Tea Machinery Engineering Company's (TEMEC) innovative machines and spares have made a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of more than 650,000 Kenyan tea farmers
Kenya Tea Development Agency Holdings (KTDA-H) Chief Executive Officer, Wilson Muthaura said TEMEC’s impact on the tea industry in Kenya has been immense.
He observed that its commitment to quality and innovation helped tea farmers increase their earnings while improving the quality of tea produced in KTDA-managed tea factories.
Muthaura observed that the impact of TEMEC on the Kenyan economy was immensely positive adding that the company's commitment to the government's manufacturing and industrialization agenda has led to increased employment opportunities for Kenyans.
Muthaura added that the company has been at the forefront of providing quality machinery and engineering services to small-scale tea farmers and tea factories in Kenya, resulting in increased earnings for farmers.
“TEMEC’s services are in line with Sustainable Development Goal Nine (SDG9) which is building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable and inclusive industrialisation and fostering innovation,” he said
Tea is one of the most important cash crops in Kenya, with small-scale tea farmers contributing significantly to the country's economy, said the agency responsible for over 60% of the tea produced in Kenya through the ingenious aggregation of small-holder tea farmers from 19 tea-producing counties.
He said Tea Machinery and Engineering Company (TEMEC) which is one of KTDA’s subsidiaries has been instrumental in providing quality machinery and engineering services to the tea industry in Kenya.
“TEMEC was established in 2014 by KTDA(H) Ltd to provide customised solutions that meet the unique needs of each tea factory and small-scale farmer,” he said.
The Group CEO said TEMEC has invested in the training of tea factory staff which resulted in the development of skilled technicians and engineers who contribute to the growth and development of the tea industry in Kenya.
“One of TEMEC's innovative solutions is the screw conveyor that has been incorporated into the tea drying process and has helped to automate the tea drying process which minimises chances of tea leaves coming into contact with the ground,” he noted.
Muthaura said Kagwe, Ngere, and Makomboki tea factories are some of the beneficiaries of this innovative strategy, which has improved the quality of tea produced while reducing labour costs.
TEMEC has also been at the forefront of promoting sustainability in the tea industry by introducing energy-saving solutions.
TEMEC general manager Engineer Michael Cherutich said by providing quality tea processing machinery and spares, the company has helped factories reduce their costs significantly, resulting in better earnings for the farmers.
He said the Provision of quality tea plucking machines has gone a long way in reducing labour costs for the small-scale farmer due to the machine’s efficiency, reliability and affordability of the machine which is also offered through Greenland Fedha another subsidiary of KTDA(H) Ltd financing.
He concluded that TEMEC's innovative solutions have not only transformed the tea industry in Kenya but have also had a positive impact on the economy.
He said the company's commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability is a shining example for other industries to follow.
TEMEC's work has not gone unnoticed, and it is no surprise that the company continues to grow and expand its operations both in Kenya and beyond.
