Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology has launched the first Kenyan-made laptop, setting the stage for manufacturing of computer-based gadgets in Kenya.
The development and final launch of the Taifa Laptop is a landmark for the ICT sector and a major addition to the local manufacturing and assembly. The laptop is a product of a collaboration of JKUAT and the Ministry of Industrialisation and Enterprise Development (MOIED).
“The success we celebrate today underlines the good that comes with collaboration,” said ICT Cabinet Secretary Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i during the launch today. “The Taifa Laptop launch sets Kenya in the right direction. The project advances the triple heritage of providing world-class solutions, creating world-class solutions, creating jobs and wealth in addition to promoting the Kenyan brand through “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya”.
He said it was not only the launch of a Kenyan-built laptop but also history by launching the Taifa brand, which will soon be a market leader in the country, region and internationally.
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The Jubilee Government plans to roll out digital learning to schools, which provides market for mass production of Taifa laptops, as demand for end user devices for the learning environment is expected to grow. As of today, aside from the Taifa Laptop, there are few end-user devices that are assembled locally. “Taifa Laptop is model of how we can partially meet demand for the Digital Learning Programme,” said Dr Matiang’i.
He said the Jubilee Government will continue to support the local assembly and (possibly) manufacture of ICT products. More opportunities will open up in the ICT space, said, going by phenomenal growth especially in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.
“And let me also challenge citizens, government and Kenyan businesses to be proud of and support products of our sweat like the Taifa Laptop. Indeed, let’s Buy Kenyan to Build our nation Kenya,” he said.
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