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Kenya, a vibrant hub of technological innovation in Africa, has embarked on an ambitious plan to roll out 1 million locally assembled smartphones by July.
The Kenyan government, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, is implementing the comprehensive plan to promote domestic smartphone assembly. “Based on feasibility studies undertaken, we can locally assemble smartphones at a unit cost of about $40. We’ve partnered with the private sector to ensure in the next two months, we can roll out our first consignment of low-cost smartphones,” ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said.
This endeavor is driven by the recognition that local production contributes to the national economy, creates employment opportunities, and enables technology transfer and skill development. The move marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey towards self-sufficiency and promoting a thriving digital ecosystem.

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