ASUS
regional head for Middle East, Turkey and Africa Tolga Ozdil /JACKTONE LAWITaiwanese technology giant ASUS is eyeing Kenya’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with tailor-made technology solutions aimed at cutting operational costs and boosting efficiency as part of its planned expansion in the country.
Speaking during the inaugural GITEX Africa Kenya 2026, ASUS regional commercial head for Turkey and Africa said the company sees Kenya as a strategic gateway for East Africa’s growing digital and artificial intelligence economy.
The company said it is rolling out commercial devices designed specifically for SMEs, including laptops embedded with AI-powered business tools that can help firms automate tasks, improve productivity, enhance security and reduce the need for additional staffing costs.
ASUS regional head for Middle East, Turkey and Africa Tolga Ozdil, noted that many Kenyan SMEs operate without dedicated IT managers, prompting the company to develop devices with built-in management and security features that are easy for small businesses to use independently.
“In Kenya, nearly 80 per cent of business activity is driven by SMEs. Our positioning is focused on working closely with these businesses and providing solutions tailored to their needs, particularly for small-sized companies,” said Ozdil.
“We are providing tailor-made solutions for SMEs because we understand their needs are different. We want to offer solutions that help businesses save costs while improving efficiency.”
The firm said its devices also support offline AI functions, allowing businesses to use artificial intelligence tools without relying fully on internet connectivity while protecting sensitive company data.
“Many small businesses need reliable IT devices but may not have a dedicated IT manager. That’s why we have integrated free business tools into the devices, allowing companies to easily manage clients, improve security, and control features such as USB access to better protect company data,” he added
As part of its Kenyan expansion strategy, ASUS said it is exploring local partnerships, distribution growth and the possibility of local assembly in the long term as Kenya positions itself as a regional technology and AI hub.
The company added that affordability remains a key consideration in the Kenyan market, with ASUS planning to provide both entry-level and premium business devices to cater for different SME budgets.
ASUS currently operates in more than 160 locations globally and says it sold over 20 million PCs worldwide last year.
Kenya records thousands of computer import shipments annually, heavily dominated by refurbished, second-hand laptops sourced from China, the USA, and the UK.
