Taiwan tech giant ASUS rolls out cost-saving AI technology for Kenya’s SMEs

ASUS
regional head for Middle East, Turkey and Africa Tolga Ozdil /JACKTONE LAWI

Taiwanese
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.