President William Ruto on Monday unveiled Kenya’s first smartphone assembly plant at the  East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited (EADAK) in Athi River, Machakos County to produce affordable gadgets for Kenyans.

EADAK is a joint venture of local mobile network operators and international device manufacturers.

The devices, which will be available countrywide at Faiba shops, dealer stores, Safaricom shops, and the Masoko online platform, retailing from Kes 7,499.

Mobile phones will be 4G-enabled Neon 5 ‘Smarta’ and 6 ½ ‘Ultra.’

However, plans are underway to make more products in the next few months, including locally assembled tablets.

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The factory, which fulfills the government’s promise to establish local smartphone assembly capacity in Kenya, has been built to produce up to 3 million mobile phone units annually.

EADAK Chairman, Joshua Chepkwony said the assembly plant will support the government’s agenda to enhance digital inclusion in the country.

“We have been able to achieve affordability through a collaborative approach that comprises industry partnership and favourable government policies,” he said.

They project the new facility to generate 300 and 500 direct jobs, foster local talent, and boost the local economy.

Safaricom's Chief Executive Officer(CEO) stated that EADAK reaffirms the telecommunications company's belief in the power of connectivity to transform lives and drive economic progress.

“This partnership underscores our relentless pursuit to expand 4G access and empower Kenyans through affordable, high-quality smartphones, create employment opportunities and grow our economy.”