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. Learn how to create your own USSD codes here.
How to access USSD codes
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), also known as "Quick Codes" or "Feature codes” (these start with * and end with #), are typed on any cell phone to call up a specific action such as checking your airtime balance, sending a please call me etc.
The following are codes for our Kenyan audience to help make life easier. These menus can provide some of the most convenient life hacks and if you're new to it, no need to thank us.
Check out USSD Codes Every Kenyan Should Know
Kenyan Network Provider USSD codes
| Function Request | Airtel Mobile | Safaricom Mobile | Orange (Telkom Kenya) Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access master menus: | *100# | *126# | #123# |
| Check airtime balance: | *131# | *144# | *131# |
| Load airtime to your account: | *130*PIN# | *141*scratch-card number# | *132*scratchcardnumber# |
| Request your own number: | *222*2# | *130# | |
| Request airtime from another user: | *544# | *544# | |
| Transfer airtime to another user: | *140#, enter the amount & Mobile Number | *130*number# | *140*Airtime value you would like to share* mobile number you want to top-up#*130* |
| Request a call from another user (aka the please call me): | *111# and choose smart services | *130*number# | *140*Airtime value you would like to share* mobile number you want to top-up#*130* |
Airtel Mobile USSD codes
| Service | Code | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airtel menu | *100# | Free |
| check airtime balance | *131# | Free |
| sambaza/me2u | Text 2U, (phone number) (amount) to 5050 | Ksh 1.20 |
| data bundles | *544# | Starting price: 6MB -for KSh 5, Can get up to 20GB- for KSh 7,990 |
| TopUp | *133*scratchcardnumber# | Free |
| Sms bundle | *767# | Daily 6- 3 Kshs, Weekly 500- 30 kshs, Monthly 1500- 70 Kshs |
| subscribe to club 20 | *120# | Ksh 20 |
| Wikipedia | *515# | |
| Please call me | *222*2# | Free |
| Bundle purchase/ Kopa | *544# | 50mbs @ KSh 20 6mb @ KSh 5 15MB @ KSh 10 250 MB @ KSh 99 |
| Club 10 | *120# | Ksh 10 |
| Airtel Zawadi | *326# | 1 point for each Kshs 10 |
| Freelange Free | *100*8# | 6a.m. To 6p.m.- 2 cents 6p.m. To 6a.m.- 6.7 cents |
| Klub254 | *254# | Airtel to Airtel- 2 cents 6a.m. To 10p.m.- 6.7 cents |
| Kopa Credo | *310# | 10 % service fee of amount borrowed |
Source: Airtel Kenya
Safaricom USSD codes
| Service | Code | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Menu | *126# | Free |
| Balance check | *144# | Free |
| Zidisha | *485# | 3.00 Ksh up to 3.50 Ksh |
| M-Pesa | *293# then use secret pin | 200 – 2,500 is 33 KSh 2,501- 5,000 is 66Ksh |
| Postpay | *100*6# | 5 Ksh |
| Data bundles | *544# | 5MB for 5 KSh 10MB- 10 Ksh |
| Bongo pin | *126*5# | Free |
| Okra Stima | *885# | 10% of amount borrowed |
| Sim registration | *232# | Free |
Source: Safaricom
Orange (Telkom Kenya) Mobile USSD codes
| Service | Code | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Menu | #123# | Free |
| Balance check | *131# | Free |
| Holla | *10# | 1.80 bob |
| PEWA | *133# | 10% of amount deducted |
| Top Up | *130*12 digit Pin # | 15 MB- KSh 9(daily) 20MB- KSh 19 (Weekly) 150MB- KSh 99 (monthly) |
| Zaida Points | #123#4 | 1 point earned for every 1 KSh spent |
| Facebook Bilanet | *32# | Daily Bundle- 10 Kshs Weekly- 50kshs Monthly- 100 Kshs |
| Hometalk | *222# | 10GB- 999 KSh 40GB- 2999Ksh Unlimited- 3999Ksh |
| Nisort | #123# then select Nisort | Normal call rates |
| Phone Number | *130# | Free |
Source: Orange Kenya
Did you find this list of USSD codes helpful?
Have we missed out on any USSD codes you feel Kenyans should know about? Let us know in the comments section below.