The Official Launch of The Taifa Laptop
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has today launched the first Kenyan-made laptop to the public by the ICT Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i. The event was graced by Taifa Brand, NITP and Intel at Fairmont the Norfolk. The laptop is named Taifa which is Kiswahili word for nation. JKUAT began assembling desktop computers in 2006, the E-MADO brand, in partnership with Ministry of Industrialization and other public/private partners and today marks the first introduction of the Taifa laptop to the public.
The TAIFA Brand Laptop is a product of the Nairobi Industrial and Technological Park (NITP). NITP is a kenyan vision 2030 flagship project between Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Tecnology (JKUAT) and the Ministry of Industrialization and Enterprise Development (MOIED). The project advances the triple heritage of providing worldclass solutions, creating jobs and wealth and creating the pride of our Nation in the spirit of “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya”
The Vice Chancellor of JKUAT Mrs. Mabel Imbuga said that the laptop is the first to be produced in the country and its 100% owned by JKUAT. “JKUAT champions innovation and research to create market for the young entrepreneurs in the institution. “She added.
“The Taifa laptop is a landmark in the ICT sector in Kenya. The project will certainly provide world class solutions to create jobs in the country especially in the ICT sector.” Dr. Fred Matiang’i said. Matiang’i also provided that Jubilee government rolled digital program and intends to lay a foundation for future technology serving in all schools for a better learning environment and JKUAT is at an upper hand to lay the pillars and act as an ambassador in the program.
“To be able to deliver education we need devices and companies are given a challenge to employ fresh knowledge from schools to develop on their innovation and build content in different institutions.” Dr. Matiang’i added. The cabinet secretary emphasized on investment in connectivity and digitization in all institutions in the country. He encouraged innovators to assemble more ICT related devices given that the government has placed an exemption from VAT inputs imported for assembling of ICT devices.
Key Features of the Taifa laptop
Display
- 14.0” WXGA HD (1366×768)
Processor Options
- Intel® CoreTM i3 – 400M, Intel® Processors 2.4Ghz
Operating System Options
- Genuine Windows® 8.1
- Genuine Microsoft Office® 2013
Memory
- DDR3 SDRAM 4GB RAM
Storage
- 500GB 7200 rpm SATA Hard Drive
Optical Drive
- 8X DVD+/-RW
Multimedia
- High quality speakers, Stereo headphone & Microphone jack
- HDMI Port
- HD video webcam
Connectivity
- 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
Wireless LAN
- IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
- Wireless Bluetooth® 4.0
Ports, Slots & Chassis
- Network connector (RJ-45), USB 2.0 (1), USB3.0 (2)
- Stereo headphone & Microphone jacks, Memory card reader slot
Input Device
- Single pointing keyboard
- Smooth Touchpad
Battery
- 6-cell (60Whr) Lithium Ion battery – 4200mAh
The laptop is now available to the public and goes for Shs 46, 720. JKUAT intends to launch more models besides Taifa A3 in the coming years.