A new mobile brand entering the Kenya mobile market can be compared to the experience of a young antelope venturing into the lion’s den. The competition is stiff with top selling brands like Samsung, Nokia, LG, Huawei, Tecno and Apple well-established in the market. This is in addition to a variety of cheaper brands and the constant challenge of counterfeit mobile phones.
The Ole brand is owned by Antel Communications, a US-based company with operations in Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia. According to Michael Asola, the General Manager, the strategy is to offer quality mobile phones at a competitive price. He is optimistic that brand will sell. The Ole Aspen AHS7705 Smart phone retails for an estimated KES 5500 while the Ole Alder AHB6502, a feature phone retails for KES 1800.
The smart phone has basic and runs on Android OS 4.1. It targets those looking to buy their first smart phone so the specifications are simple.
Synergy Innovations Ltd is the sole distributor of the Ole brand in Kenya. Ann Kamau, the Regional Manager for Nyanza, Central and Rift Valley region is confident that there is a place in the Kenya market for the Ole mobile brand despite the competition from top selling brands.
Antel Communications also plans to introduce other mobile phones in addition to the Aspen and Alder plus mobile apps to the Kenya.
