If you live in Kenya and use a mobile phone, chances are you’ve interacted with a USSD code without even realizing it.
These handy little codes are like secret shortcuts to all sorts of mobile services. Want to check your airtime balance, send a “please call me” message, pay your taxes, or register for government programs?
There’s a USSD code for that!
What exactly are USSD codes?
USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. They’re those codes you dial that usually start with an asterisk (*) and end with a hash (#). In between these two symbols are numbers that define a specific service.
For instance, the popular airtime balance check on Safaricom is *144#. When you dial a USSD code, it sends a real-time message to your mobile network provider, triggering a menu or a specific action.
Since USSD codes operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day, they enable users to have instant access to a host of mobile-enabled services.
They are often referred to as “Quick Codes” or “Feature Codes.”
Why are USSD codes so popular in Kenya?
- Accessibility: They work on any mobile phone, even the most basic ones. No internet or smartphone is required!
- Speed: USSD codes provide instant responses, great for quick transactions and information requests.
- Ease of use: No need to download apps or remember complicated website addresses. Just dial and go.
Examples of popular Kenya USSD codes
Here’s a short breakdown of the most useful USSD codes from major service providers in Kenya:
- Safaricom
- Airtime Balance: *144#
- M-PESA: *234#
- Please Call Me: *131Mobile Number#
- Data bundles: *544#
- Airtime top up: *141*PIN#
- Safaricom services: *456#
- Airtel
- Airtime balance: *133#
- Airtel money: *334#
- Government services
- eCitizen: *222# (Access various government services like passport application, driving license, etc.)
- KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority): *222# (Tax-related services)
- Banks
- KCB: *522#
- Ecobank: *335#
- Equity bank: *247#
- NCBA:
- *654# for ex-CBA customers
- *488# for ex-NIC customers.
- National Bank: *625#
- Family Bank: *325#
- Absa: *224#
- Standard Chartered Bank: *727#
- Popular Kenyan Services:
- KPLC: *747#
- UFAA: *361# (Worked with Safaricom lines)
USSD tips
- Popular USSD codes can often have nested menus. For example, Safaricom’s *234# will give you even more M-PESA options. Explore these menus to see all the possibilities.
- If you forget a USSD code, most service providers have a general code (e.g. *100# for Safaricom and Airtel telcos ) that leads to their main service menus.
- Keep a handy list of the most important USSD codes for your convenience.
The power of simplicity
USSD codes are a great example of how simple technology can have a huge impact. They streamline essential services in Kenya, making them accessible to a wide range of people. If you haven’t explored their potential yet, now’s the time to start!
One Response
Wow it’s intresting