I remember at the turn of the century the whole world was running helter-skelter due to fear of the then pending millennium bug. Known globally as the Y2K problem, the millennium bug was predicted to pose potential computer errors related to the formatting and storage of calendar data for dates in and after the year 2000.
After the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2000, computers continued working as usual, and the millennium bug became water under the bridge. However, the turn of the century has seen an accelerated improvement in computer applications, with artificial intelligence and smart computing emerging as the main bags to be secured in this millennium.
Nowhere has the evolution of artificial intelligence and smart living been more pronounced than in home electronics. Growing up, I remember watching a black and white television set with its famous ‘hunchback.’ Later, they developed the Instant Colour TV Film, which when applied on the television screen would turn a black and white TV into a coloured one. I am sure that this sounds like the stone age for some Generation Zs.
Fast forward to today, and almost every Kenyan home, including those deep in the villages, has installed flat-screen color televisions. Today’s prominent trend in the Kenyan urban market is the growing preference for bigger screen TVs, particularly 55-inch and 65-inch models. This shift can be attributed to bigger living spaces, the rising popularity of gaming, and the availability of paid content streaming services like Showmax and Netflix. Consumers seek immersive entertainment experiences, driving the demand for larger, high-definition displays.
Recently on X, formerly Twitter, there was a heated debate on whether a girlfriend visiting her boyfriend over the weekend should leave without doing the laundry. While both proposers and opposers of the motion of the debate raised valid points, the gist of the discussion seemed to revolve around the need for a washing machine in a modern home.
Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, there has been a noticeable spike in sales of washing machines in Kenya. With the shift to the hybrid work model and an increased focus on hygiene, Kenyan consumers prioritize convenience and efficiency in household chores. Washing machines offer a solution that aligns with these changing lifestyle dynamics, leading to their growing adoption.
With more than half a dozen submarine fiber optic cables having arrived on our shores, internet speeds in the country have greatly improved. This, taken abreast with the advent of cloud computing and the Internet of Things, has made it possible for appliance makers to develop smarter products. The Internet of Things or IoT is the collective network of connected devices and the technology that facilitates communication between devices and the cloud, and between the devices themselves.
As internet penetration continues to rise in Kenya and across East Africa, there is a growing demand for smart home devices and appliances. Consumers aspire to create interconnected homes that offer convenience and efficiency. Smart appliances, equipped with connectivity features, allow users to remotely control and monitor their devices, freeing up time for other activities.
Today’s electronics customer prefers to live life in color. That is why when choosing home appliances and gadgets, Kenyan consumers prioritize aesthetics and design, followed closely by price. While energy efficiency remains a consideration, technological advancements have largely addressed this aspect. Consumers seek products that complement their lifestyles and add value to their homes, reflecting a shift towards a more design-conscious consumer base.
Despite the convenience brought about by Artificial Intelligence and smart technologies, a section of Kenyans still have not fully taken advantage of the benefits it brings. This may be due to the cautious nature of the African who believes that you should not test the depth of water with both feet.
In addition, awareness remains a significant barrier to adoption. Many consumers are unaware of the full capabilities of these devices and their potential to enhance daily life.
Electronics manufacturers should therefore seize this opportunity to bridge this gap through educational initiatives and marketing campaigns that highlight the benefits of futuristic home solutions. By focusing on raising awareness and offering user-friendly products, these companies can drive greater adoption and usher in a new era of smart living in Kenya.
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By Rahul Kochhar, Senior Business Leader, Consumer Electronics Division, Samsung Electronics East Africa Ltd
