In a significant move to democratize smartphone access, Kenya has finally unveiled its first local smartphone assembly plant.
The East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited (EADAK ) was unveiled on Monday by President William Ruto and is a joint venture of local Mobile Network Operators including Safaricom Jamii Telecommunications and Chinese firm Shenzhen TeleOne Technology
The devices which will be available countrywide at Faiba shops and dealer stores as well as Safaricom shops and Masoko online platform will retail from KES. 7499 ($50).
The factory which is in fulfillment of the government’s promise to establish local smartphone assembly capacity in Kenya has been built with a capacity to produce up to 3 million mobile phone units annually.
“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,” said Joshua Chepkwony, Chairman of EADAK.
Speaking at the event, Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom said the launch reaffirms the telco’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,” he said.
The anchor mobile phone devices at launch will be the 4G-enabled Neon 5” “Smarta” and 6 ½” “Ultra”, with further devices diversifying the product range to be launched in the next few months, including a locally assembled tablet.