Samsung, Strathmore partner to develop Kenyan apps
What you need to know:
- Samsung is among multinational IT firms that include Vodafone and Nokia that have adopted a similar strategy to capture applications that are relevant for emerging markets.
Samsung Electronics is betting on its partnership with Strathmore’s @iLab Africa to create locally relevant mobile applications that will drive sales of its smartphones and tablets.
This year, @iLab Africa has created eight apps, three National Assembly and County Assembly App, Pharmacy & Poisons Board (PPB) App and KCA University App , which have attracted users and are set to earn the developers millions of shillings.
Samsung is among multinational IT firms that include Vodafone and Nokia that have adopted a similar strategy to capture applications that are relevant for emerging markets. These have been identified as the next frontier for growth for global firms faced by sluggish sales in the west.
READ: Technology giants, Strathmore launch mobile apps school
Manoj Changarampatt, Samsung Electronics East Africa Director of Mobile and IT, Tuesday told Business Daily in an interview that incorporating local mobile applications on its hardware is one of the strategies the firm is using to drive sales.
“The market is becoming really competitive, to drive more sales one cannot rely only on the strengths of hardware only or continue to push the boxes, consumers want solutions, tailor-made applications that can solve their day to day challenges and this is exactly what we are addressing,” Mr Changarampatt said.
The National Assembly and County Assembly App allows the National Assembly and County Assembly to access the standing orders and order paper on tablets and mobile phones, ensuring continuity of in-house business and cutting costs related to printing order papers.
The article first appeared in The Business Daily.
