Nairobi,Kenya: Local software developers now have an opportunity to make money. This follows the launch of Nokia SMS information portal. The service dubbed Nokia Life targets mobile consumers at the low-end market segment.
It will allow users access to topical information on health, education and entertainment. It also targets those who have no access to smart phone devices.
The service is aimed at facilitating learning and bridging information gaps without users having to purchase a data plan. “Kenya, like many emerging markets, has numerous social needs and traditional channels don’t always provide the solution,” explained Mr Bruce Howe, general manager,Nokia East Africa. Howe adds that the enormous uptake of mobile phones creates venue for relevant information to be disseminated via phones. He said Nokia Life is part of the company’s strategy to connect the next billion.
Users in Kenya will be able to get information such as proper farming practices, health and religion tips delivered through an SMS. Subscribers will be charged from as little as Sh2 a day. The service is available to users with basic feature phones and subscribed on the Safaricom and Airtel network. Smart phone users will also access the same content through at application Nokia Life Plus.
“Research conducted by our Nokia Research Centre found that Kenyan consumers value information services that help them learn new business skills or provide tips for running small businesses,” explained Howe. “Other needs that ranked in the top five include entertainment, education and health services.”
“Consumers said they were willing to pay for provided they add value to their daily lives, are reasonably priced, predictable and easy to both sign up and opt out.”
Revenue stream
With more than 75 per cent of Kenyans accessing mobile phones and over a billion text messages sent in the period between July and September 2012 alone, Nokia says the SMS services are still viable. It adds that they have the potential for high revenue generation.
Nokia has partnered with the British Council, Plan International, and Capital FM to provide customised content on English lessons, parenting advice and local news headlines respectively. Plan International’s acting Director for Kenya, Mr Samuel Musyoki said the service has been proved a success in other markets owing to the role of mobile technology.
Kenya is the fifth country to get the service after India, China, Indonesia and Nigeria. “Kenya is the perfect market for Nokia Life. The mobile phone penetration and young aspiring population, combined with the need for social and economic growth creates an opportunity for this service to flourish.
It will have a significant impact on the lives of Kenyans,” observed Howe.
