Kenya telecommunication companies have launched the much anticipated state-of-the-art East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited in Athi River, Machakos County.
In a statement during the launch, President William Ruto expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the profound impact it will have on the nation.
He noted that the facility’s establishment not only signifies a boost in job creation but also ensures that over three million people will have access to affordable smartphones produced domestically, significantly reducing the cost compared to importing these devices.
“We have achieved two fundamental milestones with these devices. When I see 300 Kenyans employed by this facility, producing 3 million devices that are 30% cheaper than if we had imported them, it’s a significant accomplishment. We not only benefit from job creation for our people but also from more affordable products,” Ruto highlighted.
Ruto also announced that Kenyans will be able to access government services through the local devices already preloaded with the E-citizen platform.
“Additionally, I successfully convinced the investors to preload the e-citizen platform, which we use for delivering government services, onto these phones. This means that every Kenyan who purchases this phone will have government services readily available,” he noted.
Kenya launches it’s first smartphone
In May, the government unveiled its plan to introduce the first batch of one million locally assembled smartphones in July, set to be sold at a retail price of Ksh5,506 ($40).
However, as per EADAK CEO Joshua Chepkwonyi, the smartphones will be retailing at Ksh 7,499 (approximately $49.81).
The initial mobile phone models at the launch will include the 4G-capable Neon 5-inch “Smarta” and the 6-and-a-half-inch “Ultra”.
EADAK also has plans to introduce a locally assembled tablet in the coming months.
These smartphones will be accessible across the entire nation, with distribution points at Faiba stores, dealer outlets, Safaricom branches, and the online Masoko platform.
Chepkwonyi emphasized that this assembly plant aligns with the government’s goal to promote digital inclusion within the country.
“This 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,” Chepkwony noted.
He noted that their affordability is a result of a collaborative effort, involving industry partnerships and favorable government policies.
The factory is expected to create between 300 and 500 direct job opportunities.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, expressed the significance of EADAK launch in bolstering connectivity’s potential to transform lives and stimulate economic growth.
He emphasized the company’s relentless commitment to expanding 4G accessibility and empowering Kenyans with reasonably priced, high-quality smartphones while simultaneously fostering job opportunities and economic growth through this partnership.
“The launch of EADAK reaffirms our 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,” Ndegwa highlighted.
