This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
Vivo Expands in Kenya, Unveils V17 Pro Smartphone ¶
On November 11, 2019, Vivo, a global technology company, marked its entry into the Kenyan market by launching its regional offices in Nairobi and unveiling the V17 Pro smartphone.
According to Vivo, the company is committed to the Kenyan market and aims to make the most of its innovation and ingenuity to deliver user experiences that Kenyan consumers love. Vivo is actively investing in offline retail stores as a touch-point in Kenya to enable customers to have first-hand experience with Vivo smartphones.
Speaking at the launch event, Vivo Kenya CEO, Mr. Arthur Xian, said, “The creation of V17 Pro once again showcases our strong consumer-centric innovation approach. The new V series member brings brilliant camera systems on both the front and back of the smartphone to empower consumers to redefine their photography experience,”
The V17 Pro features a total of 6 cameras on the front and back, including the industry’s first 32MP Dual Pop-up Front Camera. The smartphone also boasts a Super AMOLED Ultra FullView Display, professional-grade 48MP AI Quad Camera, and stunning makeover features created to compliment the lifestyle of today’s young and stylish consumers.
Mr. Jet Xu, President for the Vivo Middle East and Africa Region, added, “V17 Pro is a masterpiece that we are extremely proud of, as it reinforces our position as a pioneer in bringing best-in-class mobile experiences to the Kenyan Market.”
With its launch in the country, Vivo aims to create a positive socio-economic impact through its existence in the market. The company seeks to create jobs for the Kenyan population, which consists of three-quarters of youths below the age of 30 years. Vivo also aims to open up opportunities for creativity and innovation through partnerships with local tertiary institutions and innovation centres.
As part of its expansion plans, Vivo has already opened a new customer service centre in the Nairobi CBD, with plans to launch new centres in Mombasa and Eldoret in the next six months.
Mr. Matano Ndaro, Director of Licensing, Compliance, and Standards at the Communications Authority of Kenya, commended Vivo for its entry into the Kenyan market and plans to contribute immensely to the economy and create job opportunities.
“As a government, we are constantly encouraging investors to tap into the investment opportunities available in the country, especially in the ICT sector. We encourage the public to only procure mobile phones that are CAK-approved to avoid any health hazard,” Mr. Matano said.
He also elaborated on the government’s plan to boost access to internet access across the country, stating, “99% of all data sold in Kenya is accessed through a mobile phone. We, therefore, aim to engage in private-public partnerships that will help us achieve the target of connecting every Kenyan. This is why we welcome Vivo wholeheartedly.”
