President William Ruto has announced that the government is working on a plan to produce locally manufactured mobile phones for less than Ksh.5,000 within the next year.
Speaking on Thursday during the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Annual General meeting, Ruto noted that the move, which he claims will result in Kenya having the cheapest smartphones in Africa, is in line with the government’s plan to use technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
The Head of State stated that one of the primary agendas of the Kenya Kwanza government is to fully connect the country through technology, and he has already begun talks with the telecommunications sectors about manufacturing low-cost phones.
“The real last mile in technology is the gadget and already we are working with Telcos so that we can have a smartphone that is going to be less than Ksh.5,000 and that can do everything you want,” said President Ruto.
“We want to see if we can get it to Ksh.3,654 ($30) or Ksh.4,872 ($40). 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.”
He went on to say that he intends to digitize government services so that citizens can seek services remotely.
He claims that in the next 6 to 19 months, this will increase from 15% to 90%.
“We have about 15% of government services on the digital platform. We plan to move 90% all government services on the digital platform. By God’s grace, between 6 to 19 months, we will have moved 80% of all services onto the digital platform and ensure that you can access government services from the comfort of your home,” said Ruto.
President Ruto added that the platform will also facilitate tax collection.
“We are working on it and by God’s Grace, between 6 and 12 months, we will have moved 90 per cent 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 said.
Do you have a story you would like us to highlight?
Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
