Kenya plans to roll out the first consignment of one million locally-assembled smartphones in two months at a unit price of Sh5,484 ($40), in a bid to foster digital access and inclusion.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said the affordability of smartphones has been a major hindrance to digital inclusion, hence the need to produce the gadgets locally.
He said the low-cost smartphones are being assembled at the Konza Technopolis in Malili, Machakos County and will retail at $40 (Sh5,484 at the current exchange rate).
“Based on feasibility studies undertaken, we can locally assemble smartphones at a unit cost of about $40. We’ve partnered with the private sector to ensure in the next two months, we can roll out our first consignment of low-cost smartphones,” said Mr Owalo during the official launch of the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) week at the Nairobi Safari Park on Wednesday.
“We are aware of the affordability crisis of smart devices as a potential hindrance to the ability of citizens to tap the full potential that this sector presents and we have actively engaged stakeholders in private and manufacturing to produce low-cost smartphones.”
