Kenya set to manufacture smartphone that cost less than $10

NAIROBI - Kenyan President William Ruto has revealed that Kenya will embark on manufacturing smartphones in a year’s time in a bid to create jobs for the youth.

The head of state who was speaking on Thursday during the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Annual General meeting said the government is in talks with different telecommunication firms to actualize the idea.

"We are in a technology era and we are already working with our telecommunications sector so that we can have a smartphone that is going to be less than KSH 5,000. This will be a smartphone that can do everything that you want," says President Ruto.

He added that "Today in our market the cheapest smartphone is KSH 10,000 maybe KSH 15,000. We want to see whether we can get to $ 30 or $ 40 and I want to promise the country that in the next 8 to 12 months we will have the cheapest smartphone in Africa, manufactured in Kenya."

The head of state also revealed that his administration is working to ensure that 80 percent of all government services shifted online.

As of now, only 15 percent of government services can be accessed online. The President said they will also use digital platforms in tax collection.

"I want to assure you that in the next 6 to 12 months, we will have moved 90 percent of all govt services onto the digital platform and ensure that from the comfort of your home, you can work with the government. You can get your license and government service without having to travel to any office," Ruto confirms.

GAROWE ONLINE