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Monday, October 30, 2023 – Eric Wambua is part of a team of hundreds of workers who have been working to deliver cheap smart phones promised by President William Ruto to catapult Kenya’s transition to the digital economy.
The assembly was set up as a joint venture between local mobile network operators and International Device manufacturers.
The first smartphone assembled at the East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited in Athi River will retail at sh 7,499.
“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,” stated Joshua Chepkwony, the Chief Executive of Jamii Telecom who was in attendance.
The first versions to hit the market are the 4G-enabled Neon 5-inch Smarta and 6 ½-inch Ultra. Another line up of new iterations will arrive in the market in the coming months.
The factory which is in fulfillment of the government’s promise to establish local smartphone assembly capacity in Kenya was launched today Monday by President William Ruto.
“The local production of affordable smart devices moves Kenya towards universal digital access, combining the freedom and opportunity of connectivity with the affordability of local assembly,” Ruto announced today.
In a rare meeting with President William Ruto during a tour of the facility, Wambua narrated that he joined as a mere construction worker, popularly referred to as mtu wa mjengo before moving ahead to become a technician.
The project now under Telco firms in the country is regarded as the first phone assembly plant in Kenya based in Athi-river.
It is expected to produce 3 millions smartphones annually.
