Huawei, a leader in providing next generation  telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, in partnesrhip with Safaricom, the listed telecommunications company, last evening launched the U8220 mobile phone, powered by Google Android operating system to support high speed Internet access. The phone—the first of its kind in the market—has a 3.5HVGA touch screen, the largest among all Android phones. It also features an innovative canvas profile which enables users to switch freely between six default extended screens.
Other features of the phone include a sleek chrome cover and HSDPA, Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities. Information and Communications Permanent Secretary Dr Bitange Ndemo, who presided over the launch, commended the efforts of Huawei Technologies and Safaricom in ensuring that Kenyans access innovative products.

“I am confident that as we work towards achieving Vision 2030, we will take advantage of collaborating with companies that are more innovative to improve our economic development. These include the arrival of the fibre optic cable into the Kenyan market and we are already launching a new innovative phone in sub-Saharan Africa, thus making a step into fulfilling our vision”, said Ndemo.

Speaking during the launch, Radoslaw Kedzia, Huawei Kenya Chief Operating Officer (COO) said the launch of the phone in the Kenyan market makes the country the first one to enjoy this high-tech phone in the whole of Africa.

“Customers will use various applications freely powered by the Google Android software at an affordable price. The launch also reflects our long term investment to develop high-tech devices which will enable users explore various unique applications that satisfy their needs”, said Kedzia. “I belive the world leading operators are looking for differentiated and innovative products to increase revenua from the increasingly saturated terminals market, hence the mututal partnership with Safaricom.
Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph lauded Huawei for taking the leadership to formally launch the first Android phone in Kenya.

“Safaricom and Huawei have been collaborating for several years now and this joint initiative is an example of cooperation between the most innovative companies in the fields;Safaricom is the Kenyan telecommunication arena. Safaricom is in the middle of revolutionising the use of the Internet to change people’s lives and Huawei is an important partner to this end”, said Joseph.