Singapore-based phone company, Obi made its maiden entry into the country on Wednesday, targeting mass market with seven handset models.
Initially the firm has shipped 10,000 units to the market in a test run before its official launch later in March.
It is using Kenya as a point of entry to East Africa and larger African market within the first quarter of this year, eying declining market share of some of big brands that have closed local shop to gain 10 percent in market share by year end.
Obi mobiles Managing Director, Amit Rupchandani said growth in data usage for browsing and video broadcasting as well increased uptake of mobile payments by the country’s retail market gives it a head start and opportunity to hit its first target.
“The range of smartphones comes with fully loaded features, innovation to offer consumers premium services at desirable prices,” said Rupchandani.
The seven handsets will be retailing at between Sh 5,000 and 28,000.
It will leverage on Despec, one of the largest regional regional distributors to ensure the models are available in major retail and mobile operator’s stores.
“There is a great demand for smartphones in the country, with over 500,000 smarphones sold out in the country every month we should be able to sell half of these,” said Despec Chief executive, Farouk Jivani.
