P&G introduces budget sanitary pads in Kenya
Fast moving consumer goods manufacturer Procter and Gamble (P&G) has introduced a new budget sanitary pad product that is 41 per cent cheaper in response to increased competition from cheap Chinese imports that have flooded the market in recent years.
The Always Cotton Soft, packing eight pieces, is retailing at Sh50 compared to the Sh85 at which the original flagship brand is selling.
P&G says the new product targets low-income women.
“P&G is focused on making everyday life a little bit better for millions of women in Kenya,” said Always brand manager, Ivy Kimani.
The government in November 2016 removed duty charged on raw materials used in production of sanitary pads, giving manufacturers a shot in the arm.
Before the concession, raw materials used in the making of sanitary pads attracted value added tax (VAT) at 16 per cent and excise duties of 25 per cent.
Existence of the tax had effectively given an upper hand to non-resident manufacturers at the expense of the local producers.
