KaiOS Technologies  and Telkom Kenya announced a new KaiOS–enabled smart feature phone, the Kaduda T-Smart, to increase mobile internet access in Kenya. It also marks the first operator launch in Kenya for KaiOS.

According to KaiOS, the T-Smart is a significant upgrade of Telkom Kenya’s feature phone portfolio and will help address the growing demand for competitively-priced internet-enabled devices with affordable data packages.

According to the Digital 2020 report for Kenya, less than half of the population uses the internet (22.86 million people), and only 8.8 million are on social media.

The T-Smart enables Kenyans to access the Internet via 3G/4G/LTE and Wi-Fi, and comes withapps including WhatsApp, YouTube, Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Facebook.

Users can access other applications via KaiStore.

The device also features a 2.4” colour display, KaiOS 2.5.3, 1,900 mAh battery, and support for dual SIM card.

The T-Smart retails at the accessible price point of KSh 3,100 (around US$28) and is available through several data package options including a free daily bundle comprising 100 MB for internet browsing and 200MB to access WhatsApp and Facebook. It is now available in all Telkom shops, countrywide.

Steve Okeyo (pictured below), Telkom Kenya’s Managing Director for Consumer said, “Entry-level smart-feature devices constitute about 40% of phones sold in Kenya, affirming their acceptance and popularity due to longer-lasting batteries and the ability to pick signal faster in areas that are underserved with regard to connectivity”.

Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies, added: “Less than half of the people in Kenya are going online using their devices and only 20% of them are on social media. At KaiOS, we are focused on closing the digital divide by providing affordable smart feature phones along with relevant and useful apps and services for first-time internet users. We are excited to launch in Kenya through this partnership with Telkom Kenya, and, in doing so, opening the doors to the internet for millions of Kenyans.”

Technical Specifications

Operating System: KaiOS 2.5.3

Network: 3G, 4G, LTE, Wi-Fi

Display: 2.4” color display

SIM: Supports dual SIM card (SIM 1 – 4G with VoLTE; Sim 2 – 2G)

Battery: 1,900 mAh 

Apps and Functions: KaiStore with Google Assistant, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, etc.

About KaiOS Technologies  

KaiOS  Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services, and  exists to empower people around the world through technology. 

Its flagship product,  KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system for smart feature phones with more than  135  million devices shipped in over  150  countries. 

Kai’s mission is to  open up  new possibilities for individuals, organizations, and societies by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones. 

KaiOS  is based on HTML5 and other open web technologies. Devices running on the platform require limited memory, while still offering a rich user experience through access to apps like the Google Assistant, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Google Maps.