Nairobi — Softcare is set to invest Sh698 million in expanding its production facilities in Kenya, with construction expected to be completed by 2027 as it moves to boost local manufacturing capacity.

The investment includes Sh177.3 million earmarked for the installation of a new baby diaper production line with an annual capacity of 209.3 million pieces, reinforcing the firm's footprint in the personal care segment.

The Kenya expansion forms part of a broader multi-country capital expenditure plan, with the company channeling significant resources into scaling production across Africa, Latin America, and other emerging markets.

Kenya has been allocated approximately Sh698 million for the production of baby diapers, baby pants, sanitary pads, and wet wipes, with completion targeted for 2027.

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"Approximately 71.4 percent, or HK$1,526.9 million, is expected to be used to expand our overall production capacity and upgrade our production lines," the company said.

"Approximately 34.5 percent, or HK$737.8 million, is expected to be used to build new production lines at our production plants for manufacturing baby diapers, baby pants, sanitary pads and/or wet wipes."

Under the wider plan, Softcare is investing in new and expanded plants across markets including Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Benin, Zambia, and Kenya, alongside operations in Latin America and Central Asia.

The firm is also rolling out new production lines projected to significantly lift its global output capacity.

Upon completion, the upgrades are expected to raise annual production capacity to 12.6 billion baby diapers, 2.2 billion baby pants, 6.3 billion sanitary pads, and 12.9 billion wet wipes.

In Kenya, the additional diaper line is scheduled for completion by 2028, further scaling output to meet growing regional demand for hygiene products.