Industrial Attachment Report On Pembe Flour Mills Limited
Industrial Attachment Report On Pembe Flour Mills Limited
Industrial Attachment Report On Pembe Flour Mills Limited
DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY
I, SALIM MOHAMED SALIM, declare that this Industrial Attachment Report titled
"[INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT ON PEMBE FLOUR MILLS LIMITED,
NAIROBI, KENYA]" is my original work. I affirm that all content, ideas, and findings presented
in this report are the result of my own efforts during the period of my attachment at Pembe Flour
Mills Ltd, Nairobi, Kenya.
I further declare that:
1. Any information, data, or ideas obtained from external sources are duly acknowledged in
the bibliography/references section of this report.
2. I have not submitted this report, or a substantially similar version of it, for any other
academic qualification or assessment.
3. The work presented in this report is in compliance with the academic integrity policies
and guidelines of JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND
TECHNOLOGY.
4. I am solely responsible for the authenticity and originality of the content presented in this
report.
5. I declare that this is my original work and has not been presented anywhere else to the
best of my knowledge.
6. I solemnly declare that the information contained in this attachment report is true and
accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have completed all of the tasks and
assignments that were assigned to me during my attachment at Pembe Flour Mills Ltd,
Nairobi, Kenya and I am grateful for the opportunity to have undertaken this attachment.
7. This is to declare that this attachment report is my original work and has never been
presented by another student in any other institution. No part of this report should be
presented without my knowledge or that of JKUAT.
8. I understand the consequences of submitting false information, and I am aware of the
academic and ethical implications associated with plagiarism.
Signature……………. Date…………………..
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CONFIRMATION STATEMENT BY COMPANY SUPERVISOR
I, SAID MUNIR SAID, hereby confirm that I have supervised the Industrial Attachment of
SALIM MOHAMED SALIM during the period 11TH SEPTEMBER to 11TH NOVEMBER at
Pembe Flour Mills Ltd, Nairobi, Kenya.
1. The content of the report reflects the work undertaken during the attachment period.
2. To the best of my knowledge, the information presented in the report is accurate and
based on the activities carried out at Pembe Flour Mills Ltd.
4. I confirm that Salim Mohamed Salim was attached at Pembe Flour Mills, IT department
and undertook industrial attachment with us for three months.
I acknowledge that SALIM MOHAMED SALIM has abided by the ethical standards and
guidelines set by Pembe Flour Mills Ltd during the attachment period.
Signature………………... Date…………………..
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Supervisor:
I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, Said Munir Said, for their unwavering support, guidance,
and mentorship throughout the attachment period. Their insights, constructive feedback, and
willingness to share knowledge have significantly contributed to my professional and personal
development.
University Faculty:
I would also like to acknowledge the faculty and staff at JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY for their support and for facilitating the
coordination of the industrial attachment program. Their commitment to providing students with
practical learning experiences has been invaluable.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report encapsulates the immersive experience and insights gained during my industrial
attachment at Pembe Flour Mills Ltd in Nairobi, Kenya.
The history of Pembe Flour Mills reveals a legacy of commitment to quality and innovation,
propelling the company to a prominent position in the food processing industry.
Exploring the core activities exposed me to the intricacies of flour production, emphasizing
the company's dedication to delivering premium-grade products.
Pembe Flour Mills' vision, mission, and core values underscore its pursuit of excellence,
integrity, customer focus, innovation, and sustainability.
Within the host attachment department, the Production Department's functions, staff
establishment, and my objectives for the attachment period are detailed.
Gratitude is extended to the supervisor, management, colleagues, and university faculty for
their pivotal roles in shaping this enriching experience.
This report stands as a testament to the seamless integration of academic knowledge and
practical exposure, fostering personal and professional growth during my tenure at Pembe
Flour Mills Ltd.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION………………………………………………………………………….………2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………………………….………..4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY……………………………………………………………….………5
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION…………………………………..………………….………….7
1.1 History of the organization……………………………………………………...…….7
1.2 Main functions or core values of the institution……………………………………..10
1.3 Vision, mission statement and core value of the institution………………………....12
1.4 Organization structure of the host institution ………………………………………..13
1.5 Duties and responsibilities of the key personnel in the organization………………...14
CHAPTER 2: HOST ATTACHMENT DEPARTMENT…………………………………….....16
2.1 Key functions/activities of the department…………………………………………..16
2.2 Staff establishment of the department in terms of number of employees …………...16
2.3 Student’s main ojective for the attachment exercise…………………………………17
2.4 Attache’s assigned routine duties and deparment’s participation forums…………...17
CHAPTER 3 EVALUATION OF THE ATTACHMENT PERIOD…………………………....18
3.1 Success/failure of the attachmet exercise……………………………………………18
3.2 Challenges encountered by the student during the attachment period…………….…19
3.3 How the challenges were overcomed/solved……………………………………...…20
3.4 Recommendations as how the attachment exercise can be improved by campus…...20
3.5 CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………………21
3.6 REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………23
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
HISTORY
Pembe Flour Mills Ltd, founded in 1989, has cultivated a distinguished history within the food
processing industry in Nairobi, Kenya.
Originating from a commitment to quality and innovation, the company has grown to become a
prominent player, contributing significantly to the regional market.Pembe started the milling
business with a maize meal plant, in 1989, and later expanded to several wheat mill plants in
1996.
In Kenya, the company processes wheat, maize and animal feeds. Pembe ventured into Tanzania
in 2002 to expand their brand into neighbouring countries. A fully automated machine was set up
in Tanga’s Industrial Area and commercial production began later in the following year and the
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products they manufacture include Home Baking Flour, Special Baking Flour, Biscuit Flour,
Bran and Pollard as by products.
The company later expanded in to Uganda and opened their mill in Kampala’s Industrial Area in
2003. The plant produces the Pembe brand of home baking flour and bakers flour. At the
invitation of the Rwandan Government, Pembe was amongst several millers offered to take a
mill and have it operational within a short period of time in Rwanda.
They won the tender due to their quality track record and ventured into the country and began
milling wheat in 2007. After a few years Pembe ventured into Burundi and opened a Plant in
2010 to manufacture wheat flour. As part of its vision and expansion strategies, In 2011 Pembe
commissioned a wheat, maize and feed mill in Lusaka, Zambia and later the next year in
Burundi.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Pembe believes in using the best when delivering the best. They use Swiss, German and Turkish
technology; ensuring that their machines are top of the line.
PRODUCT
Pembe Flour Mills food products undergo a vigorous selection process when selecting their raw
materials during procession and packaging. They produce a wide variety of products that
include:
• PEMBE Self Raising Flour
• PEMBE fortified Maize Meal
• PEMBE All Purpose Home Baking Flour
• PEMBE Bakers Flour (Premium and Standard)
• PEMBE Biscuit Flour
• PEMBE Atta Mark 1
• PEMBE Whole Meal Flour
• PEMBE Animal Feeds
• PEMBE UJI Mix Sour Porridge
• SMATA Unga Safi Wa Ngano (Fortified with Minerals and Vitamins)
• SMATA Grade 1 Sifted Maize Meal (Fortified with Minerals and Vitamins)
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Quality Assurance
Pembe Flour Mills driving force is to serve people with nutritious high quality food. To assure
and maintain their high standards, the company continuously makes sure that there are regular
quality checks throughout their production stage.
PROMOTION
Over the decades the Brand’s superior quality and consistency has enabled it to become a
recognised and preferred brand name in many households. The company has invested in major
outlet openings and other promotions including; both print and broadcast media campaigns, in-
store promotions, demonstrations, events and seminars. Creating further awareness of the brand
with posters carrying their populars logan “Pembe poa’.
They are also proud of the Pembe Breeders
Show that is held after every two Years.
Exhibitions
Pembe Flour Mills are very active with the community and frequently participate in exhibitions
and food festivals in all over Kenya. There most recent endeavour was their participation in the
East Africa Bakery Expo 2021; needless to say there were a roaring success there.
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Brochures / Booklets
Pembe has always been proud of all their achievements regardless of how small or large they are.
They work hard and share their success with the distribution of Super brand leaflets and books.
The publications that contain information about their products, history, markets, promotions and
brand values to ensure their continuous “brand presence” in the market.
BRAND VALUES
Pembe’s mission is “To satisfy consumer needsfor flour and other products through efficient and
innovative production and marketing practices; to achieve the highest standards of customer
service; and to ensure the company’s long term financial viability.”
The company envisions being among East Africa’s leading manufacturing companies that
efficiently and profitably produces and markets flour and animal feeds to world-class standards.
Pembe prides itself in being associated with consistency in its quality, hence their slogan – The
Mark Of Trusted Quality. Backed with experience learned over the decades, Pembe purchases
the best raw materials and has the best know-how in production to attain a level of professional
expertise in flour and feed milling.
Their core values include integrity and excellence in everything they do, customer satisfaction at
all levels, passionate about what they do, efficiency in every process and, most of all, teamwork
as nothing gets done well in such a massive scale when done alone. The company values
consistency in product quality and service.
It is particular about Customer Satisfaction and the brand is committed to ensuring the highest
levels of customer service to attain loyalty and ensuring the product meets world-class standards.
Pembe is very keen on the products it produces and the company has incorporated a laboratory
that tests for grain, flour and feed quality, with various test for aflatoxin.
It has the DA 7200 sixseconds NIR analysis, which has superior accuracy and it analyses all the
grains, flour and animal feeds. All Pembe’s raw materials are tested on the spot prior to
production and at the end of a production process prior to releasing it in the market.
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Conducting research on sustainable practices in the food processing industry.
Implementing environmentally friendly initiatives and ensuring responsible
sourcing practices.
9. Customer Service:
Providing excellent customer service to address inquiries, concerns, and feedback
from consumers.
Building a positive brand image and fostering customer loyalty.
Vision:
To be the preferred provider of top-quality flour products, recognized for excellence and
innovation in the food processing industry.
Mission:
Pembe Flour Mills Ltd is committed to producing and supplying superior flour products
that contribute to the health and well-being of our consumers. We strive to exceed
customer expectations through continuous improvement, innovation, and sustainable
practices.
Core Values:
Quality: Ensuring the highest standards in our products and processes.
Integrity: Conducting business with honesty, transparency, and ethical practices.
Customer Focus: Meeting and exceeding customer needs through exceptional service.
Innovation: Embracing creativity and technology to enhance our products and operations.
Sustainability: Operating responsibly to contribute to the well-being of society and the
environment.
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1.4. Organizational structure of the host institution
Pembe Flour Mills Ltd operates within a well-defined organizational structure designed to
optimize efficiency and facilitate effective decision-making. This structure encompasses various
departments, each with specific responsibilities, including Production, Sales and Marketing,
Quality Control, and Administration.
3. Departments:
a. Production Department:
Production Manager
Quality Control Manager
Production Supervisors
Line Workers
b. Sales and Marketing Department:
Sales and Marketing Manager
Sales Representatives
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Marketing Specialists
c. Finance Department:
Finance Manager
Accountants
Financial Analysts
d. Human Resources Department:
Human Resources Manager
HR Specialists
Training and Development Officers
e. Administrative Department:
Administrative Manager
Administrative Assistants
Receptionists
4. Support Functions:
IT Department
Maintenance and Facilities
Legal and Compliance
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Overseeing the overall operations and ensuring alignment with the company's
goals and vision.
Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, partners, and
regulatory bodies.
2. Production Manager:
Managing and coordinating the entire production process, ensuring efficiency and
quality control.
Developing and implementing production plans to meet demand while optimizing
resources.
Overseeing the maintenance of equipment and facilities to ensure uninterrupted
production.
3. Sales and Marketing Manager:
Developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies to promote Pembe
Flour Mills' products.
Establishing and maintaining relationships with distributors, retailers, and key
clients.
Monitoring market trends and competition to identify opportunities for growth.
4. Quality Control Manager:
Ensuring that all products meet the required quality standards and regulatory
compliance.
Implementing and managing quality control processes throughout the production
cycle.
Investigating and addressing any quality issues or customer complaints promptly.
5. Finance Manager:
Managing financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for the organization.
Overseeing financial transactions, audits, and compliance with financial
regulations.
Providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making.
6. Human Resources Manager:
Managing recruitment, training, and development programs for employees.
Overseeing HR policies, employee relations, and ensuring a positive work culture.
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Handling personnel matters, including performance evaluations and conflict
resolution.
CHAPTER TWO
The IT department at Pembe Flour Mills Ltd is integral to the organization's technological
infrastructure. Key functions and activities of the IT department include:
Managing and maintaining the company's network infrastructure.
Overseeing server operations to ensure seamless business continuity.
Implementing and monitoring cybersecurity measures to protect against potential threats.
Providing technical support to employees for hardware and software-related issues.
Developing and maintaining custom software applications to enhance operational
efficiency.
Conducting regular technology assessments and recommending upgrades.
2.2. Staff establishment of the department in terms of the number of employees and their
duties and responsibilities
The IT department is staffed with professionals, each contributing to the department's success.
Key roles and responsibilities within the IT department include:
IT Manager:
Responsibilities: Overseeing the entire IT department, strategic planning, and
project management.
Network Administrator:
Responsibilities: Managing and optimizing the company's network infrastructure.
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System Administrator:
Responsibilities: Overseeing server operations, backups, and system upgrades.
Security Analyst:
Responsibilities: Implementing and monitoring cybersecurity measures.
Help Desk/Support Specialists:
Responsibilities: Providing technical support to employees.
Software Developer:
Responsibilities: Developing and maintaining custom software applications.
During the attachment period in the IT department, the student aims to achieve the following
objectives:
Gain practical experience in network administration and optimization.
Understand the intricacies of server operations, including backups and upgrades.
Develop skills in implementing cybersecurity measures to safeguard company assets.
Provide assistance in resolving technical issues and supporting end-users.
Participate in software development projects to enhance business processes.
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Monthly IT Team Meetings: Discussing ongoing projects, challenges, and sharing
insights.
Technology Innovation Forum: Exploring and discussing emerging technologies relevant
to the industry.
CHAPTER THREE
The attachment period in the IT department at Pembe Flour Mills Ltd was largely successful in
achieving the student's main objectives. Specific successes include:
Attaining hands-on experience in network administration and optimization.
Gaining insights into server operations, backups, and system upgrades.
Developing practical skills in implementing cybersecurity measures.
Providing effective support in resolving technical issues for end-users.
Contributing actively to software development projects, enhancing business processes.
FAILURES
1. Some of the days the organization experienced system failures that made it impossible to
work due to a faulty UPS during power blackouts, risking the functional lifespan of the
systems.
2. Weighbridge server failure which made it impossible to undertake the normal operations
of the firm thus weighing was done manually.
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SOLUTIONS
1. First the team worked on getting a new UPS to replace the faulty one, in order to avoid
loses that would be brought by the systems.
2. The firm was in the process of buying an up-to date server to be used by the weighbridge
I was able to meet and work with potential employers and other staff members thus
socializing which really helped in improving my communication skills.
Exposure to demands and challenges of the work place like giving feedback in the
appropriate time, reporting early enough at work, and relating with different categories of
people as well as performing the daily activities.
The attachment helped me gain more confidence since I had to do different activities
which at times had to be addressed to my superiors.
New knowledge and practical experience was acquired in the field of communication and
interpersonal skills among others that would help in my future employment fields.
Despite the overall success, certain challenges were encountered during the attachment period:
Limited exposure to certain advanced technologies due to project constraints.
Time constraints affecting the depth of involvement in long-term projects.
Occasional communication gaps leading to a delay in obtaining project-specific
information.
One of the challenges I encountered during the attachment period was the large volume
of work that the IT department handles. This meant that I had to work quickly and
efficiently to complete my assigned tasks. However, I was able to overcome these
challenges with the help of my supervisor and the other members of the finance
department.
Due to the fact that I was new in the organization, it took me a while to get used and cope
with the environment. It was challenging since I wasn’t used to the culture and society.
The first days of the attachment , I did not have much to do and had to be vigilant and sit,
and the day would end with not much done. This was kinda a challenge for the first week
because I would be idle for a while before getting assigned something to work on.
However it was solved by my allocated supervisor who provided a schedule of duties for
me.
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It was hard to understand the systems used in the organization, how to access their
servers remotely, how to browse them and the main function of each system. It was kinda
hard and confusing for me at first to differentiate each system’s IP addresses, but it was
made easier by my IT team for the training of each system that they provided to me.
Based on the attachment experience, the following recommendations are made for enhancing the
overall effectiveness of future attachment exercises:
Facilitate more comprehensive orientations to ensure students are well-prepared for the
specific industry and technological environment they will be working in.
Establish a structured mentorship program to provide students with continuous guidance
and support throughout the attachment period.
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Encourage regular feedback sessions between students and industry supervisors to
address challenges promptly and enhance the overall learning experience.
Promote flexibility in project assignments, allowing students to delve deeper into areas of
specific interest.
The university should provide more support to students during the attachment
period. This could include helping students to find attachments, and providing guidance
on how to complete the attachment report.
The University should provide students with more information about the attachment
exercise before they start their attachments. This information should include information
about the types of tasks that students will be expected to perform, the challenges that they
may encounter, and how to overcome those challenges.
The University should also provide students with more support during their attachments.
This support could include providing students with access to training resources,
mentoring them, and helping them to resolve any problems they may encounter.
3.5. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the attachment period at Pembe Flour Mills Ltd provided a valuable and enriching
experience, allowing for practical application of theoretical knowledge in a real-world work
environment. The IT department emerged as a dynamic and integral component of the
organization, presenting numerous learning opportunities and challenges.
Achievements and Learnings: The attachment exercise successfully met its objectives, offering
a comprehensive understanding of network administration, server operations, cybersecurity
implementation, technical support, and software development. The exposure to the day-to-day
operations of a leading flour mill expanded both technical competencies and soft skills.
Challenges and Resolutions: While the attachment was largely successful, challenges such as
limited exposure to advanced technologies and time constraints were encountered. Proactive
measures, including seeking additional learning opportunities and improved time management,
were implemented to overcome these challenges, enhancing the overall experience.
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Recommendations for Improvement: To enhance future attachment experiences,
recommendations have been proposed. These include comprehensive orientation sessions,
structured mentorship programs, regular feedback mechanisms, and increased flexibility in
project assignments. These suggestions aim to optimize the learning curve and ensure a more
seamless integration of students into industry settings.
Acknowledgments: I express my sincere gratitude to the entire team at Pembe Flour Mills Ltd
for their support, guidance, and willingness to share knowledge. Special thanks to the IT
department for providing a nurturing learning environment and contributing to a positive and
productive attachment experience.
Closing Thoughts: The attachment at Pembe Flour Mills Ltd not only deepened technical skills
but also instilled a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of various departments
within an organization. The exposure to industry practices and collaboration with seasoned
professionals has been invaluable, shaping a holistic perspective on the application of technology
in a real-world business setting.
This attachment has undoubtedly contributed significantly to personal and professional growth.
As I look forward to applying these experiences in future endeavors, I am confident that the
lessons learned and skills acquired will serve as a solid foundation for a successful career in the
ever-evolving field of Information Technology.
REFERENCES
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https://www.instagram.com/pembeflour/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/PembeFlourMills/
https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-
profiles.pembe_flour_mills_limited.ce08e170bcf8c915b628d596c0fd1e98.html
https://www.brandsearch.superbrands.com/download/1588/east-africa-volume-7/98077/
east-africa-volume-7-pembe.pdf
https://www.brandsearch.superbrands.com/download/1509/east-africa-volume-5/94668/
east-africa-edition-5-pembe.pdf
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