The Kenyan government plans to launch locally manufactured smartphones in July as part of an effort to improve access to digital platforms for all Kenyans. The smartphones, which are expected to have a unit cost of around $40, will be assembled in collaboration with the private sector. President William Ruto sees affordable smartphones as essential in bridging the technology gap, as the average price of a good 5G-enabled phone in Kenya is currently around $330, making it unaffordable for the majority of the population.

The government aims to shift 90% of all government services onto the digital platform, allowing citizens to access these services conveniently from home. The introduction of locally manufactured smartphones is expected to boost smartphone penetration, which currently stands at about 56.3%. Additionally, the government plans to lay around 52% of the anticipated 100,000 km of fiber optic cable, with the remaining 80% to be completed by the private sector. This initiative aims to accelerate nationwide internet connectivity and ensure reliable access to it.

The article also mentions that in 2022, the Kenyan government imposed a 10% excise duty on imported cell phones, including smartphones, which increased the prices of affordable options like TECNO, Itel, and Infinix. As a response to this, HMD Global, the manufacturer of Nokia phones, has revealed plans to assemble some devices in Kenya to potentially exempt them from the excise duty. HMD Global also intends to offer device financing options in partnership with M-KOPA, enabling customers to purchase Nokia devices on credit.

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