Epson executives in Nairobi as firm seeks regional market share

Top executives of Japanese printing and information technology company Epson are in Kenya to carry out a market assessment as the firm seeks to capture a bigger share of the region’s IT solutions market.

Last month, the firm established its regional hub in Nairobi as a strategy to drive sales of its flagship products such as printers, cartridges, projectors and scanners in Eastern Africa.

“We want to set up a robust technical support and service network throughout the country for our end users,” said Mr Hiromi Taba, the President and chief operating officer of Epson Europe.

The maker of printing solutions, visual instruments and personal computers said it has developed products specifically targeted at emerging economies such as Africa.

For example, Epson has developed a low cost printer that uses a continuous ink supply system from an ink tank that replaces the traditional cartridge. The Japanese multinational also produces a dust-proof projector customised for rugged and outdoor environments.

Epson plans to invest about Sh420 million ($5 million) in revamping its sales distribution infrastructure, set up service centres and aggressively market its solutions in the banking, retail and education sectors.

Epson's entry into East Africa through Nairobi follows a well-established pattern where global firms have been pitching tent in Nairobi as an entry point into the larger regional market.