We are getting there slowly but surely. No, actually we are getting there at fast pace. The technology scene in Kenya has come a long way and comparing how things were about 5 years ago and how they are now is ridiculous. We look forward to product launches and even the Samsung S5 event was televised. Our internet prices are relatively cheaper compared to other countries (yes, really). This by no means implies we are exactly where we should be. We still have a long way to go but sometimes you just have to stop and admire your achievements.
What excites me most is devices availability and pricing. I remember the days when phones took several months to hit the country long after being launched in other countries. We still have the same problem for some devices (ahem! Nokia) but this mostly affects the “official” channels. What I mean is that official channels such as Safaricom in partnership with the manufacturers may take their sweet time to launch devices depending on so many issues I’ve never understood but this has given independent importers a golden opportunity. Devices such as Xperia Z2, HTC One M8, Desire 816 have not been launched in the country but that does not mean they are not available. Moreover, they are actually available at competitive prices. Devices from mainstream manufacturers are available except Motorola for some weird reason.
There has been a rise and rise of the blogs to the extent that the journalists are worried. But in the technology space, you will probably learn more from blogs such as this one than on television and newspapers. Clearly money and passion cannot be viewed from the same light.
The broadband issues are hard to understand but generally things are positive. Cable internet is on the rise but you still need to live in the right areas to be connected. Mobile internet is still widely used but with limited unlimited options (see what I did there). Actually there is no unlimited mobile internet but the alternative is still alright if you understand your internet usage. If you really want to appreciate our mobile internet then just leave the country and try the mobile options that you will find in your host country. Still, broadband connectivity is a grey area and there is so much to be done. There is uneven growth in this field with Safaricom set to launch their 4G network while some other operators are still rolling out 3G.
You know how when you want to buy an application from the mobile application store but you cannot because you don’t have a credit card? More people are using credit cards and buying applications and a few other online transactions. However, in the windows phone segment things are a bit easier. All you need to do is buy airtime, go to the windows store and buy an application using your airtime. Opinions are divided on this one but I believe that is the simplest and efficient way to buy an app. And I am not supporting the idea based on my habit of saving my money under the mattress. I am lazy and even going to the ATM is a task and I certainly hate bank queues.
We are not exactly where we want to be but we are standing at a safe spot. So much has to be done. It is highly encouraged to look at this from a positive angle. Look at it in terms of opportunities especially if you have an IT background or have a business mind.
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