President acknowledges frustrations expressed by young people over the cost of living, taxation, unemployment and the pace of change, saying citizens retained the right to question government decisions and demand better services.
ELDORET, October 20, 2026— President William Ruto has announced plans to remove the 25 per cent import duty on mobile phones in a proposed policy shift aimed at making smartphones more affordable and expanding access to digital technology among Kenyans.
The President made the announcement during the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, where the country gathered to honour national heroes and reflect on Kenya’s progress and development priorities.
The proposed measure could lower the cost of importing smartphones, potentially making the devices more accessible to students, young people, entrepreneurs and low-income households that rely on mobile technology for education, communication and economic activities.
Smartphones have become essential tools in Kenya’s rapidly expanding digital economy, enabling millions of people to access mobile banking, make payments, conduct business, search for employment opportunities and communicate with customers and service providers.
If implemented, the proposed removal of the duty could help reduce one of the tax-related costs associated with importing mobile phones, although the extent to which consumers benefit will depend on the final policy arrangements and how importers and retailers adjust their prices.
The announcement comes at a time when digital access is increasingly important for participation in economic and social activities, particularly among young people seeking employment and business opportunities in an economy where online platforms play a growing role.
For students, more affordable smartphones could ease access to online learning materials, digital libraries, educational applications and communication platforms used by schools and training institutions.
The policy could also support youth empowerment by giving young people better access to digital skills training, online courses, entrepreneurship platforms and information about employment and business opportunities. Improved smartphone access may help more youth participate in the digital economy, develop marketable skills and connect with customers and employers.
Small business owners could also benefit from improved access to affordable devices, which are increasingly used to market products, communicate with customers, receive payments and manage daily business operations.
Mobile phones also provide access to government information and digital services, making affordability an important consideration as public institutions continue to expand technology-based service delivery.
The proposed measure could further contribute to job creation through the affordable housing programme by enabling more workers, contractors and small enterprises involved in construction to access digital tools. Affordable smartphones could help them find tenders, coordinate projects, receive payments, advertise services and connect with suppliers and potential clients.
However, the proposed tax change is not yet in force, and consumers should not expect an immediate reduction in smartphone prices solely on the basis of the announcement.
The relevant policy, legal, fiscal and customs procedures would need to be completed before the import duty could officially be removed. The government would also need to clarify the effective date and the precise scope of the proposed changes.
The eventual impact on retail prices will depend on how the tax adjustment is implemented and whether savings on import costs are passed on to consumers.
Other costs associated with bringing smartphones to the Kenyan market, including shipping, distribution, applicable taxes and retailers’ operating expenses, may continue to influence the final prices paid by buyers.
Consequently, the proposed removal of the 25 per cent import duty could improve affordability, support youth empowerment and strengthen access to employment and business opportunities, but the size of any price reduction will only become clearer once the government provides details of the implementation framework and market prices begin to respond.