KTDA completes SAP rollout across 71 factories, aims to boost efficiency and transparency in Kenya’s tea industry
KENYA – The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has finalized the implementation of SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) across all 71 of its managed factories.
The ERP system, designed to enhance productivity and efficiency, will streamline functions across KTDA’s tea value chain, including green leaf management, logistics, finance, human resources, and sales and marketing.
The rollout of SAP, which began in 2016, represents a key step toward modernizing operations for Kenya’s tea sector, benefitting more than 700,000 tea farmers nationwide.
SAP is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that integrates diverse business functions into a single, unified database.
The system provides faster access to real-time data, enabling organizations to make informed decisions more efficiently. By integrating the SAP system, KTDA aims to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen information security, streamline payment processing, and improve data reporting accuracy for timely and effective decision-making.
KTDA Management Services’ Managing Director, Collins Bett, emphasized the milestone’s significance, recognizing the collaboration and dedication of all stakeholders involved.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of all stakeholders involved. We are excited to reap the benefits of this transformative project and continue to drive efficiency and growth within the tea industry,” Bett said.
Additionally, KTDA has implemented anti-tampering devices on green leaf weighing scales at the factories, ensuring transparent weight records that directly affect payments to farmers.
Each scale is equipped with an advanced anti-tampering gadget embedded with a GSM card that sends instant alerts to factory managers in case of tampering.
This development safeguards the integrity of the weighing process, preventing any unauthorized adjustments that could impact farmer earnings.
In tandem with the SAP rollout, KTDA has also introduced an app and USSD service that allow farmers to access real-time information regarding their green leaf weights, payments, and updates on the tea industry.
These digital tools aim to enhance transparency, providing farmers with easier access to vital data and ensuring they stay informed about the sector’s progress.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Principal Secretary has directed the Kenya Tea Board to conduct a comprehensive audit of private tea factories.
This audit aims to address issues affecting tea production and sustain the reputation of Kenyan tea in the global market.
The Principal Secretary has advised against registering new tea factories until the audit’s completion, urging the board to address farmers’ quality complaints promptly to maintain Kenya’s competitive edge internationally.
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