Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo says the government remains committed to it pledge of creating a conducive environment that will position the country as a regional manufacturing powerhouse.
Speaking at the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24) preparatory meeting, Owalo said the country has already witnessed the establishment of a local phones manufacturing company capable of producing 3 million devices annually which will go a long way in redefining innovation in the rapidly evolving ICT sector.
“Since the launch of the plant in October last year, over 194,000 units have been produced with close to 4500 produced on a daily basis with a unit retailing at 50 dollars,” said Owalo.
According to Owalo, the ministry has also rolled out 2,261 public Wi-Fi Hotspots across the country and on-boarded over 15,300 government services to the e-citizen portal as part of the digital superhighway agenda.
“The country is counting on ICT to address various societal challenges, such an unemployment, poverty and public delivery constraints, “he added.
Communication Authority of Kenya, Board chairperson Mary Mungai said Africa needs to be wary of e-waste that emanate from the short lifespan of counterfeit devices.
“If we do not pay attention to global ICT standards, the African region risks becoming the dump-yard of counterfeit and substandard equipment,” said Mungai.
The government aims to promote the rollout of communications infrastructure and services in rural, remote, and underserved areas and expand the range of devices this year to include a tablet, a feature smart phone, a mobigo device and a larger 6.75” smart phone which is 5G enabled.
Sally Namuye
