The eagerly awaited government-backed, locally assembled smartphones are slated to enter the market on October 30, with a retail price of $40 (approximately Ksh6,000), according to ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo. While specific details about the phone’s specifications and initial batch size have not been disclosed, the release date is confirmed.
Notably, information about the brand name and the distribution strategy to reach last-mile retail outlets remains limited. The release date marks a two-month delay from the previously mentioned target in August, with Mr. Owalo declining to provide further updates on the project despite inquiries from the press.
These mobile devices are being assembled through a collaboration involving a three-member consortium comprising Chinese dealer Shenzhen TeleOne Technology, Safaricom, and Jamii Telecommunications at the Konza Technopolis smart city. This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to promote digital access and inclusion in Kenya.
President William Ruto first revealed the production plan in December of the previous year, as part of a broader agenda to revolutionize the country’s digital economy. The project, promising affordable smartphones, was initially set to be delivered within eight to 12 months of the year, making it a potential game-changing development.
Source: The East African