The Apple MacBook Air 2020 (13.3″, MWTL2, 8GB/256GB) currently sells for Ksh 129,000 to Ksh 149,000 in Kenya, depending on the retailer and ongoing promotions. This lightweight powerhouse remains one of the most sought-after laptops in the Kenyan market, blending premium performance with sleek portability.
Whether you’re a student, creative professional, or business user, the MacBook Air delivers exceptional speed, battery life, and the seamless macOS experience Apple is known for.
Current Price Range
The Apple MacBook Air 2020 (13.3″, MWTL2, 8GB/256GB) is available in Kenya at varying price points depending on the seller, warranty, and promotions. Below is a breakdown of the current market rates:
- Budget Range (Ksh 129,000 – Ksh 135,000): Found in smaller electronics shops or online marketplaces, often with limited warranty coverage.
- Mid-Range (Ksh 136,000 – Ksh 142,000): Offered by established retailers like iStore Kenya or Ultimate Solutions, typically with a 1-year warranty.
- Premium Range (Ksh 143,000 – Ksh 149,000): Sold at authorized Apple resellers, including bundled accessories or extended warranty options.
Prices tend to drop slightly during Black Friday or back-to-school promotions, but demand keeps them relatively stable year-round.
Key Specifications
The MacBook Air 2020 (13.3″, MWTL2) balances power and portability with premium engineering. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Display: 13.3-inch Retina (2560×1600) with True Tone for vibrant colors
- Processor: Apple M1 chip (8-core CPU, 7-core GPU) for blazing-fast performance
- Memory & Storage: 8GB unified RAM + 256GB SSD (expandable via cloud/external drives)
- Build: 100% recycled aluminum unibody (1.29kg, 0.41–1.61cm thin)
- Battery: Up to 15 hours web browsing (18 hours video playback)
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4 + 3.5mm headphone jack
- Certifications: ENERGY STAR rated, EPEAT Gold for eco-friendliness
No assembly needed – comes ready-to-use with macOS pre-installed.
Factors Affecting Price
Several key elements influence the MacBook Air 2020’s pricing in Kenya’s competitive tech market:
- Apple Premium Tax: The brand’s reputation for reliability and ecosystem integration commands 15-20% higher prices than comparable Windows laptops.
- Import Costs: 25% import duty + 16% VAT on electronics significantly increases the base price.
- Currency Volatility: Dollar-to-KES fluctuations (avg. Ksh 150-160/$1) directly impact final retail pricing.
- Retailer Tier: Official Apple resellers charge 8-12% more than parallel importers for genuine warranties.
- Seasonal Demand: Prices spike 5-8% during university admission periods (Jan-Mar, Aug-Sep).
- Stock Availability: Limited M1 chip supply in 2024 creates occasional 10% price surges.
Understanding these factors helps buyers identify the best purchase timing and vendor type.
Where to Buy in Kenya
Kenyan buyers have multiple reliable options to purchase the MacBook Air 2020, each with distinct advantages:
- Official Apple Stores (iStore): Locations in Nairobi (Two Rivers, Village Market) offer genuine products with full warranties but at premium prices (Ksh 145,000+).
- Major Retail Chains: Ultimate Solutions (Nairobi, Mombasa) and iWorld Africa provide competitive pricing (Ksh 135,000-140,000) with installation support.
- E-commerce Platforms: Jumia (fast delivery) and Kilimall (frequent discounts) list prices from Ksh 129,000, but verify seller ratings carefully.
- Tech Hubs: Nairobi’s Biashara Street and Moi Avenue shops offer the lowest prices (Ksh 125,000+) but require thorough authenticity checks.
Tip: Always request serial number verification via Apple’s online checker before purchase.
Popular Brands and Alternatives
While the MacBook Air dominates Kenya’s premium laptop segment, these alternatives offer compelling options at different price points:
| Brand | Price Range (KES) | Key Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Air M1 | 129,000-149,000 | M1 chip, 18hr battery, macOS ecosystem | Widely available |
| Dell XPS 13 | 145,000-165,000 | 4K display, Windows 11 Pro, Thunderbolt 4 | Select dealers |
| HP Envy x360 | 95,000-120,000 | 2-in-1 convertible, AMD Ryzen 7 | Most retailers |
| Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 | 110,000-130,000 | OLED display, 14hr battery, lightweight | Online stores |
Configuration Alternatives: Kenyan buyers can find the MacBook Air in 512GB (Ksh 155,000+) or 16GB RAM versions (Ksh 170,000+) at premium retailers. Local assemblers like Positivo BGH offer budget Windows alternatives under Ksh 70,000, though with inferior build quality.
Imported vs Local: Parallel imports from Dubai (5-10% cheaper) lack Kenyan warranty coverage, while locally stocked units include 2-year service agreements.
Buying Tips
Protect your investment with these essential MacBook Air purchasing strategies:
- Physical Inspection: Check for uniform backlighting (no yellow tints), test all ports, and verify the serial number matches Apple’s database.
- Seller Questions: Ask “Is this Kenya warranty or international?” and “Can I see the original import documentation?”
- Warranty Details: Kenyan Apple warranties should show “iServe Africa” as the service provider with 12-month coverage.
- Red Flags: Avoid sellers offering “new” units below Ksh 120,000, those refusing to power on the device, or providing generic “international” warranty cards.
- Payment Safety: Use escrow services for online purchases or pay after full inspection at physical stores.
Always run Apple Diagnostics (hold D during startup) before finalizing your purchase.
Conclusion
The Apple MacBook Air 2020 (13.3″, MWTL2) remains a top-tier choice in Kenya’s laptop market at Ksh 129,000-149,000. For students, the base model offers exceptional value, while professionals should consider authorized dealers for extended warranties. Budget-conscious buyers may explore certified refurbished units from iStore Kenya. Always verify specifications and warranty details before purchasing to ensure you’re getting genuine Apple quality.
Ready to buy? Compare prices across our recommended retailers and use our inspection checklist for a smart purchase decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple MacBook Air 2020 in Kenya
What’s the difference between the M1 and Intel versions?
The M1 model offers 3x faster performance, 5x better graphics, and 2x longer battery life than Intel versions. While Intel models (Ksh 110,000-130,000) are cheaper, the M1’s efficiency justifies its higher price for most Kenyan users.
Where can I get genuine Apple service in Kenya?
Authorized service centers include iStore Kenya (Nairobi, Mombasa) and iServe Africa. Always verify technicians are Apple-certified – ask for their ASP (Apple Service Provider) certification before any repairs.
How long does the battery last with Kenya’s power fluctuations?
The M1 battery withstands 1,000 charge cycles (3-4 years of daily use). Use surge protectors as Kenya’s unstable power can reduce lifespan by 20% without proper protection.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage later?
No, the M1’s memory is soldered. Kenyans needing more power should consider the 16GB/512GB model (Ksh 185,000+) or use external SSDs (from Ksh 8,000 for 1TB).
Is it worth buying in 2024 compared to newer models?
Yes, for budgets under Ksh 150,000. While newer Airs offer slight improvements, the 2020 M1 still outperforms most Windows laptops in Kenya’s price range, especially for creative work.
