Africa’s first Intel-powered smartphone, the Yolo, has been unveiled by the chip-maker and mobile operator Safaricom for the Kenyan market.

The Android-enabled Yolo is powered by the Intel Atom processor Z2420 with hyper-threading technology that the chip-maker says can achieve speeds of up to 1.2 GHz.

Priced at Kshs 10,999, the handset further comes bundled with a free 500MB data package.

It also features a 3.5 inch display, 5MP camera and HSPA+ network support.

The device forms part of Intel's smartphone platform for emerging markets, launched last month at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

"We're redefining what cost-conscious Kenyans can expect from a smartphone," said Peter Arina, general manager, Safaricom' s Consumer Business Unit.

Aysegul Ildeniz, Intel’s regional director for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa region, added, "The new handset extends the benefits of Intel technology to more smartphone users around the world and we believe that Kenyan consumers will welcome the increased functionality and overall value of the device."