**Sun King's Smartphone Revolution: Bringing Affordable Tech to Kenya's Masses** In a significant move that could shake up Kenya's mobile market, Sun King, the company behind popular yellow solar lanterns, has launched its first smartphone in Kenya. Dubbed EZ 1, this entry-level phone is designed to be more accessible to Kenyans who may have been priced out of the smartphone market. The phone, which boasts impressive specs, will be sold through a pay-as-you-go model that's similar to how Kenyans have been buying solar kits from Sun King. The EZ 1, assembled in Nairobi, is priced at KSh 2,999, with daily payments of just KSh 60. This means that anyone can own a smartphone without breaking the bank. The phone's affordability is crucial, especially considering that high upfront costs often prevent many Kenyans from joining the digital economy. Smartphones are essential for communication, mobile money, education, and small businesses, but the cost can be a significant barrier to entry. Kenya's local phone assembly scene has been growing, with companies like M-Kopa assembling millions of devices locally. However, the market is still dominated by imported devices and grey-market phones. Sun King's move is part of this trend, using industrialisation and financing to tackle digital exclusion. While there are concerns about the quality and consumer perceptions of locally assembled phones, the EZ 1 could be the ticket to staying connected and earning a living for many Kenyans. While the "poverty penalty" is a valid concern, Sun King's pay-as-you-go model could be a game-changer for those priced out of the smartphone market. The company's model allows customers to own a phone without incurring significant upfront costs, making it more accessible to the masses. This move could have broader implications for the mobile market in Kenya and beyond. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it's worth noting that Sun King's move is part of a larger trend towards affordable tech in Africa. By making smartphones more accessible, Sun King is helping to bridge the digital divide and promote economic inclusion. Only time will tell if this move will have a lasting impact on the mobile market in Kenya, but one thing is certain – it's a significant step towards making technology more accessible to all.