A USSD code allows users to access various services, such as menu-type applications using shortcodes usually start with * and end with # and can be typed into any mobile phone or Smartphone to call up a specific action.
USSD codes have created a new and possibly better way for Kenyans to access services from mobile network operators. .
What is USSD?
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), also known as “Quick Codes” or “Feature codes” or ” short codes” (these start with * and end with #), are easy to remember codes which are typed on any cell phone to call up a specific action such as checking your airtime balance, sending a please call me etc. They are compatible with virtually all types of mobile devices.
Safaricom
Safaricom is the largest mobile network in Kenya. With it’s staggering subscriber base it stands to reason that they likewise have a staggering lineup of products and services: from consumer level ones to those specifically tailored for businesses.
Here is a list of Safaricom Short codes.
Note: [Service] [USSD code]
1. Main menu*100# (prepaid) or *200# (postpaid)
2. Safaricom services*456#
3. MPESA services*234#
4. Blaze Menu*555#
5. Airtime top up*141*PIN#
6. Airtime balance*144#
7. Topping up data*544*PIN#
8. Sambaza*100*1*4#
9. Data menu*544#
10. Data balance*450#
11. Internet Settings*445#
12. SMS bundles*188#
13. Bonga Points*456*3# or *126#
14. Please Call Me*130* phone number#
15. SIM registration*232#
16. Skiza Tunes*811#
17. Safaricom Home Fiber*400#
18. Stop Safaricom Promotion SMS*100*5*5#
19. Classifieds and Alerts*411#
20. Safaricom Business*485#
21. Activate voicemail*222#
22. Deactivate voicemail##002#
23. Activate missed call alert service*62*0722199199#
24. Deactivate missed call alert service##62#
25. Activate call barring (outgoing)*33*0000#
26. Deactivate call barring (outgoing)#33*0000#
27. Activate call barring (incoming)*35*0000#
28. Deactivate call barring (incoming)#35*0000#
29. Bar all incoming calls (except form home country)*332*0000#
30. Deactivate all incoming calls (except home calls)#332*0000#
31. Bar all international calls*331*0000#
32. Deactivate barring all international calls#331*0000#
33. Bar all incoming SMS*35*0000*16#
34. Deactivate barring all incoming SMS#35*0000*16#
35. Deactivate all types of barring#330*0000#
Airtel
Airtel Kenya is the second largest mobile network in Kenya in terms of its subscriber base. It trails behind the market leader Safaricom but edges out Telkom and the latest entrant, Faiba 4G by Jamii Telecom.
Despite Safaricom enjoying what many may consider a monopoly, Airtel has stood ground over the years. As testament to this fact, they’ve been launching new products and services all the while giving a fresh coat of paint on others.
As it’s to be expected, such changes bring with them new things top of which are USSD codes: the preferred medium through which networks allow subscribers to access their products and services.
Here is a comprehensive list of Airtel Kenya Short codes.
Note: [Service] [USSD short code]
1. Main Menu*100# or *111#
2. Airtime top up*130*PIN#
3. Airtime balance*133# or *131#
4. Data top up*544*PIN#
5. Buy Data*544# or *767*3#
6. Data balance*544*3#
7. SMS bundles*544# or *767# or *767*2#
8. UnlimiNet*544#
9. Tosha Bundles*767# or *6767*1#
10. Tubonge plan*544#
11. Kopa Kredo*310#
12. Kopa Internet*544#
13. Roaming Bundles*544#
14. Zawadi Points*326#
15. Redeemed Airtime Balance*131*8#
16. Alerts*411#
17. Flash back*100#
Telkom Kenya
Telkom Kenya is the third largest mobile network in terms of subscriber base trailing behind Airtel and Safaricom.
Long before it could don its vibrant turquoise and yellow colours, Telkom used be in a classy black and orange costume. This was pre-2017 when it was still owned by Orange and used to go by the name Orange Kenya.
The change of ownership breathed some new life into the network in the way of a major rebrand. Fortunately the change was smooth and not much was expected from the old subscribers other than the 4G upgrade that would roll out a few months later.
Thus, most of the products and services that were available on Orange Kenya were left intact. Such is the case of the USSD Codes that are used to access these services. With that said, some new codes have made their entry over the past year.
Below is a list of Telkom Kenya’s Short codes that should help you access their services and also manage your account.
Note: [Service] [USSD code]
1. Main Menu*100# or *123#
2. Airtime top up*130*PIN#
3. Airtime balance*131#
4. Buy data bundles*544# or *124#
5. Data balance*131# or *544#
6. Home Plan bundles for 4G Routers*222#
7. Niaje Bundles*10#
8. Hola Bundles*10#
9. Unsubscribe from Holla bundles*11#
10. Pasha*140#
11. SMS bundles*188#
12. Ziada Points*126#
13. Pewa*133#
14. Ziada Points balance*131#
15. Mobile number*130#
16. Check SIM registration*232#
17. Telkom Entertainment*150#
18. Beat Yangu*811#
19. International bundles*123#
Mobile Banking Codes/Paybills
These USSD codes allow you to process a range of transactions straight from your mobile phone.
These include transferring money from one account to another, from bank to bank or from bank to phone (Mpesa, Airtel money, Yu cash and Orange money), these short codes will also allow you to buy goods, retrieve statements and so much more.
USSD banking has many benefits. It is easy and quick to use, available around the clock, there are no data charges and allows you to keep track of your financial activity to name a few.
Everyone should know what the USSD banking codes of their bank are.
Below are short codes to access mobile banking services for selected financial institutions in Kenya:
Note: [Bank] – [Bank to M-PESA (USSD)] – [M-PESA to Bank (Paybill no.)]
1. KCB *522# 522522
2. Comm. Bank of Africa *654# 880100
3. Co-operative Bank *667# 400200
4. Standard Chartered Bank *722# 329329
5. Barclays Bank K LTD *224# 303030
6. NIC Bank Limited *488# / APP 488488
7. Family Bank Ltd *325# 222111
8. CFC Stanbic *208# 600100
9. Equity Bank *247# 247247
10. National Bank *625# 547700
11. Chase Bank * 275# 552800
12. I & M Bank Limited *458# 542542
13. Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) *385# 516600
14. Ecobank *335# 700201
15. Jamii Bora Bank *344# 529901
16. IMPERIAL BANK LTD *356# 800100
17. ABC Bank APP 111777
18. Credit Bank *699# 972700
19. Consolidated Bank LTD *262# 508400
20. Equatorial Commercial Bank *286# 498100
21. K-REP BANK *527# 111999
22. Transnational Bank *862# 862862
23. Post Office Savings Bank *498# 200999
24. Gulf African Bank *399# 985050
25. Housing Finance Company Ltd *231# 100400
26. Bank of Africa (BOA) *987# 972900
27. UBA Bank *368# 559900
28. Guardian Bank *356# 344501
29. Prime Bank APP 982800
30. Guaranty Trust Bank APP 910200
Note: [DTM] [Bank to M-PESA (USSD)] [M-PESA to Bank (paybill no.)]
1. KWFTDTM *378# 101200
2. SMEP DTM *741# 777001
3. Musoni *279# 514000
4. Vision Fund Kenya *985# 200555
5. Rafiki DTM *366# 802200
