Editor's Review

"I want to promise the country that in the next 12 months we will have the cheapest smartphone in Africa manufactured in Kenya."


President William Ruto has disclosed that Kenya will start manufacturing affordable smartphones within the next one year.

Speaking during the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Annual General Meeting, Nairobi on Thursday, the President said the smartphones will retail for less than Kshs5,000.

"We are working with our telecommunications sector so that we can have a smartphone that is going to be less than Sh5,000. A smartphone that can do everything you want," the President said.

He added:

"I want to promise the country that in the next 12 months we will have the cheapest smartphone in Africa manufactured in Kenya."

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Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Annual General Meeting, Nairobi. PHOTO | TWITTER

The move by the president is likely to be a game-changer since most mobile phones sold in Kenya are imported.

He said the smartphone will help digitise the Kenyan economy and ensure that internet-related service is accessible to as many people as possible.

Present at the function was Trade, industry and investment CS Moses Kuria, and Chair of KNCCI Richard Ngatia among many other senior leaders.

At the function, the president outlined the plans and opportunities for MSMEs in the government’s economic transformation plans.

To financial institutions, the President said:

"I challenge our financial institutions to be flexible in how they lend their finances and consider the aspect of cost. It is time we inspire our MSMEs by ensuring they have access to affordable credit."