Kenya’s leading mobile operator Safaricom is set to give
local software developers a platform to market their applications with the
launch of an applications-store next month.
“The platform would give developers the opportunity of reach
out to local market to expose the local products towards the international
market,” said Nzioka Waita, Safaricom’s Corporate Affairs Director.
Safaricom hopes to venture intensively in local apps and
content, a field its competitors haven’t sufficiently explored. Currently
Kenyans enjoy App Stores such as Google Play, Nokia’s Ovi Store, and Samsung
Apps.
There will be a competition for app developers where the
winner will pocket Sh1 million and earn top placement in the Safaricom Apps
Store.
Safaricom is expected to spend over Sh2 million on the award
scheme with the competition running from September 6th to November
21st, featuring entries in 6 categories that include Games/Entertainment, Health, Education,
Agriculture, Financial Inclusion and Productivity.
Safaricom to invest
Sh8 billion in fibre-optics
The company is also set to invest Sh8 billion to lay a
2,300km of fibre-optic cable within the coming 4 years. The move is geared at
its increasing customer base and increased data consumption by its subscribers.
Bob Collymore, Safaricom’s CEO said that the company is
highly dependent on fibre for voice and internet services resulting to
increased to its investment in developing and expanding its coverage in the
country.
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