Kenya launches local sanitary towel production at Ksh20 per piece
Kenya has on October 15, 2026, launched local production of Sofy sanitary towels, with prices starting at Ksh20 per piece, in a move aimed at making menstrual hygiene products more accessible to women and girls. Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano attended the launch of […]
On October 15, 2026, Kenya inaugurated local manufacturing of Sofy sanitary towels, priced at Ksh20 each, with the intention of enhancing affordability and accessibility for women and girls. Cabinet Secretaries Lee Kinyanjui and Rebecca Miano, along with Japan’s Ambassador Hiroshi Matsuura and CFAO Chairman Dennis Awori, were in attendance.
Unicharm East Africa Limited, a joint venture between Japan’s Unicharm Corporation, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and CFAO Kenya, received a Ksh2 billion investment. Kinyanjui emphasized that impactful investments create jobs, improve lives, and restore dignity, highlighting that accessing sanitary towels has long been a challenge for many Kenyan girls, with some unable to afford products necessary for managing menstruation and continuing their education.
The firm manufactures two ranges: the Sofy Long Lasting, offering lower-cost options such as single-pad sachets, and the Sofy Deep Absorption. Production officially commenced in September 2026, following initial importation of premium products in 2023 and the commencement of local production of the affordable range in January 2025.
Sofy Unicharm targets Ksh1.5 billion in revenue by 2030 and aims to reach two million women across East Africa. The company collaborates with organizations like JICA, UNFPA, and UN Women Kenya on menstrual health education. The launch addresses affordability and availability concerns, with 54% of Kenyan schoolgirls reportedly facing difficulties securing sanitary products.
Former Senator Gloria Orwoba highlighted price discrepancies between imported and government-supplied products, advocating for support of local manufacturers to enhance oversight and accountability. The venture seeks to bolster Kenya’s sanitary towel manufacturing, generate jobs, and increase low-priced product availability. Local production may also diminish reliance on imports, granting manufacturers control over production and quality.
However, accessibility remains critical, especially for girls and women unable to consistently afford menstrual products. The company’s expansion across East Africa hinges on retail and partnership reach, while its education initiatives aim to mitigate barriers beyond product costs. This launch complements efforts to improve access to menstrual hygiene products while expanding local manufacturing in Kenya.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
