The government is set to launch cheap smartphones into the Kenyan market in the foreseeable future.
According to the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, feasibility studies are complete and indicate that the country can produce cheap smartphones for its citizens.
Speaking Wednesday during the launch of digital laboratories at the Maseno School, Owalo says very soon, the market will be awash with affordable phones for every Kenyan, regardless of their economic status.
“We are very soon rolling out in the market our first batch of locally assembled smart phones,” he said.
The CS says the cost of the phones will be pegged to Kes5,516.
Further, he says the high cost of smartphones has locked many Kenyans from consuming government services which are now on digital platforms.
“The affordability of smartphones has been a major hindrance to digital inclusion of many Kenyans and that is why as a government we have resolved to produce the gadgets locally,” he said.
According to Owalo, the government has installed digital infrastructure nationwide, making the devices accessible to most Kenyans.
Low-cost cellphones will be put together at the Konza Technopolis in Machakos County.
Owalo claims that to manufacture and distribute low-cost smartphones; the government collaborates closely with various parties in the manufacturing and private sectors.
