Earlier today, the East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited (EADAK) officially opened its doors showcasing the first locally assembled smartphones in Kenya. The two main phones are the Neona Smarta and the Neon Ultra. They will be available for Ksh 7,500 and Ksh 9,500 respectively depending on where you get them from. These phones have been in Safaricom shops across the country. They will now be available through Faiba retail outlets across the country. For Safaricom shops, the phones are available under the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo financing plan. When you buy any of the 2 phones from Faiba, you get 65GB of data for free.
The Neon brand is not new in the Kenyan market and has been around for a number of years. They have mainly been sold by Safaricom after importation from China. With the opening of EADAK Limited, the phones will be assembled in the country, cutting down the cost that was associated with the import tax. This is a positive start for Kenya. The entry level smartphones segment takes a bigger share of the smartphone market in Kenya.
Assembled in Kenya
It is important to know that the phones are assembled in Kenya and not manufactured in Kenya. The assembly factory is a joint venture between local Mobile Network Operators and International device manufacturers . The plant has the capacity to produce 3 million devices annually. With such a huge number, we might see some of them exported to other markets in the region. This has not been confirmed but it is definably the next step.
“The launch of EADAK reaffirms our belief in the power of connectivity to transform lives and drive economic progress. This partnership underscores our relentless pursuit to expand 4G access and empower Kenyans through affordable, high-quality smartphones, create employment opportunities and grow our economy,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom.
Neon Smarta Specifications
- Display: 5.0 -inch (480×480)
- Front Camera: 2MP
- Rear Camera: 5MP
- Processor: Unknown
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Battery Capacity: 3,000mAh
- OS: Android 10 Go Edition)
Neon Ultra Specifications
- Display: 6.5 -inch (480×480)
- Camera: 5MP + 2MP
- Processor: Unknown
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Battery Capacity: 3,750mAh
- OS: Android Go Edition)
“This assembly plant will support government’s agenda to enhance digital inclusion in the country. We have been able to achieve affordability through a collaborative approach that comprises industry partnership and favourable government policies,” said Joshua Chepkwony, Chairman of EADAK.
