State targets smartphones assembly after school laptops

ICT Authority Chief Executive Robert Mugo (left), and ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru (right). PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NMG

What you need to know:

  • Information Communication Technology authority acting chief executive Robert Mugo on Wednesday said they are keen to position the country as the major regional ICT hub.
  • The ICT boss said the production plan could be in place within the next two years.
  • We don’t want to import such electronic products ( in future) but start to sell to the regional and global markets

The government is exploring the possibility of manufacturing smartphones and other electronic gadgets at Moi University’s Rivatex assembling plant once the primary schools tablet contract comes to an end.

Information Communication Technology authority acting chief executive Robert Mugo on Wednesday said they are keen to position the country as the major regional ICT hub.

The ICT boss, who was touring the assembly plant in Eldoret, said the production plan could be in place within the next two years.

“We don’t want to just create jobs, but also manufacture electronic goods. In future, we want to consume these electronic goods, which are locally designed with specifications,” said Mugo.

Electronic devices

He noted that plant is one of the largest facilities in Africa.

“Two years ago, Rwanda did a similar project for 150,000 devices compared to the one million project we are doing... We don’t want to import such electronic products ( in future) but start to sell to the regional and global markets,” he said.

Prof Daniel Tarus, the institution’s acting deputy vice chancellor in-charge of finance said they are engaging with private schools in neighbouring countries to provide similar devices.

He said they plan to manufacture electronic devices such as smartphones and electric meters, once the government’s project is completed.

“We are in business of making devices. We conducted market survey and we have begun talks with a number of countries on possibility of making the tablets,” he said.