Phone manufacturing companies are aggressively setting up service centres to provide quality after sales service to their customers  following an upsurge in counterfeits and inadequate information on where to go for services. It is against this background that mobile phone-handset manufacturer Nokia has opened a new customer  care centre at the  Nairobi Hilton to assist its customers to get technical services in terms of repairs and upgrades, among others. The centre, the seventh one in Kenya, will be the first one in the city centre and is geared to meeting the needs of consumers within the Central Business District. 

 According to Gulbahar Bulent, Managing Director of Technoservices Ltd, the Care Centre, which is the only Nokia service centre in the CBD, will be an additional service point to Nokia’s full service offering of quality. “Today’s consumers are looking not only to buy products but expect that these products can be serviced, enhanced and upgraded, “said Bulent.Gerard Brandjes, General Manager, Nokia East and Southern Africa, said the care centre will ensure that Nokia customers have access to expert maintenance services, software upgrades and technical support.“I am confident that it will effectively serve the Kenyan consumers in the Central Business District.” Brandjes also said the  establishment of the service centers within different parts of the region will assist customers to discern between fake and original phones. At the same time, Koki Muia, Care Manager, Nokia East and Southern Africa said the care centre will assist customers to know whether their phones have a warranty or not.“Nokia Warranty guarantees 12 months manufacturers limited warranty on any Nokia product and is offered from the date of purchase of the original product by the first end user. This limited warranty is valid and enforceable in East Africa where the product has been purchased.” said Muia. “Enhanced customer service and a 12 month warranty is all part of Nokia’s strategy to further enhance its presence and value to customers in East Africa. We encourage our customers to take full advantage of the warranty by using the Kenya Nokia Careline number, 0900 881 000),”said Brandjes.The care services are available alongside online support available on Nokia’s website, www.nokia.com/support where customers can find the latest tools, software update downloads and other services that help optimize their Nokia products.