Sun King has launched the EZ 1, its first proprietary smartphone, marking a strategic expansion from off-grid solar energy into consumer electronics and asset financing in Kenya.
The device, assembled locally at the company’s facility in Tatu City (opened in October 2025), targets first-time smartphone users through a pay-as-you-go model that mirrors Sun King’s proven approach to solar products.
Announced in February 2026, the EZ 1 combines accessible financing with local production to compete in a market dominated by established players such as M-KOPA.
Success in this segment would extend Sun King’s expertise in serving low-income households via flexible payments, leveraging a decade of payment-behaviour data from millions of solar customers.
The EZ 1 features specifications suitable for entry-level users:
- 6.56-inch HD+ display for clear visuals.
- 4 GB RAM (plus 4 GB virtual RAM) for smooth performance in everyday tasks.
- 128 GB internal storage, expandable to 256 GB.
- 5,000 mAh battery for extended usage.
- 13 MP rear camera and 8 MP front camera with low-light capabilities.
- Bundled benefits include initial data allocation (1 GB on activation plus 50 MB daily for 60 days) and a warranty.
Customers pay an upfront deposit of KES 2,999 (approximately US$23), followed by daily instalments of KES 60 (approximately US$0.45).
The device locks automatically if a payment is missed, resuming functionality upon clearance.
This mechanism aligns with Sun King’s established pay-as-you-go methodology, ensuring controlled credit exposure while maintaining affordability.
Leveraging Solar Customer Data for Credit Assessment
Sun King’s transition into smartphones builds on its extensive experience in off-grid energy financing.
Over the past decade, the company has managed payment obligations for solar products valued around US$50, collecting granular data on repayment behaviour from millions of customers.
This dataset enables refined credit scoring: individuals who consistently met obligations on lower-value solar items are identified as reliable candidates for higher-ticket financing, such as a smartphone costing approximately US$100.
READ ALSO:Sun King’s Pay-Go Solar Campaign Gets Major Backing with Record $156M
The approach reduces default risk and supports scalable expansion into consumer durables.
Local Manufacturing and Competitive Positioning
The EZ 1 is produced at Sun King’s 10,000-square-metre facility in Tatu City, Kiambu County, with an annual capacity of 700,000 units.
Local assembly reduces import duties and logistics costs, enabling competitive pricing against brands such as Tecno and Itel that lack integrated financing options.
Sun King secured US$156 million (KES 20.1 billion) in mid-2025 to finance 1.4 million products, including smartphones. This capital supports inventory and credit provision, positioning the company to scale rapidly.
In comparison to M-KOPA, which has financed over 3 million smartphones in Kenya through partnerships with brands like Samsung and Nokia:
- Sun King controls the entire value chain, including proprietary hardware, financing, and customer relationship management.
- M-KOPA relies on third-party device supply, offering greater brand variety but less end-to-end integration.
This vertical integration allows Sun King to optimise costs, customise features for off-grid reliability, and retain direct customer data.
Potential for Replication and Market Implications
Sun King’s solar success stems from its ability to serve underserved populations through innovative financing, reliable products, and robust data-driven operations.
Replicating this in smartphones would require:
- High repayment discipline among solar customers transitioning to higher-value assets.
- Effective management of larger credit portfolios and device recovery in cases of default.
- Sustained competition against established fintech-device financiers.
If successful, the EZ 1 could capture a significant share of first-time smartphone adopters in rural and low-income segments, where affordability remains a barrier.
It would further diversify Sun King’s revenue beyond energy while strengthening its position in Kenya’s growing digital economy.
Challenges include consumer perceptions of total ownership cost (daily payments may exceed outright purchase prices over time) and competition from brands with stronger brand recognition.
Looking Ahead
Sun King’s launch of the EZ 1 smartphone represents a calculated extension of its pay-as-you-go expertise into connectivity, leveraging local manufacturing, proprietary data, and substantial financing to target underserved markets.
While the model shares strong parallels with its solar success, execution will depend on repayment performance, competitive differentiation, and scale.
The initiative positions Sun King as a notable contender in Kenya’s asset-financing landscape.
For the latest details on availability and terms, refer to official Sun King resources or authorised agents.
Sun King Overview
Sun King is a solar energy brand offering home and business solar products, with the Sun King app allowing customers to register products, monitor performance and top up on compatible systems.
Sun King solar covers a range of solutions from basic solar lanterns to larger home systems like Sun King Pro, and you can find a Sun King solar price list / Sun King solar prices through local distributors and retail partners in different countries.
In Sun King Kenya, these products are sold through dealers and e-commerce platforms, with customer help available via the Sun King customer care number provided by your local reseller or the official Sun King support channels. Job opportunities are listed under Sun King career on the official website and partner job portals when vacancies open.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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