Eric Wambua, a technician at East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited in Athi River, shared the remarkable story of how he secured his job at the facility during a rare encounter with President William Ruto, connecting it to the President’s vision for hustlers.

In a unique meeting with President Ruto during his tour of the facility, Wambua revealed that he initially worked as a construction laborer, often referred to as “mtu wa mjengo.” However, after the facility’s construction was completed, he faced potential job loss.

Motivated by the need to secure his livelihood, Wambua took the initiative to explore alternative employment opportunities within the same facility, even though it had been operational for less than a year.

“Thank you, Mr. President. I started working at this company as a construction laborer. I was the one who helped install the floor tiles,” he proudly informed the President, eliciting cheers.

Recognizing that his construction job was ending, Wambua actively sought another position within the company. He eventually learned of a job opening in the technical department but was informed that he needed to undergo two months of training before being considered for the role.

“Fortunately, I was informed that there was a vacancy in the department operating these machines. I completed a two-week training program and subsequently went through a successful interview. I was then hired as a technician,” Wambua recounted.

Wambua is now part of a dedicated team of workers contributing to the realization of President Ruto’s promise to provide affordable phones, a crucial step in Kenya’s digital economic transformation.

East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited, a joint venture between local mobile network operators and international device manufacturers, was established to support the government’s objective of enhancing digital inclusion in the country. The first smartphone produced at the facility is expected to retail at Ksh7,499.

The plant, fulfilling the government’s commitment to establishing local smartphone assembly capacity in Kenya, has the capacity to manufacture up to 3 million mobile phone units annually, aligning with President Ruto’s vision of empowering hustlers and advancing digital innovation in the country.