Affordable Smartphones To Deepen Digital Transformation

BY MAXIMILA WAFULA 

County News Diary Journalist

News

Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) CEO John Okwiri 

The Konza Technopolis is banking on the launched local assembly of smart devices to deepen digital transformation in Kenya.

According to Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri, the launch of affordable, locally assembled devices comes at a better time and will enhance the country’s digital transformation efforts.

He said this will also help the country as it moves to digitize access to all government services.

“The availability of affordable devices at a time we are rolling out all these programs is expected to enhance e-commerce, promoting rural economy,” Okwiri said.

So far, over 7,000 government services have been digitized, he added.

His remarks come after the launch of the East Africa Device Assembly Kenya plant was presided by President William Ruto, on Monday.

The factory is a joint venture of local Mobile Network Operators and international device manufacturers, under the East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited (EADAK).

The Kenya Kwanza government, led by President Ruto is focused on expanding the digital economy as it races towards the fourth Industrial Revolution.

The setting up of the local assembler is expected to result in affordable mobile devices hence enhancing digital penetration.

During the launch, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said this partnership underscores the country’s relentless pursuit to expand 4G access and empower Kenyans through affordable, high-quality smartphones, create employment opportunities and grow our economy.

To transform the economy into a digitally enabled economy, the government is undertaking several major projects which include; the Jitume digital Program, Digital Superhighway, Wi-Fi Hotspots, and the launch of at least 1,450 Innovation Hubs.

The Digital Superhighway involves the construction of 100,000 kilometres of fiber-optic infrastructure, to improve internet connectivity across the country.

This investment will ensure that faster and more reliable internet access is available to all, including those in rural areas.