Kenya has locally assembled nearly five million smartphones in a government-backed initiative aimed at expanding digital access, creating jobs, and promoting technological industrialisation, officials said.
The devices, sold at prices ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 Kenyan shillings (US$46.50–US$62.20), are intended to make smartphones more affordable for young people and low-income households. Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo Gitau announced the figure during the launch of the NYOTA commercial capital support programme for youth entrepreneurs.
“The combination of local manufacturing, skills development, and infrastructure investment will accelerate Kenya’s digital economy while creating employment opportunities for young people,” Gitau said.
The NYOTA programme has mobilised 258.4 million Kenyan shillings (US$1.9 million) to support more than 10,300 young entrepreneurs in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties. Authorities said the initiative aims to raise incomes, promote savings, and stimulate innovation among youth, linking technology access with economic opportunity.
Digital Access and Inclusion
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Kenya has a mobile penetration rate exceeding 140 percent, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya. Officials said expanding smartphone access is central to increasing the adoption of digital financial services, e-commerce, e-government platforms, and online employment opportunities, particularly among young people.
The government sees locally assembled smartphones as a key tool for enabling digital inclusion, allowing more citizens to participate in Kenya’s fast-growing digital economy. Authorities also hope the initiative will support the expansion of business process outsourcing (BPO) and digital platforms, which have already generated more than 300,000 jobs nationwide.
Skills Development and Industrial Growth
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Skills development forms a core part of Kenya’s digital strategy. So far, around 350 digital centres have been established in technical and vocational education institutions. Plans are underway to deploy an additional 1,450 centres across constituencies to reduce the digital divide and nurture local innovation. These centres provide training, mentorship, and access to digital tools, equipping youth with the skills needed for employment in technology-driven sectors.
The smartphone initiative also supports Kenya’s broader industrial policy. By assembling devices locally, the government seeks to build domestic manufacturing capacity, create supply chain linkages, and encourage innovation in hardware production. Officials argue that combining local manufacturing with skills training and entrepreneurship support strengthens the ecosystem for sustainable digital economic growth.
Infrastructure Investment
To ensure digital adoption is widely accessible, Kenya is investing in high-speed connectivity. Authorities plan to deploy 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide, aiming to expand broadband access, attract investment, and enable digital services to reach urban and rural areas. Government officials said the rollout is crucial for supporting e-commerce, online education, digital financial services, and other technology-based economic activities.
Economic and Social Impact
The government links the initiative to broader economic goals, including job creation, industrialisation, and youth empowerment. By making smartphones more affordable, expanding digital skills, and improving infrastructure, officials hope to stimulate entrepreneurship and participation in the digital economy.
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Analysts say the programme also positions Kenya as a regional hub for technology and innovation, offering opportunities for foreign investment and private-sector growth. The combination of affordable devices, training centres, and improved connectivity is expected to foster a more inclusive digital economy, helping Kenya leverage mobile technology to drive economic diversification.
Looking Ahead
Authorities emphasise that the initiative is part of a long-term strategy to integrate technology into daily life and economic activity. As digital adoption expands, the government hopes to increase productivity, improve access to public services, and enhance opportunities for youth employment, making Kenya a leading digital economy in East Africa.
