Kenya produced 194,000 smartphone units in the third month after launch of local assembly plant in Nairobi last year October.
- •The initiative, billed as a way forward in enabling meaningful connectivity and uptake of smartphones, is set for expansion this year to include a tablet, a feature smart phone, a mobigo device and a larger 6.75” smartphone.
- •The device assembly factory was set-up as a joint venture of local Mobile Network Operators and International device manufacturers.
- •The devices which will be available countrywide at Faiba shops and dealer stores as well as Safaricom shops and Masoko online platform retail from KES. 7499.
“The factory can produce 3 million devices annually. Local assembly of smartphones will go a long way in addressing the challenge of counterfeit handsets in the country. Without telecommunications standards, this feat would have been hard to achieve,” said Eliud Owalo, ICT and IDigital Economy Cabinet Secretary.
Its projected that the factory will generate between 300 and 500 direct jobs, foster local talent development and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“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,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom during the official opening of the plant.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the Africa Regional preparatory meeting for the upcoming World Telecommunications Standardization Assembly, Owalo stressed the need for standards in the ICT sector.
“I say this because ICT standards provide manufacturers with a solid basis on which to compete in the global marketplace, unhindered by technical barriers. Without standards, users would pay more for ICT goods and services. Consumers of ICT would bear the full cost of the lack of compatibility, interoperability, and seamless communications across diverse platforms and technologies.”
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