Softcare, the manufacturer of baby diapers, baby pants, sanitary pads and wet wipes, increased revenue from the Kenyan market by 17.4 percent in the first half of 2026, supported by higher sales volumes and average selling prices.
The Hong Kong-listed company generated about Sh7.2 billion from Kenya in the six months ended June 30, up from approximately Sh6.1 billion recorded during a similar period last year.
The increase places Kenya among Softcare’s largest individual markets in Africa and makes it the company’s biggest market in East Africa.
Softcare reported that the growth was driven by increased demand for its products, expansion of distribution channels and higher average selling prices.
“The increase in revenue was mainly attributable to the combined growth in sales volume and average selling price in 1H 2026,” the company said in its interim results.
The company added that it had strengthened its position in its core markets by expanding sales channels, optimising production and entering new markets across East and West Africa.
Kenya recorded the highest revenue among Softcare’s East African markets during the period.
Uganda followed with revenue of $29.9 million, equivalent to about Sh3.9 billion, up from $24.6 million, while Tanzania generated $27 million, compared with $22.7 million previously.
East Africa remained Softcare’s largest regional market, contributing $151.4 million, or about Sh19.6 billion, to the group’s revenue.
The region’s contribution increased from $117.1 million a year earlier and accounted for 45.5 percent of Softcare’s total revenue during the period.
The company attributed the regional performance to higher sales volumes, wider distribution networks, production optimisation and expansion into new markets.
Softcare also said the strengthening of currencies in some African markets against the US dollar contributed to higher average selling prices when revenues were converted into US dollars.
At group level, Softcare’s revenue increased by 30.7 percent to $332.7 million during the six months.
Profit for the period rose 46 percent to $75.8 million, reflecting stronger sales and improved performance across its operating markets.
The company said its strategy of expanding distribution channels and improving production efficiency had helped sustain growth in its core African markets.
The results highlight the growing importance of Africa to Softcare’s overall business as demand for affordable hygiene and personal-care products continues to increase.
Baby-care products remained Softcare’s largest source of revenue, generating $261.9 million during the period.
The category accounted for 78.7 percent of the group’s total revenue and includes products such as baby diapers and baby pants.
Feminine-care products generated $56 million, while family-care products contributed $14.9 million.
The performance comes as manufacturers of hygiene products continue to target Africa’s growing population and expanding consumer markets.
In Kenya, Softcare competes in a market where consumers remain highly sensitive to prices, making affordability and distribution important factors in determining demand for diapers, sanitary products and other household essentials.
Softcare has also continued to expand its production capacity to support growth.
By June 2026, the company had 10 factories and 73 production lines in operation, representing an increase of one factory and seven production lines from the end of 2025.
The expanded capacity is expected to support higher production volumes while allowing the company to respond to growing demand across its African markets.
Softcare said production optimisation remained a key part of its strategy as it seeks to improve efficiency and strengthen its position in East and West Africa.
The continued investment in manufacturing and distribution comes as the company seeks to consolidate its presence in markets such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania while expanding into additional African markets.
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