Solar company Azuri launches 32-inch TV targeting rural areas

Pay-as-you-go solar products dealer Azuri Technologies has launched a 32-inch colour television sold together with a number of products.

TV400, said Azuri chief executive Simon Bransfield, comes with a battery and a 10-year warranty and at least 10 hours of continuous viewing.

“The ability to watch TV whenever you like, even where the grid and terrestrial TV is not present is closing the gap between rural and urban communities and bringing essential content including education channels,” he said.

Buyers will pay an initial payment of Sh8,999 and daily usage fee of Sh129 over 30 months after which the system is unlocked and all additional power is free of charge.

The new product comes three years after Azuri launched a 24-inch solar TV giving off-grid families access to five-hour viewing period.

Mr Bransfield said their product launch follows growing demand for television sets whose demand spiked after Covid-19 struck forcing children and other family members to remain at home.

It comes with two tube lights, two spot-lights, a rechargeable radio, rechargeable torch and USB phone charging. The system also includes a satellite dish and subscription to Zuku Smart package offering over 55 channels.

With increased uptake, Azuri has had to train solar installation technicians as well as scale up its partnership with product dealers within off-grid regions.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott welcomed the development saying Azuri’s new product opens new opportunities that answers a demand problem thereby creating new jobs.

"Kenya needs to seize this opportunity to create a clean, resilient economy that is fit for the future, creating jobs that will last,” she said.

“We have put a clean and resilient recovery from Covid-19 at the heart of our partnership in Kenya, strengthened by cutting edge British innovation from companies like Azuri who are helping to expand clean energy in rural areas.”