Application Developers and Publishers in Kenya can now publish and distribute their mobile applications directly on Nokia’s OVI Store. The OVI self service tool provides an easy way to distribute and monetize local mobile applications and content by potentially reaching millions of consumers around the world who use Nokia devices.

Through OVI Store, Nokia device users in Kenya and globally will have access to relevant and locally developed solutions that address their day to day needs. Publishers and Application Developers will be able to keep the larger 70% of revenue generated from sales with the smaller 30% going to Nokia via applications and content that they distribute through the OVI Store. This will create a healthy and fair incentive for Application Developers and Publishers to use the OVI Store.

Anyone can publish their won content in OVI Store, by selecting Publish to Ovi or going to publish.ovi.com, or to Forum Nokia. Once registered, you follow the instructions and submit your application and content for distribution through OVIStore. As a publisher for OVI, you will also have access to the publishing guide and more information to assist you in the publishing process.

Nokia Head of Solutions for East and Southern Africa, Agatha Gikunda, said Nokia would work closely with Application Developers in Kenya and innovators to develop locally relevant mobile phone applications. “Nokia is keen on developing personalized and relevant local applications that can used to address local problems that are unique to Africa. We want to raise awareness on how developers can tap into mobile applications thereby improving the local content and also make money in the process,”

Ms Gikunda said mobile phone penetration in Africa has surpassed that of computers and therefore mobile devices and relevant software will play a crucial role in entrenching ICT development in Sub-Saharan Africa. She said Forum Nokia would assist developers get their products to the market quickly and efficiently by delivering resources covering the entire mobile application lifecycle, from development to sales.

Nokia Communications Manager for East and Southern Africa, Dorothy Ooko said OVI Store has the potential to reach over 60 million Nokia devices users globally, expected to reach up to 300 million consumers by 2012, making it the world’s largest media network. “We want to engage developers in Kenya to learn about the latest technologies and business opportunities that are at available at Nokia,” said Ms. Ooko. Ms Ooko asked Application Developers to seize the opportunity to create locally relevant applications and distribute it to as many consumers as possible.

Ms. Ooko also  added that the Forum Nokia seeks to bring Application Developers, Network Operators, Content Partners, Media and Nokia experts together in a truly collaborative learning environment that explores how Nokia can help Application Developers improve their business and tap into the growth in mobile application development opportunities worldwide. Nokia’s OVI Store applications are supported by more than 75 Nokia devices to-date.