{
  "id": 12794039,
  "title": "Watu opens Samsung-authorised phone service centre in Kisii after financing 1.5mn smartphones",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/watu-opens-samsung-authorised-phone-service-centre-in-kisii-after",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-08T05:11:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital FM Kenya",
    "slug": "capital-fm-kenya",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/watu-opens-samsung-authorised-phone-service-centre-in-kisii-after-financing-1-5mn-smartphones/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kisii, Kenya – Asset financing firm Watu has inaugurated a Samsung-approved phone service centre in Kisii Town, marking its expansion of after-sales support for customers who acquired smartphones via its financing scheme. The company has financed over 1.5 million Samsung smartphones on loan in the Kisii region, making devices accessible to those who might otherwise not have afforded them upfront. Watu's Kenya Country Manager, Damien Gueroult, highlighted that the new service centre aims to safeguard customers' investments and provide them with access to high-quality repairs and genuine spare parts. He emphasized that many Kenyans view phones as essential business tools, not luxuries. The centre will also help customers avoid unqualified technicians who may utilize counterfeit parts or tamper with software. Watu's Samsung-approved service centre will offer services such as phone diagnostics, screen and battery replacements, software support, and warranty services using genuine Samsung parts. Samsung East Africa representative, George Kebaso, stated that this partnership supports digital inclusion, enabling more individuals to engage in the digital economy. He emphasized that the partnership goes beyond repairing phones, as it secures livelihoods and drives AI and digitalization from the grassroots level. Kebaso noted that reliable smartphones are crucial for small businesses, students, and workers who rely on digital platforms for their livelihoods. Watu mentioned that the Kisii facility is part of its broader strategy to expand beyond asset financing, offering customers support throughout the entire lifecycle of their devices. The model combines affordable smartphone financing, genuine repairs, and after-sales support to enhance the customer experience and foster trust among smartphone users.",
  "summary": "The company said it has financed more than 1.5 million Samsung smartphones on loan in the Kisii sub-region, providing access to devices for customers who may not have been able to afford them through upfront payments.",
  "key_points": [
    "Watu opens Samsung-approved phone service centre in Kisii",
    "Company financed over 1.5 million Samsung smartphones in region",
    "Centre offers diagnostics, repairs, software support, warranty"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}