[kictanet] My Take: Affordable computers

[Evans Ikua]

I have seen this discussion degenerate from used computers to dumped  
computers. The two are worlds apart. I would call it dumping if you  
get P1s and P2s. But for P3s and P4s that still have 3-5 years left in  
them, thats not dumping.

> When the Kenya Government slapped a 25% duty on used computers, it was
> meant to encourage local assembly where we have done pretty well on the
> learning curve.

I think this is wrong. As far as I know, there is not much local  
assembly going on currently. The clones that are assembled with parts  
from China have a lesser lifespan than the used branded computers that  
are sold in the market. Because the parts are of inferior quality -  
which makes them affordable.

The point is, a new clone goes for 20 - 25k. A used P4 with  
respectable specs goes for between 10 - 15k. The used P4 will mostly  
have a longer lifespan than the clone because it has genuine and high  
quality parts. So, if you are equipping a cyber/digital village/school  
on a limited budget, which option would you go for?

> In any case, the cost of a donated computer amounts to between
> Ksh. 16,000 and 25,000.  This is pretty much what it cost assembling a new
> PC locally.

These figures are not right. Camara is now donating computers (P4s) at  
5,000/= a piece. Just enough to cover the cost of shipping them in and  
a few logistics. This would probably halve if there was no duty on  
used computers.
Which then means that they would donate double the computers that they  
are doing now. So much for putting hardware in the hands of the  
population.
I dont see who would be donating computers for 20,000 yet in the shops  
the price is 10,000.

They are also working on a method of taking back the computers and  
replacing them at the end of their lifespan, to take care of the  
environment.

What should be done is to ensure that used computers imported are only  
of a certain age. This can easily be done through KEBS as there is a  
requirement for inspection - Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity  
(PVOC), before the computers leave their origin. Then we can say that  
we can't accept importation of computer more than 5 years old for  
instance.

The laptop I have been using for almost a year now came in as used. It  
is clear to see that used computers have made a very big impact on the  
local industry in terms of putting hardware in the hands of the  
people. Instead of penalizing the poor, we should let market forces  
determine what works best.


-- 
Evans Ikua
Linux Professional Association of Kenya
Tel: +254-20-2250381, Cell: +254-722 955 831
Eagle House, 2nd Floor
Kimathi Street, Opp. Corner House
www.lpakenya.org


Quoting bitange at jambo.co.ke:

> When the Kenya Government slaped a 25% duty on used computers, it was
> meant to encourage local assembly where we have done pretty well on the
> learning curve.  This policy change is to enable local job creation while
> taking into consideration on environmental impact from energy zapping used
> computers.  In any case, the cost of a donated computer amounts to between
> Ksh. 16,000 and 25,000.  This is pretty much what it cost assembling a new
> PC locally.
>
> Regards
>
>
> Ndemo.
>
>
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