A new technological battle is unfolding, not for your pocket, but for your face. Chinese technology firms, armed with sophisticated artificial intelligence and unmatched supply chains, are aggressively entering the smart glasses market, posing a direct challenge to US giant Meta's early lead.

This isn't just about wearable gadgets; it's about the next evolution of the mobile computer. As advances in AI make these devices more powerful and intuitive, they promise to reshape how we interact with the digital world. For Kenyans, this global rivalry could determine the future of everything from mobile payments to accessing information on the go.

The New Contenders

While Meta captured a commanding 73% of the AI-enabled smart glasses market in the first half of 2025, a host of Chinese companies are rapidly gaining ground. Firms like Xiaomi, Rokid, and XREAL are leveraging their domestic manufacturing prowess to innovate quickly. "China's advantages are self-evident," Rokid CEO Misa Zhu noted, highlighting that the entire ecosystem and supply chain reside within the country.

This competition is heating up, with global shipments of smart glasses soaring 110% year-over-year in the first half of 2025, largely driven by interest in AI models. The global market, valued at over $925 million (approx. KES 120 billion) in 2024, is projected to exceed $2.4 billion (approx. KES 312 billion) by 2032.

A KES 70,000 Question for Kenya

The primary barrier to entry for many Kenyans will be cost. Models available for purchase in Kenya from brands like Rokid and XREAL range from KES 70,000 to over KES 97,000. Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses start at around $299 (approx. KES 39,000), with more advanced display versions costing up to $799 (approx. KES 104,000).

Despite the steep price, the potential applications are significant. In sectors like healthcare, smart glasses can allow surgeons to access patient data mid-procedure. In logistics and manufacturing, they can provide hands-free workflow support, boosting efficiency. There are even local efforts to develop affordable smart glasses to assist visually impaired individuals in Kenya.

An Unblinking Eye on Privacy

The rise of these devices brings profound questions about privacy and surveillance. With the ability to record photos and videos discreetly, the line between personal convenience and public monitoring becomes dangerously blurred. Critics argue that features like small LED lights to indicate recording are insufficient to guarantee consent from bystanders who may be filmed unknowingly.

Meta has stated that its AI will not identify people in the frame, but concerns remain about how bystander data might be used for training AI models. As legal frameworks struggle to keep pace with this technology, the debate over consent, surveillance, and data exploitation is set to intensify.

As Chinese firms and Meta battle for this new frontier, the ultimate question remains: will these devices become essential tools that enhance Kenyan lives, or will they become instruments of pervasive surveillance? The answer will likely shape our digital future for years to come.