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, 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.”