Galaxy S4 to land in Kenya May 2

Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy S4 in the local market next week backed by attractive data bundle offers from the respective mobile operators.

Smart phone makers have been battling for the top slot in Kenyan market and the Galaxy S4 will have to contend with competition from Apple's iPhone 5 and Nokia's Lumia 920.

Mobile operators Airtel Kenya and Safaricom have already started a pre-order service for the Galaxy S4 ahead of the local launch.

Airtel Kenya subscribers making an early bid for the Galaxy S4 will pay Kshs 52,999 for the smart phone that will be accompanied with an offer of 21GB free data bundle.

Safaricom subscribers will pay Kshs 57,999 and get an offer of 4.5GB data bundle spread over three months.

Robert Ngeru, the Samsung Electronics East Africa Chief Operating Officer, disclosed that the new smart phone will be unveiled in Kenya on May 2 just days after the global launch set for this Saturday.

Mr Ngeru made the disclosure in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday night during the Africa leg of the Samsung Galaxy S4 World Tour 2013.

The Galaxy S4 will be marketed under the tagline Your Life Companion.

Purchasers of the Galaxy S4 will also enjoy a two-year free Accidental Damage from Handling (ADH) warranty to cover screen and liquid damages at no extra charge.

This insurance cover will protect Galaxy S4 customers from the risk of accidental screen breakage and hardware damage from water.

The launch of Galaxy S4 follows a partnership with local mobile phone service operators geared at scaling up internet mobile penetration.

In the partnership, Samsung Smart phones will now be launched in the local market backed by attractive data bundle offers from the respective mobile operators.

“At Samsung, we have held successful talks with the regional operators who have accepted to provide generous data bundles for customers purchasing the Galaxy S4 as part of a joint effort to promote mobile internet promotion,” Mr Ngeru said.

"Our market research recently confirmed that marketing such powerful smart mobile devices and failing to provide data bundles was akin to selling a new car without fuel or tyres.”

The Galaxy S4 consumer sales will kick off at 10am on Saturday April 27 in South Korea, United States, Britain and South Africa among other key global markets.