This archive report was first published on 21 November 2019.
On November 21, 2019, Safaricom announced a groundbreaking partnership with Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) to transform the way Kenyans consume alcohol.
The innovative project involves connecting and enhancing coolers with sensors supported by the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing EABL to remotely monitor trends in consumption of its beers and spirits across the country.
With this technology, EABL can pick up minor details such as the temperature a certain bar serves its beer, which is critical to its marketing and product positioning.
Smart Fridges ¶
Kenya Breweries Ltd Managing Director Jane Karuku emphasized the company's efforts to bring more efficiencies in its route-to-consumer channels, citing technology as a critical enabler.
"As we move towards improving our cutting-edge technology in manufacturing and logistics, we are redoubling our efforts in our marketplace as well, to ensure that consumers enjoy our products the way they should," she said.
This project will also enable KBL to track and invest in coolers to ensure products and innovations reach consumers at minimal cost, delays, and wastage.
IoT Solution ¶
Ms Rita Okuthe, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Safaricom PLC, explained that the mobile operator developed an IoT solution consisting of devices installed in the coolers with sensors to transmit various data.
This platform will generate business insights that will assist KBL to optimize the coolers.
For instance, EABL distributors can now tell where their assets are located, if the assets are in use or not, whether the assets are at the optimal temperature, and how many times the door of the cooler is opened.
Over 2,000 coolers are already connected.
Looking ahead to 2020, Safaricom aims to be a digital partner for businesses by providing solutions that improve the efficiency with which they do business, saving them money and therefore creating additional value for end-users.
