• Kenya has assembled nearly five million smartphones locally to expand digital access and industrial capacity.

• The government links smartphone affordability to job creation in digital services and BPO.

• Authorities plan large-scale investments in youth entrepreneurship, digital skills, and fiber infrastructure.

Kenya has assembled nearly five million smartphones locally to expand access to digital tools and stimulate job creation and technological industrialization. William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, announced the figure on Monday, January 19, during the launch of the NYOTA commercial capital support program for young entrepreneurs.

Government prioritises youth empowerment

The Government has rolled out several initiatives to empower youths, create vast opportunities for boosting entrepreneurship and job creation.

Today, I was honoured to join the President H.E. Dr. @WilliamsRuto and Deputy President H.E.… pic.twitter.com/H7ytbZYh0Y

— H.E William Kabogo Gitau, E.G.H (@honkabogo) January 19, 2026

Manufacturers sell the devices at prices ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 Kenyan shillings ($46.5 to $62.2). The government positions the initiative within its digital inclusion strategy as Kenya seeks to expand technology adoption, particularly among young people, to fully leverage mobile connectivity.

Kenya records mobile penetration above 140%, according to data from the Communications Authority of Kenya. Wider smartphone access plays a central role in expanding digital usage. The trend could accelerate adoption of digital financial services, e-commerce, e-government platforms, and online employment services while supporting the growth of the local digital economy.

The industrial push aligns with a broader digital employment strategy. The government reports that business process outsourcing companies and digital platforms have already created more than 300,000 jobs. Authorities expect the segment to play a key role in economic diversification.

At the same time, authorities are expanding support programs for youth entrepreneurship. Through the NYOTA project, the government recently mobilized 258.4 million Kenyan shillings to support more than 10,300 young entrepreneurs in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties. The program aims to raise incomes and promote savings.

Skills development forms another pillar of the strategy. The government has installed about 350 digital centers in technical and vocational education institutions. Authorities plan to deploy 1,450 additional centers across constituencies to reduce the digital divide and stimulate local innovation.

To support the transformation, Kenya is also investing in infrastructure. The government plans to deploy 100,000 kilometers of high-speed fiber optic cable nationwide. Authorities view the rollout as essential to attracting investment and supporting digital activities across the country.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum