Japan’s Unicharm launches Ksh 2 billion hygiene venture in Kenya

Japanese hygiene products maker Unicharm Corporation and partners Toyota Tsusho Corporation and CFAO Kenya have launched a Ksh 2 billion joint venture in Kenya to expand local production of sanitary products and supply markets across East Africa.

SOFY Unicharm East Africa Ltd will integrate product development, production, sales and marketing in Kenya, with plans to increase exports to neighbouring countries as the partners seek to strengthen regional manufacturing and widen access to affordable menstrual care.

The SOFY brand entered Kenya in 2023 with its premium Deep Absorb sanitary pads and introduced locally produced SOFY Long Lasting in January 2025, targeting consumers seeking more affordable products. The company has also introduced single-pad sachets in response to concerns about the cost of sanitary products.

Unicharm President and Chief Executive Takahisa Takahara says the venture would combine the Japanese group’s technology and product expertise with local market knowledge, with potential to expand into other personal hygiene categories, including baby care.

“ Starting with women as our focal point, we aim to evolve into a company that supports lifetime value in East Africa in the future,” said Takahara .

Unicharm Managing Director Daigo Fujiwara says the company aims to address period poverty through affordable products, menstrual health education and partnerships with communities, government institutions and non-governmental organisations.

SOFY has worked with organisations including the Japan International Cooperation Agency, UNFPA and UN Women Kenya on menstrual health awareness initiatives.

About 54% of girls in Kenya have experienced difficulties accessing sanitary products, highlighting continued barriers to menstrual hygiene and education.

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