President William Ruto on Monday, October 30 unveiled the East Africa Device Assembly Kenya (EADAK), the tech firm tasked with assembling locally made smartphones in Mavoko, Machakos County.
Notably, the newly launched smartphones boast a unique feature, coming with the e-Citizen Services (GavaMkononi) App pre-installed.
Among the phones launched are the ‘Neon Smarta’ and ‘Neon Ultra’ models, crafted by the East Africa Device Assembly Kenya (EADAK) company.
Features of the Smartphones
Notable features for both the ‘Neon Smarta’ and ‘Neon Ultra’ smartphones are 2GB RAM with 32GB internal memory, 4G-network enabled and Dual sim compatibility.
Moreover, Faiba announced that new customers stand a chance of earning 65GB (Ksh2000 worth) free Faiba data upon purchase.
Furthermore, the ‘Neon Smarta’ possesses a 2Mp front camera, 5Mp rear camera, 5-inch screen display and a 3000mAh battery, retailing at Ksh7,999.
The ‘Neon Ultra’ on the other hand is retailing at Ksh11,499, boasting features such as a 6.5-inch screen display, 5Mp front camera, 8Mp rear camera, and a 3750mAh battery.
Furthermore, the phones which are available countrywide, can be purchased either at all Safaricom and Faiba shops or through Faiba agents & dealers.
President Ruto Launches the Smartphones
Moreover, the President explored the EADAK facility, touring different departments such as hardware assembling points.
He also had the opportunity to engage with the employees behind this technological feat.
Nonetheless, the head of state was flanked by chairman of EADAK Joshua Chepkwony, and Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa on this remarkable journey into Kenya’s technological future.
President Ruto noted that the government has been the first customer for the EADAK, having already purchased 100,000 tablets to be used by healthcare professionals.
Moreover, the EADAK manufacturing plant has been built to provide the capacity of producing up to three million mobile phone units annually.
The head of state had revealed the government’s ambitious plan to assemble locally made phones during the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) Annual General Meeting in November 2022.
Also Read: Govt Announces When Ksh6K Smartphones Will Hit Market
“In the next 8 to 12 months, we will have the cheapest smartphone in Africa, manufactured in Kenya,” Ruto stated.
This project, as revealed by President Ruto, will be a testament to Kenya’s commitment to revolutionizing its digital economy.
He emphasized the importance of affordable smartphones, stating, “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.”
CS Owalo Reveals Details
Information, Communications & The Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo, had earlier confirmed that the first consignments of the Kenyan-made smartphone would hit the market on Monday, October 30.
Furthermore, CS Owalo said the smartphones would be retailing at Ksh6,000.
The journey to this grand unveiling faced its share of delays, with an initial plan for an August launch remaining unfulfilled, and silence shrouding the reasons behind the delay.
Also Read: Brain Chip That Can Help You Control Computer Cursor with Your Mind Approved
Notably, the assembly of these Kenyan smartphones involved combined efforts of three companies.
These companies include Shenzhen TeleOne Technology, Safaricom, and Jamii Telecommunications.
Also, these phones, fully loaded with Android capacity, promise not only to meet local demand but to potentially export globally, as they run on the popular Android operating system developed by Google.
Moreover, this accomplishment signifies a significant step forward in Kenya’s technological journey.
