Determinants of implementation of total quality management in KTDA as a processing industry in Kenya: a case of KTDA factories in Nyeri county, Kenya

Abstract

The agriculture sector is getting competitive every day. In order to be successful, Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation ought to be the integral part of any organization’s strategic management. Total Quality Management (TQM) is considered as one of the most important approaches to achieve quality in processing industries not only in Kenya but the world over. The purpose of this study was to assess the determinants of implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in KTDA as a processing industry in Kenya with a case study of KTDA factories in Nyeri County. Nyeri County was chosen because it had well established KTDA factories that were already implementing TQM. The study sought to establish the extent to which top management commitment, employees’ training, continuous improvement of products and services and communication influence implementation of TQM in processing industries in Kenya. A descriptive research design was utilized in this study. A pilot test was conducted on 5 quality team members at Kanyenyaini Tea Factory in Murang’a to test reliability. The target population for the study were members of staff of the five KTDA factories in Nyeri County. The study adopted census sampling method since all quality team members were identified as the respondents. The sample size for this study was 75 persons. Structured questionnaire were administered through drop and pick method to the respondents in the five KTDA factories in Nyeri County. Responses from 58 respondents were obtained representing 77.3% response rate. Data were then analysed using SPSS program (version 20). The data were presented in form of tables to show frequencies, percentages and correlations. The study found out that top management commitment, employees’ training, continuous improvement of products and services and communication were all critical since they had positive influence in the implementation of TQM. The study concluded that the success of the implementation process depends on how well the company understands the process and the strategies adopted. The study recommends that top management be in front line to provide leadership and critical resources needed for successful implementation of TQM; that employees at all levels are trained on TQM; that continuous improvement of goods and services be a key objective in every company to gain competitive edge. Finally the study further recommends that companies develop appropriate communication system that allows free flow of quality information at all levels. Further studies have been suggested on variables like customer satisfaction and organizational performance and how they influence TQM implementation in other sectors.