Running low on airtime? No worries! Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to borrow airtime from Safaricom, Airtel, and Equitel in Kenya.
📌 1. How to Borrow Airtime on Safaricom (Okoa Jahazi)
Okoa Jahazi is Safaricom’s airtime credit service that allows prepaid users to borrow airtime when their balance is below Ksh 5.
✅ Eligibility Criteria:
✔ Must be a registered Safaricom Prepay subscriber.
✔ Must have been active for at least 14 days.
✔ Must repay previous Okoa Jahazi loans before borrowing again.
✔ Must use at least Ksh 500 in monthly airtime.
📲 How to Borrow on Safaricom:
1️⃣ Dial *📲 131# or 4562#.
2️⃣ Select “Auto-Okoa” and Subscribe.
3️⃣ Choose the amount you want to borrow.
4️⃣ Receive an SMS confirmation and airtime will be credited instantly.
💰 Loan Amounts & Charges (10% Service Fee Applies)
| Borrowed Amount | Amount Received | Service Fee | Amount to Repay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ksh 10 | Ksh 9 | Ksh 1 | Ksh 10 |
| Ksh 50 | Ksh 45 | Ksh 5 | Ksh 50 |
| Ksh 100 | Ksh 90 | Ksh 10 | Ksh 100 |
🛑 Repayment Terms:
✔ The full amount is deducted upon the next top-up.
✔ Repay within 5 days to avoid a 24-hour blacklist.
✔ Check borrowing limit by dialing 📲 *131#.
📌 2. How to Borrow Airtime on Airtel (Kopa Credo)
Airtel Kopa Credo allows prepaid users to borrow airtime and bundles in times of need.
✅ Eligibility Criteria:
✔ Must be a registered Airtel subscriber.
✔ Must clear previous Kopa Credo loans before borrowing again.
✔ Suspended or deactivated lines are not eligible.
📲 How to Borrow on Airtel:
1️⃣ Dial 📲 *544#.
2️⃣ Select Kopa Credo.
3️⃣ Choose the amount to borrow.
4️⃣ Receive an SMS confirmation and get credited instantly.
💰 Loan Amounts & Charges (10% Service Fee Applies)
| Borrowed Amount | Amount Received | Service Fee | Amount to Repay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ksh 10 | Ksh 9 | Ksh 1 | Ksh 10 |
| Ksh 50 | Ksh 45 | Ksh 5 | Ksh 50 |
| Ksh 100 | Ksh 90 | Ksh 10 | Ksh 100 |
🛑 Repayment Terms:
✔ The loan is deducted on your next top-up.
✔ You cannot cancel the request once submitted.
📌 3. How to Borrow Airtime on Equitel (Jiokolee Credo)
Equitel’s Jiokolee Credo allows users to borrow Ksh 10 and above.
✅ Eligibility Criteria:
✔ Must be a registered Equitel subscriber.
✔ Must have been active for at least 90 days.
✔ Must repay previous loans before borrowing again.
📲 How to Borrow on Equitel:
1️⃣ Dial 📲 *740#.
2️⃣ Select Jiokolee Credo.
3️⃣ Choose the amount you want to borrow.
4️⃣ Receive an SMS confirmation with credited airtime.
💰 Loan Amounts & Charges (10% Service Fee Applies)
| Borrowed Amount | Amount Received | Service Fee | Amount to Repay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ksh 10 | Ksh 9 | Ksh 1 | Ksh 10 |
| Ksh 50 | Ksh 45 | Ksh 5 | Ksh 50 |
| Ksh 100 | Ksh 90 | Ksh 10 | Ksh 100 |
🛑 Repayment Terms:
✔ The loan is deducted automatically from your next top-up.
✔ Airtime can be repaid using any credit received, including Gawa Credo.
🔍 Summary Table: Borrowing Airtime on Safaricom, Airtel & Equitel
| Provider | Service Name | USSD Code | Loan Amounts | Service Fee | Repayment Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safaricom | Okoa Jahazi | *131# / 4562# | Ksh 10 – 1,000 | 10% | Deducted on next top-up |
| Airtel | Kopa Credo | *544# | Ksh 10 – 1,000 | 10% | Deducted on next top-up |
| Equitel | Jiokolee Credo | *740# | Ksh 10 – 500 | 10% | Deducted on next top-up |
🚀 Final Thoughts
Borrowing airtime is a lifesaver when you’re out of credit. However, always repay on time to maintain your borrowing eligibility.
🔹 Safaricom Okoa Jahazi – Dial *📲 131#
🔹 Airtel Kopa Credo – Dial *📲 544#
🔹 Equitel Jiokolee Credo – Dial *📲 740#
Stay connected, and borrow responsibly! 📶📞
