Enhancing Project Performance through Risk Reduction: Evidence from Tea System Automation in Kenya

This study examined the relationship between project risk mitigation and the performance of the Tea System Automation Project in Kenya. As automation efforts intensify within firms managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), addressing risks associated with technological adoption has become critical to ensuring project success. The research explored how minimizing key risks — including technological setbacks and operational interruptions — impacts the efficiency, reliability, and overall effectiveness of the automation process. A descriptive research design was employed, focusing on project managers, executives, and other primary stakeholders involved in the implementation. Specifically, the study targeted 69 project managers, 69 project coordinators, and 207 project committee executives, amounting to 345 participants. The sampling frame comprised 69 active KTDA-managed tea processing firms, from which a sample of 185 individuals was randomly selected using the Taro Yamane (1967) sampling formula. The findings indicate that while risk mitigation strengthens project stability and concentration, it demands thorough planning and active stakeholder engagement to prevent disruptions and accountability challenges. The study’s outcomes underscore the importance of effective risk management practices in enhancing the performance of tea system automation initiatives within KTDA-managed entities and similar environments.