Kenya is set to witness a significant shift in mobile phone accessibility as telcos introduce cloud-based phones to bridge the digital divide. With a mobile ownership index score of 57.6% and handset availability at just 18.1%, affordability remains a key barrier to mobile access, especially among low-income earners. According to the Kenya Housing Survey 2023/24, 11.3% of Kenyans rely on borrowed devices, with urban areas recording the highest dependence.
To address this challenge, the Kenyan government launched the East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited in 2023, targeting the production of three million phones annually. These locally assembled devices, priced at around Ksh.7,500, offer a cost-effective alternative to imported smartphones. Private sector initiatives, such as hire purchase plans, have also emerged, though they often increase the total cost for consumers.
The Rise of Cloud-Based Phones
Feature phones, popularly known as ‘Kabambe’ or ‘Mulika Mwizi,’ continue to be used by low-income earners and as secondary devices for many Kenyans. While these phones lack internet connectivity, telcos are now leveraging cloud-based technology to introduce affordable alternatives that support digital access.
During the 2025 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Huawei Technologies showcased its 4G-enabled cloud-based phones. These devices, resembling traditional feature phones, are connected to cloud servers near cell towers, eliminating the need for high-end processors, advanced graphics chips, or extensive storage.
Dr. Bello Moussa, Head of ICT Strategy at Huawei, explained that cloud-based phones host apps and functionalities on the cloud, reducing hardware costs. Huawei has already introduced these devices in Zambia through a partnership with MTN and is exploring entry into the Kenyan market.
Vodacom has also launched cloud-based phones in South Africa, featuring basic smartphone functionalities like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, accessible via the cloud. Similarly, CloudMosa has rolled out cloud phones in India.
With telcos embracing cloud-phone technology, Kenya is on the verge of a mobile revolution that promises increased connectivity at a fraction of traditional smartphone costs. As AI-driven enhancements continue, cloud-based phones could reshape the future of mobile communication, making digital access more inclusive and affordable for all.
