Ayodeji Ayenuwa
In a recent development, Kenya has unveiled its first local smartphone assembly plant. The East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited (EADAK) emerged in Athi River, Machakos, with President William Ruto officially inaugurating the facility.
The plant, with an annual production capacity of up to 1.4 million smartphones, aims to provide affordable 4G-enabled devices to Kenyans.
“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 favorable government policies,” said EADAK Chairman Joshua Chepkwony.
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The smartphones, named Neon Smarta and Neon Ultra, are now available nationwide, starting at $49.81, and can be found in Faiba stores, dealer outlets, Safaricom stores, and the online Masoko platform. These devices contribute to the government’s mission to expand digital inclusion and increase access to digital resources in underserved areas.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa stated, “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.”
The initiative is a joint venture between Safaricom and Faiba, offering locally assembled, low-cost smartphones to Kenyan consumers. These devices, with an expected monthly production of 21,000 phones, further the government’s goals of digital inclusion and economic progress.
Plans for additional products, including locally assembled tablets, are in the works for the coming months. The assembly line is expected to create between 300 and 500 direct jobs and contribute to Kenya’s broader digital transformation agenda.
HMD Global, a company that manufactures Nokia-branded devices, has also expressed its intention to start assembling devices in Kenya to address high smartphone prices.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
