NAIROBI, Kenya — CFAO Kenya and Japan’s Toyota Tsusho Corporation have entered a joint venture with Unicharm Corporation to manufacture sanitary pads locally, marking a strategic shift into Kenya’s fast-growing consumer health sector.
The partnership will see the establishment of a new entity, Sofy East Africa Limited, which will focus on the production and distribution of affordable sanitary products for the Kenyan and regional markets.
The move is aimed at addressing persistent gaps in access to menstrual hygiene products, particularly among low-income households, where affordability remains a major barrier. Industry data shows that sanitary pad usage in Kenya remains relatively low, with cost cited as a key limiting factor.
The joint venture builds on earlier efforts by the partners, who began importing sanitary products into Kenya in 2023 before transitioning to local production in 2025.
Under the arrangement, Unicharm will hold a majority stake of 75pc, while Toyota Tsusho and CFAO Kenya will hold 17.5pc and 7.5pc respectively, reflecting a structure that combines manufacturing expertise with regional distribution strength.
The companies say local manufacturing will help lower costs, improve supply stability, and expand access to sanitary products across Kenya and neighbouring countries. The venture will also leverage CFAO’s established distribution network to penetrate both urban and rural markets.
Beyond commercial objectives, the project is positioned as a social intervention targeting “period poverty” — a challenge that continues to affect school attendance and dignity for many girls and women across the country.
“By establishing a local production and sales system, we aim to improve access to sanitary products and support women’s participation in society,” the companies said in a joint statement.
The factory is expected to integrate production, marketing, and workforce development, signalling a long-term commitment to Kenya as a regional manufacturing hub.
