The Relationship between Road Network Status and Performance of Tea Processing Industry in Murang’a County, Kenya

Abstract

Most developed countries achieved their status through industrialization, shifting capital and labor from agriculture to manufacturing. Unfortunately, Kenya has seen a decline in manufacturing's contribution to GDP, particularly impacting the tea processing industry. Despite government efforts, including the latest industrialization policy and vision for 2030, which specifically targeted manufacturing, the desired outcomes remain elusive. This study examined the link between road network status and tea processing industry performance in the Murang'a count to investigate this menace. Development theory was used to provide a basis for the study. The study target population was 29,854 tea farmers in Murang'a county, out of which a sample of 379 tea farmers was selected by quota sampling. The study data was collected via questionnaires, document analysis, and group interviews. The data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson's correlation. Results revealed; a significant strong positive relationship between road network status and the performance of tea processing industries in Murang'a county (r=.628, p=.001 at α=.05). Consequently, the study recommends significant investments by the County and national governments in road network infrastructure to enhance tea processing industry performance to international standards.