Kenya has finally unveiled the country’s first local smartphone assembly plant.
The East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited (EADAK) was unveiled by President William Ruto and is a consortium of local mobile network operators including Safaricom Jamii Telecommunications and Chinese company Shenzhen TeleOne Technology.
The local smartphones which will be available nationwide at Faiba stores and outlets as well as Safaricom outlets and the Masoko online platform will retail from KES. 7499 ($50).
By The Numbers
The factory has been built with production capability up to 3 million mobile units per year.
What they say
“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 includes industry partnership and favorable government policies,” he said Joshua ChepkwonyPresident of EADAK.
Speaking at the event, Peter NdegwaSafaricom CEO 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.
What happens next?
Mobile docking devices at launch will be 4G capable Neon 5β βSmartaβ and 6 Β½β βUltraβ, with further devices diversifying the product range to be launched in the coming months, including a locally assembled tablet.
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