The BlackBerry Passport price in Kenya ranges between KSh 15,000 and KSh 30,000, depending on the device’s condition, storage capacity, and seller location. This iconic smartphone, known for its unique square design and productivity-focused features, remains a sought-after choice for professionals and BlackBerry enthusiasts in Kenya.
Why does this model still command attention years after its release? Discover how its robust build, physical keyboard, and security-focused OS make it a standout in today’s touchscreen-dominated market. Whether you’re a business user or a collector, unlocking the details below will help you make an informed purchase.
Current Price Range of the BlackBerry Passport in Kenya
The BlackBerry Passport’s price in Kenya varies based on condition, seller reputation, and included accessories. Below is a breakdown of current market rates:
- Budget (Used/Refurbished): KSh 15,000 – KSh 20,000 – Devices with minor wear, no original packaging, or older batteries.
- Mid-Range (Good Condition): KSh 20,000 – KSh 25,000 – Well-maintained units with minimal scratches, functional keyboards, and decent battery life.
- Premium (Like-New/Unopened): KSh 25,000 – KSh 30,000 – Rare sealed units or near-mint condition devices with original accessories.
Prices fluctuate seasonally, often dipping slightly during major sales events (e.g., Black Friday). Demand remains steady among professionals valuing its security features, keeping resale values stable.
Key Specifications of the BlackBerry Passport
The BlackBerry Passport stands out with its unique design and business-focused features. Here’s what makes it a compelling choice:
- Display: 4.5-inch square IPS LCD (1440×1440 pixels, 453 PPI) with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for durability.
- Keyboard: Physical QWERTY keyboard with touch-sensitive gesture support for faster typing.
- Build: Stainless steel frame with textured soft-touch back for a premium, grippy feel.
- Storage: 32GB internal + microSD expandable up to 128GB—ideal for documents and media.
- Battery: 3450mAh (removable) with up to 30 hours of mixed usage—perfect for professionals.
- OS: BlackBerry 10.3 with enterprise-grade security, encrypted messaging, and Android app compatibility.
- Dimensions: 128×90.3×9.3mm, weighing 196g—sturdy yet pocketable.
Its MIL-STD-810G certification ensures resistance to drops, dust, and extreme temperatures—key for Kenya’s varied climate.
Factors Affecting BlackBerry Passport Price in Kenya
Several key elements influence the BlackBerry Passport’s pricing in the Kenyan market. Understanding these helps buyers make informed decisions:
- Condition & Age: New/unopened units command premium prices (KSh 25K+), while refurbished models drop to KSh 15K–20K. Older batteries or cosmetic wear significantly reduce value.
- Import Costs: Taxes, shipping fees, and dollar-to-KES fluctuations add 10–15% to prices for imported stock.
- Seller Reputation: Authorized retailers charge 5–10% more than individual sellers but offer warranties and verified quality.
- Accessories: Original packaging, charging docks, or spare batteries increase resale value by KSh 2,000–5,000.
- Demand Cycles: Prices spike during tax return seasons (July–August) when professionals upgrade devices.
Limited local stock and niche demand for physical keyboards keep prices stable despite the device’s age.
Where to Buy the BlackBerry Passport in Kenya
Kenyan buyers can find the BlackBerry Passport through these trusted channels, each with distinct advantages:
- Jumia/Kilimall: Best for competitive pricing (KSh 16K–28K) and buyer protection, but verify seller ratings to avoid counterfeit accessories.
- Physical Stores (Nairobi): Visit Simba Technologies (Westlands) or MobiTech (Moi Avenue) for hands-on inspection and warranty support (premium: KSh 22K–30K).
- Facebook Marketplace: Bargain deals (as low as KSh 12K for used units), but insist on meeting at safe zones like mall cafés.
- Specialist Shops (Kisumu/Mombasa): Gadget Hub (Kisumu) and Fortress IT (Nyali) stock rare sealed units with import papers.
Pro Tip: Always request IMEI checks (via *#06#) and test the keyboard’s touch sensitivity before paying.
Popular Brands and Alternatives to BlackBerry Passport in Kenya
While the BlackBerry Passport remains unique, these alternatives offer comparable features for Kenyan professionals:
| Brand/Model | Price Range (KES) | Key Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| BlackBerry Key2 | 45,000-65,000 | Modern Android OS, dual cameras, improved keyboard | Limited at authorized dealers |
| Titan Pocket | 32,000-40,000 | Android 11, compact QWERTY, 4000mAh battery | Jumia/Kilimall imports |
| Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro | 55,000-70,000 | Rugged design, touchscreen with glove mode | Major retail chains |
| TCL BlackBerry KEYone | 28,000-38,000 | Hybrid touch/keyboard, fingerprint sensor | Refurbished market |
Value Comparison: The Passport offers the best price-to-features ratio for BB10 loyalists, while the Titan Pocket provides modern Android at mid-range cost. For rugged needs, the XCover Pro leads but at premium pricing.
Local vs Imported: Only the Samsung is officially distributed in Kenya – others require import verification for warranty coverage.
Essential Buying Tips for BlackBerry Passport in Kenya
Maximize value and avoid scams with these professional purchasing guidelines:
- Physical Inspection: Test all keyboard keys (especially spacebar), check for screen burn-in on white backgrounds, and verify charging port stability.
- Battery Health: Demand screenshots of battery usage stats (Settings > Hardware > Battery) – capacity below 80% needs replacement (costs ~KSh 3,500).
- Software Verification: Confirm OS is genuine BlackBerry 10 (not Android port) by checking About settings – pirated versions lack security updates.
- Seller Questions: Ask for purchase receipt, previous repairs, and reason for selling – hesitant answers indicate potential issues.
- Red Flags: Avoid devices with mismatched IMEI stickers, “Black Edition” branding (common fakes), or sellers refusing meetups.
For warranty claims, only sealed units from Simba Technologies offer 3-month coverage – third-party repairs void authenticity.
Conclusion
The BlackBerry Passport remains a unique productivity device in Kenya, with prices ranging from KSh 15,000 for refurbished units to KSh 30,000 for mint-condition models.
For business users, we recommend investing in mid-range units from authorized dealers, while collectors should prioritize sealed devices. Always verify specifications and condition before purchasing to ensure you get genuine value from this iconic smartphone.
Ready to buy? Use our detailed buying guide to make an informed decision that matches your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About BlackBerry Passport Price in Kenya
Is the BlackBerry Passport still worth buying in 2024?
Absolutely for specific users. Its physical keyboard and security features remain unmatched for professionals handling sensitive data. However, app support is limited as BlackBerry 10 is no longer updated. Ideal for email-focused users who prioritize typing over modern apps.
Where can I get genuine replacement parts in Kenya?
Authorized repair centers like Simba Technologies in Nairobi stock original batteries (~KSh 3,500) and keyboards (~KSh 5,000). Avoid cheap imports from River Road as they often fail within months and may damage your device.
How does the Passport compare to modern smartphones?
It outperforms in security and typing efficiency but lacks in camera quality (13MP vs modern 50MP+) and app selection. The square screen excels for documents but struggles with video streaming and social media apps designed for rectangular displays.
What’s the average lifespan of a used Passport?
With proper care, 2-3 years. Key factors are battery replacements (needed every 18 months) and keyboard maintenance. Avoid liquid damage as repair costs (~KSh 8,000+) often exceed the device’s value.
Can I use Kenyan mobile money apps on this device?
Partially. While M-Pesa’s USSD codes work perfectly, the Android runtime supports older versions of apps like KCB M-Pesa (APK installation required). Newer apps like Fuliza won’t function due to OS limitations.
