Kenyan-made smartphones are attracting attention in the market. Since the initial release in October last year, Kenyan buyers have bought 268,000 locally-made smartphones.
East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited (Eadak), the group behind the production, has sold 80% of the 330,000 phones assembled, showing high demand for these devices in Kenya.
As we speak, we have managed to churn out through this facility a total of 330,000 devices, out of which 268,000 have already been consumed. This means there is unlimited demand for these smart devices,” said Mr. Owalo, ICT Cabinet Secretary.
The East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited (Eadak) is a partnership between Safaricom, Jamii Telecom, Telel, and the Industrial Technology Training Company Limited in East Africa.
With Safaricom’s extensive customer base, Jamii Telecom’s expertise in telecommunications, and Telel’s manufacturing capacity, Eadak can change the mobile phone industry.
This collaboration not only enhances the skills and capabilities of the local workforce but also promotes innovation and sustainable growth in the sector.
By leveraging the strengths of each partner, Eadak aims to provide high-quality devices at competitive prices, ultimately improving access to technology for all.
Located in Konza Technopolis, the company opened its factory and introduced new products, including the Neon 5 Smarta and Neon 6 Ultra, both equipped with 4G capabilities. The Neon 5 Smarta is priced at Sh7,499, while the Neon 6 Ultra is priced at Sh8,999.
This trend towards locally assembled phones in Kenya could also be attributed to a growing sense of national pride and a desire to support local industry.
By purchasing phones that are made in Kenya, consumers are not only supporting their economy but also contributing to job creation and skill development within the country.
It is projected that the factory will generate between 300 and 500 direct jobs, foster local talent development, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The factory can manufacture three million mobile phones each year. Plans include expanding into local production of computer hardware and software.
By adding computer hardware and software to its product line, Eadak is not only broadening its market reach but also solidifying its position as a leader in the tech landscape.
This strategic move will not only benefit the company but also have a ripple effect on the community, as it paves the way for a more self-sufficient and innovative tech ecosystem.
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By reducing reliance on imported electronics, Eadak is taking steps towards promoting sustainability and supporting local businesses.
This diversification could also lead to job creation, as the company will need to hire more employees with specialized skills in software development and hardware engineering.
One of the key challenges that must be acknowledged is ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.
This involves not only securing funding and resources for continued operation but also ensuring that the project remains relevant and impactful in the community.
One effective strategy for addressing this challenge is to prioritize innovation and continuous improvement within the organization.
By constantly seeking out new ideas and technologies, Eadak can stay ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs of their customers.
Additionally, offering competitive pricing and features can help attract new customers and retain existing ones.
The success of locally assembled phones and Eadak’s plans serve as pioneers for Kenya’s digital future.
By boosting Kenya’s digital transformation journey and contributing to economic growth and job creation, this initiative has the potential to change the technological landscape of the country.
As Eadak continues to innovate and expand its operations, the possibilities for Kenya’s technological advancement are endless. With a strong foundation in place, the future looks bright for Kenya’s digital economy.