Microsoft launches Windows 10 in Kenya

Information Technology giant Microsoft Corporation has launched its latest version of the Windows operating system in the Kenyan market.

Windows 10 went live in Kenya Wednesday as part of a global release, and can now be downloaded by users running on the latest versions of Windows 7 and 8.1. The free upgrade is part of the strategy being employed by Microsoft to get users to move to the new, cloud-based system.

“It is a converged operating system and application platform for all your devices,” said Rotimi Olumide, Windows division director for the West, East, Central Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.

The software is now available in 190 countries. Though a price for the software has not been set yet, Microsoft said it will be in the range of Sh13,000.

Users on older versions of the software may need to purchase new devices that come pre-installed with the system.

“The upgrade for users (not on Windows 7 or 8) will depend on what device you have and what version, for devices that are a little older, the best bet will be to purchase a Window 10 device,” said Mr Olumide.

According to the regional head, over a billion people globally use Windows operating systems and out of those, a million had pre-registered for the free upgrade that commenced Tuesday.

“The upgrade will be done over a few months as we try to get everyone on to the new platform,” he said.