Kenya: Mad rush for Obama branded phones

  1. Posted on Friday 16 January 2009 - 00:08
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    Kent Mensah, AfricaNews editor in Accra, Ghana
    A Barack Obama branded mobile phone is now selling like hot cake in Kenya. Handset vendor, Mi launched the handset dressed in the colours and logo of the US president-elect. Kenya - the home country of the president's father - is booming with an Obama fever as the 20th January inauguration draw close.
    Obama mobile phone Photo: Cellular News
    The stylish and charming mobile phone is being sold for roughly $30, Cellular News reported on Thursday. The company announced that the Mi-Obama handsets are available exclusively at Fone Xpress@ Nakumatt, Tuskys and Phonelink retail stores throughout Kenya, the product in its first week of availability has already sold over 1000 units in Nairobi alone.

    "The coming of the new President of the USA is an auspicious moment for all Kenyans and the people of Africa. It is our pleasure to be able to launch the Mi-Obama phone as a memento that will always stay within the user's hearts and minds" Alpesh Patel, Director of Mi-Fone said.

    The company said that it thought the opportunity was just too good to miss. The President-elect himself is famously addicted to his BlackBerry phone.

    Meanwhile, AfricaNews’ correspondent in Kenya said the euphoria that characterized Obama’s election in 2008 across Africa has erupted again. Giant screens are being mounted at strategic locations to beam the swearing-in ceremony live to locals. Traditional leaders of the Luo culture are also planning a major feast to grace the occasion.

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