Kenya is pushing hard to bring more citizens into the digital economy. Local manufacturing is emerging as a key tool to make this happen.
Joshua Chepkwony chairs East Africa Device Assembly Kenya, or EADAK. He's spearheading efforts to assemble affordable smartphones right here in the country.
The company just hit a major milestone. During the year ending March 2026, EADAK assembled 700,000 digital devices, Vodacom Group figures show.
Safaricom is the parent company backing this operation. The achievement signals how critical local manufacturing has become for Kenya's digital strategy.
Mobile operators across the country continue rolling out faster 4G and 5G networks. But without affordable smartphones, millions still can't tap into online education, mobile banking, or e-commerce.
EADAK isn't working alone on this challenge. It's a joint venture between Jamii Telecommunications Limited, Safaricom, and Chinese tech partner TeleOne.
The assembly plant can produce up to three million devices annually. Entry-level 4G smartphones currently retail for around KSh7,499.
The company also produces educational tablets and biometric devices for financial institutions. Customers can spread payments through financing plans over several months.
Chepkwony told reporters about the vision behind the project. "This assembly plant will support government's agenda to enhance digital inclusion in the country," he noted.
According to him, affordability came through private sector collaboration and supportive government policies. "We have achieved this through industry partnership," Chepkwony added.
Chepkwony founded Jamii Telecommunications, whose Faiba brand operates as a mobile network in Kenya. Through EADAK, the company now extends beyond just network infrastructure.
Device assembly matters because smartphone ownership drives internet adoption. Many Kenyans still carry basic phones that can't access high-speed mobile internet.
Kenya's 5G rollout is gathering pace alongside existing 4G coverage. Yet affordability remains the barrier for ordinary consumers.
Industry watchers say smartphone costs are crucial for digital inclusion. Network infrastructure has improved tremendously, but devices remain expensive for many.
Local assembly tackles several problems at once. It shortens supply chains, creates jobs, and strengthens Kenya's electronics manufacturing sector.
Millions of Kenyans remain locked out of digital services simply because phones cost too much. EADAK's work directly addresses this gap.
The 700,000 devices assembled in one year represent real progress. It shows private enterprise can deliver on the digital inclusion promise.
