50pc of Kenyan businesses have ‘managed well’ in 2021- Syspro

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 24  –  A survey conducted by global software provider SYSPRO Africa has revealed that 50 percent of Kenyan businesses have managed well in 2021, more than a year after the first case of coronavirus was reported ushering in a period of distorted business operations.

The survey which was conducted between September and November 2021 across a range of global manufacturing and distribution businesses, revealed that 7 percent of the businesses had already recovered while another 8 percent projected full recovery in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Twenty-three and 20 percent of the businesses projected recovery in the first half and second half of 2022.

Twenty-five percent of the business said they were thriving well compared to 16 percent who reported that they were barely surviving.

Speaking during the launch of the survey findings, Doug Hunter, Head of Customer and Ecosystem Enablement at SYSPRO Africa noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had prompted the need for diversification and innovation in changing global market policies to help businesses adapt to the ‘new normal’ of the digitized world.

“While we have seen an expedited global move towards diversification particularly in digital transformation in the manufacturing and distribution sector, Kenya’s uptake has been much slower. The mentality however remains the same: Innovation is essential,” Hunter said.

Fifty-one percent of the businesses cited no support from the government in the past eighteen months subduing the various interventions put in place by President Uhuru Kenyatta to lessen the impact of the pandemic on businesses.

Thirty-eight percent noted they benefitted from the tax deductions,13 percent cited stimulus packages support while 5 percent said they had gained from various free courses training which helped to upskill their human resources.

While the pandemic enabled various businesses to upscale their digital technology including hybrid work strategies, 30 percent reported increased return of investment (ROI) compared to 28 percent who reported no ROI.

Syspro noted that the return on digital investment comes down to how companies deploy the technology they acquire.

“It is not how much you spend that matters; it is how you spend it. User experiences can also influence how technology is used and eventually affect the return on investment,” the statement issued read in part.

The survey findings further revealed that while globally CFOs in the manufacturing sector showed insistence on rapid diversification as a COVID-19 countermeasure, Kenya’s ability to weather the storm through more traditional means proved that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

“With the momentum displayed by Kenya’s international peers, the onus is fast becoming one of digital renovation. The world is moving into a digital space so companies must ready themselves for this new era of online agility