NAIROBI, Kenya— Epson is banking on smartphone-powered printing solutions to close Kenya’s digital divide, targeting rural and underserved communities where internet access remains patchy, despite the country’s widespread smartphone use.
The company has introduced mobile-first innovations like the Epson Smart Panel and Epson iPrint apps, allowing users to print, scan, and copy directly from their smartphones without needing a computer or internet connection.
“With Wi-Fi Direct, you can print from WhatsApp, email, or Telegram even offline,” said Mukesh Bector, Epson’s Regional Head for East and West Africa.
One ink bottle yields around 5,000 pages, making it a cost-effective solution for schools, homes, and small businesses in low-resource areas.
To make the technology more accessible, Epson is partnering with retailers like Text Book Centre and offering flexible financing options such as “Buy Now, Pay Later” plans, allowing customers to spread payments over six to twelve months.
Crucially, Epson is collaborating with Liquid Intelligent Technologies to equip remote schools with printers and projectors already benefiting more than 30,000 students.
The company is also investing in local service hubs and training IT staff to manage routine maintenance.
With all printers being Energy Star certified, Epson says it is helping reduce power bills a major concern in low-income areas.
The firm plans to track the impact through school feedback and usage data as it deepens its rural digital inclusion push.
