Information Communication Technology Cabinet Secretary Eluid Owalo has confirmed the first consignments of the Kenyan Made Smartphone will be launched on 30th October.
While speaking in an interview the Cabinet Secretary responded to queries on the exact day of launch, further confirming that the locally assembled smartphones will retail at Ksh 6000.
“Yes, the release date is on 30th October and will retail at Ksh 6000,” confirmed Owalo
However, the cabinet Secretary did not issue details of the number of units to be dispatched in the next ten days amidst the launch.
He similarly commented that more details on the phone specifications will be given out during the launch.
Device Initial Launch
Notably, this will be the second date announced after CS Owalo initial date announcement for August launch failed and went silent afterwards.
Also Read: Nairobi Expressway to Launch Mobile App for Motorists
However, the government did not communicate reasons for the delay on the project.
Kenyan Smartphone Assembly Point
The smartphones have been under assembling at the Konza Technopolis plant in Malili, Machakos County.
Additionally, three companies have been onboard manufacturing the devices at the plant.
The three-member consortium consists of Chinese dealer Shenzhen TeleOne Technology, Safaricom and Jamii Telecommunications.
According to previous reports by the ministry the phones will have fully loaded Android capacity.
Kenyan Smartphone to be Exported
The CS had initially hinted in Kenya being able to export the phones as plans for huge production was underway.
“We will not only be able to meet the demands in the local market, we will also have a surplus for export,” CS Owalo added.
Since Kenyan-made smartphones will be running the powerful Android operating system (OS) developed by Google, these devices will make up part of 70 per cent of all phones bought across the world.
Ruto Smartphone Project
The Kenyan Made Smartphone project was notably made public by President William Ruto in November last year as part of his administration’s wider agenda of revolutionizing the country’s digital economy.
Also Read: Govt Postpones Launch of Digital ID Maisha Namba
While addressing the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KNCCI) Annual General Meeting, DR.Ruto revealed the plan to start manufacturing affordable smartphones.
“The real last mile in technology is the gadgets and we are working with our telcos so that we can have a smartphone that is below ksh5,000,” the President stated.
At the time Ruto had set an ambitious timeline to deliver the cheap smartphone promise within eight to 12 months of this year.
On the other hand, if successful, the project is set to be a game changer to Kenyans.
