Kenya will launch its first locally manufactured smartphones in the next two months as the government seeks to increase internet-enabled mobile phone penetration.
ICT Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo said that the expensive cost of devices has hindered digital inclusion.
The gadgets, assembled at the Konza Technopolis in Malili, Machakos County, will retail at Kes5,488, affordable compared to other big brands, such as Samsung.
“We are alive to the question of the affordability of ICT devices as a potential hindrance to the ability of citizens to exploit the full potential that this sector presents,” Owalo said.
Further, Owalo noted that his ministry has been actively engaging diverse stakeholders in the ICT and manufacturing sectors on the prospects of producing low-cost smartphones and lowering data costs.
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However, the CS disagrees with revealing the company making the smartphones.
In 2013, 14 companies showed interest in setting up operations in the Konza City project, such as Chinese corporations Huawei and Safaricom.
