KISUMU COUNTY — Kenyans are increasingly turning to locally assembled smartphones, with 390,000 units sold since the initiative's launch in October last year. The move is part of a broader push to make digital technology more accessible and affordable across the country.

According to Kenya News Agency, Communications, and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, speaking at the Jitume Project launch at Seme Technical and Vocational College, the local assembly of smartphones aligns with the government's aim to close the digital divide. "We recognize that many Kenyans still lack access to smartphones. The government, in collaboration with the private sector, has initiated the assembly of affordable Kenyan smartphones locally. This means we won't need to import phones from countries like China or Korea," he stated. Owalo highlighted the potential of the initiative to make government digital services more broadly accessible, thus reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.

The Neon brand smartphones, priced at Sh7,499 each, are being sold through Safaricom branches and Jamii Telecom shops nationwide. Owalo pointed out that these devices come equipped with all the necessary features to enable users to conveniently access government services from any location. "It will be a direct interaction between you as a Kenyan, your phone, and the government. You won't need to know anyone in a government office to access these services. You will be able to apply for an ID or a passport virtually," he explained.

Further enhancing Kenya's digital landscape, Owalo noted that the government has partnered with Kenya Power Company (KPC) to expand the country's fibre connectivity. Since January 2023, approximately 11,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables have been installed, with a goal to extend this to 100,000 kilometers by 2026. This expansion includes a strategic shift to use KPC transmission lines for laying fibre cables, which is expected to reduce vandalism and maintenance challenges associated with traditional underground installations.

Owalo elaborated on the strategy, saying, "We will extend fibre connectivity to all existing 74,000 transformers. Once fibre is connected to these transformers, we can provide internet access to nearby institutions and public spaces such as market centers." He also confirmed the continuation of the last-mile electricity connectivity project, essential for supporting the nation's growing digital infrastructure.