Technology

Microsoft signs phone selling deal with Jumia

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From Left: Jumia MD Parinaz Firozi, Microsoft officials Mariam Abdullahi and Patrick Henchie during the launch of the Microsoft Lumia 532 and Microsoft Lumia 435 smartphones in Nairobi on February 25, 2015. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA

Global IT giant Microsoft has signed a deal with online shop Jumia to drive sales of its mobile phones through discount offers to customers.

Microsoft Wednesday used the Jumia online portal to launch two new smartphones priced at Sh8,699 and Sh11,750.

By using Jumia, Microsoft hopes to tap into the growing online shopping culture to reach out to a wide audience and drive sales of the models, Microsoft Lumia 532 and 435.

“Statistics shared by Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) indicate that the total number of data subscriptions grew by close to six per cent and now stands at nearly 15 million. This is a clear indicator that people in Kenya are using the Internet more and more every day,” said Mariam Abdullahi, general manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales, East Africa.

Last year Jumia orders grew by 900 per cent, having opened the Nairobi portal in March 2013.

“The trend provides a great opportunity for Microsoft to partner with a leading online sales channel, Jumia, to offer people an alternative, convenient and safe option to purchase our devices.”

Any device bought from the portal within Nairobi and its outskirts, exceeding Sh5,000 and Sh8,000 respectively, will be delivered to buyers for free. Online shoppers will get a 12 months warranty attached to every new Lumia phone.

“We are looking forward to building a long-term and successful relationship with Microsoft. Consumers will appreciate getting great prices and knowing that the quality of their Lumia devices is guaranteed,’’ said Parinaz Firozi, MD Jumia Kenya.