporation and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, alongside CFAO Kenya, have launched a KSh2 billion hygiene-products joint venture to strengthen manufacturing and distribution of sanitary pads and other personal care products in Kenya and neighbouring East African markets.
The new company, Sofy Unicharm East Africa Limited, began operations in September 2026 after its registration was completed earlier in the year. Its official corporate details list KSh2 billion in capital. That figure should not be confused with a verified amount already spent on a newly constructed factory.
Key Overview
- Joint venture capital: KSh2 billion, according to the partners’ corporate announcement.
- Ownership: Unicharm holds 75%, Toyota Tsusho 17.5% and CFAO Kenya 7.5%.
- Operations: The Nairobi-based venture commenced business in September 2026.
- Products: Sanitary pads are the immediate focus, with disposable diapers and other hygiene products within its wider business scope.
- Regional ambitions: The partners plan to sell and export products to neighbouring East African markets.
- Local production: Sofy Long Lasting pads have already been produced and sold locally since January 2025.
How the Sh2 Billion Venture Is Structured
Unicharm is the majority shareholder and supplies product-development and manufacturing expertise. Toyota Tsusho contributes regional business capabilities, while CFAO Kenya provides local sales and logistics infrastructure to reach retailers and customers.
The confirmed shareholding structure gives Unicharm a 75% stake, with Toyota Tsusho holding 17.5% and CFAO Kenya 7.5%. The company is headquartered in Nairobi and is authorised to manufacture and sell sanitary products and disposable diapers, as well as export to neighbouring countries.
Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui welcomed the expansion of local manufacturing, pointing to opportunities for Kenyan suppliers, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, to participate in the value chain.
From Imported Pads to Kenyan Production
The partners’ activities in Kenya predate the new venture. In 2023, Unicharm and CFAO Kenya began importing Sofy Deep Absorb pads manufactured in Egypt. They then introduced locally produced Sofy Long Lasting pads in January 2025, aiming to offer a more affordable option.
Under the original local-production arrangement, Kenyan companies were contracted to manufacture the pads, while Unicharm handled product development and production management and CFAO Kenya led sales. This means local manufacturing was already under way before the September 2026 joint-venture launch.
The partners have also offered single-pad sachets, enabling customers to buy smaller quantities rather than full packs. That can reduce the amount spent in a single purchase, although the price per pad still matters when assessing affordability.
Unicharm, Toyota Tsusho and CFAO Kenya launch a Sh2 billion hygiene venture to make and distribute sanitary pads and diapers for Kenya and East African markets.
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Expanding Access to Menstrual Health Products
Cost, product availability and menstrual-health education remain important challenges. A 2025 menstrual-health policy brief identifies barriers involving affordable products, suitable facilities, information and stigma, particularly for vulnerable girls.
The company’s social initiatives have included a menstrual-health education programme held in Kibera in August 2026, involving 30 girls and collaboration with UN Women Kenya and Japanese student volunteers. The programme focused on menstrual knowledge and safe product use.
The venture says it wants to make hygiene products more accessible while supporting education. However, broader improvements in affordability and school participation will depend on actual retail prices, distribution coverage and sustained access, rather than the investment announcement alone.
East African Expansion and Future Products
The regional operating plan includes building a stronger supply network for feminine hygiene products and disposable diapers. Management has indicated that women’s hygiene will remain the starting priority before the business expands its personal-care range.
By combining product technology with local manufacturing partners and established distribution channels, the venture could strengthen supply and increase competition in Kenya’s hygiene-products market. Its longer-term impact will depend on pricing, local supplier participation, product availability and the company’s ability to execute its regional expansion plans.
Sources: Toyota Tsusho / Unicharm / The Star / UNFPA Kenya
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