Navigating Microsoft Dynamics 365 in Kenya: Your Complete Guide to Availability, Compliance, and Migration

The Cloud Revolution Has Reached Kenya – Is Your Business Ready?

As a Microsoft Distributor with many Microsoft partners (resellers) in Kenya for over a decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand how businesses across Nairobi, Mombasa, and beyond are embracing Microsoft Technologies to stay competitive. If you’re a Kenyan based Microsoft customer still running Dynamics NAV, GP, or AX, you’re likely wondering about your next steps in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Good news – Microsoft Dynamics 365 is fully available in Kenya, and the transition is smoother than you might think. Let me walk you through what this means for your business.

Yes, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Is Fully Available in Kenya

I’m often asked whether Dynamics 365 is properly supported in Kenya – the answer is a resounding yes. Whether you’re considering Dynamics 365 Business Central for your small to mid-sized business or Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations for enterprise-level operations, both are fully available with local support from certified Microsoft partners like us.

What makes this exciting for Kenyan businesses is the flexibility in deployment options:

• Cloud deployment – The most popular choice, offering automatic updates and minimal infrastructure costs
• On-premise installation – For organizations with specific compliance requirements (lets discuss this in detail later in this article)
• Hybrid setup – Combining the best of both worlds

The reality is, there is no one-size fit all approach when it comes to Microsoft Dynamics deployment. Each customers has their own unique requirements and that is exactly why Microsoft Dynamics has been so successful in particularly East Africa for so many years. 

Microsoft Cloud Compliance: Meeting Kenya’s Regulatory Requirements

Data sovereignty and compliance concerns are top priorities for Kenyan businesses considering cloud migration. Having guided numerous organizations through compliance assessments, I can confirm that Microsoft has made significant investments to ensure Dynamics 365 meets both local and international regulations.

Microsoft’s compliance framework for Kenya includes:

• Full alignment with the Kenyan Constitution (2010) regarding data security
• Compliance with the Access to Information Act (2016), ensuring your business maintains complete data ownership
• Adherence to the Data Protection Act (2019), with Microsoft functioning as a data processor while your company remains the data controller.

Download the legal obligations that may affect your usage of Microsoft Cloud Services in Kenya.

To Cloud, or not to cloud

‘We don’t run any cloud applications’ – This is a verbatim quote from an IT Manager I had a conversation with whilst discussing migrating their current ERP solution into the cloud with Dynamics 365 Business Central.  Based on this bold statement, I responded to the IT Manager the following:

• We are currently having this discussion over a Microsoft Teams call. That is a full Cloud based application, one that you use every single day
• ‘Tell me about your email’, I asked the IT Manager. He proudly announced that they run on Microsoft 365 with a cloud exchange…

There was silence on the call for a few seconds, after which the topic of cloud compliance and usability was not mentioned again 😊

Cloud is used every single day in Kenya. If its via communication platforms like Microsoft Teams or Google Meet – that is full cloud.  If you use a hosted exchange via Office 365 or Microsoft 365 or Google (GMAIL and other), that is full cloud used for a CRITICAL business application we have all been using every single day for decades.  Kenya is cloud ready!

If you are a prominent SACCO exploring a migration to Business Central contact us so that we can demonstrate how Microsoft’s compliance architecture addresses common cloud compliance concerns.  In short, we’ve got you covered!

HR Officials:  If you require a fully integrated HR and Payroll application, have you reviewed Dynamics Payroll as an option yet?

Your Migration Path: From Legacy Systems to Dynamics 365

After our in-country partners have helped dozens of Kenyan businesses modernize their ERP systems, I’ve seen that most organizations follow one of two migration paths:

For Dynamics NAV, GP, or SL Users

Your natural progression is to Dynamics 365 Business Central – essentially the cloud evolution of these systems. The familiar interface makes the transition remarkably smooth for your team.

To quote a customer “This feels like NAV, but with all the upgrades we’ve been wishing for!”

Business Central offers:

• A modernized yet familiar user experience
• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 applications
• Built-in AI and analytics capabilities
• Robust mobile access for on-the-go management

For Dynamics AX Users

Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (F&O) is the natural upgrade path for organizations currently using Dynamics AX. It is designed for enterprise-scale operations and delivers:

• Multi-company and multi-currency management, essential for regional and global businesses where CFOs must consolidate and report financials across multiple entities and currencies.
• Advanced financial controls and operational insights, ensuring compliance, automation, and efficiency in finance, supply chain, and operations.
• AI-powered forecasting and decision support, leveraging machine learning to optimize cash flow, demand planning, and financial projections.Enterprise-grade scalability and performance

Why SACCOs and Kenyan Industries Are Embracing Digital Transformation with Business Central

SACCOs represent one of Kenya’s most vital financial sectors, and they’re increasingly turning to Dynamics 365 Business Central to modernize operations. With the right implementation partner, one experienced in working with leading SACCOs, I’ve observed how Business Central addresses their unique challenges:

• End-to-end member management – Tracking loans, savings, and dividends in a single system
• Regulatory reporting – Automating SASRA compliance reporting that previously took days
• Mobile access for members – Providing self-service capabilities that reduce branch visits

Beyond SACCOs, we’ve seen strong adoption across:

• Manufacturing – Connecting production, inventory, and sales for better forecasting
• Professional Services – Streamlining project costing and resource allocation
• Retail – Unifying in-store and online operations for omnichannel experiences

Taking Your Next Steps with Microsoft Dynamics 365 in Kenya

As you consider your digital transformation journey, remember that the right implementation partner can make all the difference. Look for a Microsoft Partner in Kenya with:

• Proven experience in your specific industry
• A structured implementation methodology
• Strong post-implementation support capabilities
• Local presence with global expertise (ask for their consultants Dynamics Transcripts showing certification in MB 800 (Functional Consultant for Dynamics 365 Business Central) and MB820 (Associate Developer for Dynamics 365 Business Central)

Whether you’re ready to migrate from NAV, GP, or AX, or you’re exploring ERP options for the first time, the path to Dynamics 365 is clearer than ever for Kenyan businesses.

Have questions about your specific situation? Our team of Kenya-based Dynamics 365 experts is available for consultation. Let’s discuss how Microsoft Dynamics 365 can transform your operations and position your business for future growth in East Africa’s dynamic economy.