Kenya’s proactive approach to digital inclusion is yielding promising results, with the widespread adoption of locally-assembled, low-cost smartphones transforming the nation’s digital landscape. The East Africa Device Assembly Kenya (EADAK) plant, a public-private partnership, has produced over 490,000 4G-enabled handsets since its establishment late last year, with a significant portion already in the hands of consumers.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Kenyan government in collaboration with Safaricom and Jamii Telcom, is poised to have a profound impact on the country’s economy and society. By making smartphones more accessible to a wider population, Kenya is fostering financial inclusion, enhancing access to essential government services, and stimulating economic growth.
“Our proposition as a government is that with digitalization, we should be able to collect enough locally-generated revenue to the extent that we can sort external debt and finance local budgetary requirements,” said Eliud Owalo, cabinet secretary for information, communication, and digital economy.
The affordability of these smartphones, retailing at approximately US$40 (KSh5,220), about 30% lower than comparable models, has been a key factor in their rapid adoption. This affordability is bridging the digital divide, enabling more Kenyans to access online banking, mobile money services, and other digital financial tools, ultimately contributing to economic empowerment.
Moreover, the increased smartphone penetration is facilitating greater access to the government’s e-citizen platform, which now offers 16,892 services, a substantial increase from the 350 available when the current administration took office in 2022. This enhanced access to public services is not only improving efficiency but also curbing corruption by eliminating intermediaries.
Kenya’s success in boosting smartphone adoption through local assembly serves as an inspiring model for other African countries grappling with similar challenges of digital inclusion and economic development. By leveraging public-private partnerships and prioritizing affordability, Kenya is demonstrating that a digital revolution can be inclusive and drive economic growth.
