Kim-Fay, a leading manufacturer and distributor of hygiene, tissue, and home care products in East Africa, has received funding from the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund) and I&M Bank for its new facility at Tatu City, a 5,000-acre mixed-use Special Economic Zone located just outside Nairobi.
The financing from Norfund and I&M Bank will facilitate Kim-Fay’s expansion efforts, particularly in providing affordable tissue paper to lower-income segments. The funds will be used to construct a new recycled paper manufacturing facility at Tatu City, utilizing locally sourced wastepaper. The facility is projected to be operational by 2025.
Raj Bains, CEO of Kim-Fay, stated, “This investment is timely as the demand for tissue and hygiene products grows across Kenya and East Africa. Our new facility at Tatu City will help us meet this demand more effectively while upholding our commitment to sustainability through recycled materials. We are grateful to Norfund and I&M Bank for their support.”
David Karimi, Deputy Country Head and Head of Sales at Tatu City, remarked, “We are excited to welcome Kim-Fay to Tatu City. This partnership not only enhances Tatu City’s status as a premier investment destination but also aligns with our mission to drive economic growth and sustainable development. The collaboration with Norfund and I&M Bank highlights Tatu City’s appeal to world-class enterprises that contribute to Kenya’s economic advancement.”
Kim-Fay, which is licensed in Kenya to manufacture, market, and distribute Kimberly-Clark products, including Kleenex, Kotex, and Huggies, also distributes Unilever’s Dove and Lux brands. The company recently signed a distribution agreement with Dabur Limited, an Indian multinational known for its Ayurvedic products.
The investment aligns with Norfund’s mandate to support sustainable enterprises, create job opportunities, and improve livelihoods in developing economies. William Nyaoke, East Africa Director at Norfund, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with I&M Bank to finance Kim-Fay’s expansion and the development of a cutting-edge wastepaper recycling facility at Tatu City. This project underscores our commitment to promoting sustainable business practices and regional economic growth.”
Edward Burbidge, CEO at I&M Burbidge Capital, added, “We are pleased to have assisted Kim-Fay with its debt capital raise and to have secured long-term financing partners for the Tatu City tissue manufacturing facility.”
Kim-Fay’s product range, which includes baby care, feminine hygiene, and personal care products, serves markets in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. The company’s focus on affordability and sustainability positions it well to meet the rising demand for hygiene products driven by a growing middle class and increased consumer awareness.
Tatu City hosts over 80 local, regional, and global businesses, including CCI Global, Heineken, Dormans, Kärcher, Cooper K-Brands, Grit Real Estate Income Group, Twiga Foods, and more. The Special Economic Zone offers numerous business benefits, including VAT zero-rating, import and stamp duty exemptions, and favorable corporate tax rates.
