A List of 100+ Popular USSD Codes in Kenya
In Kenya, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes are more than just a string of digits—they’re a lifeline for millions. These short codes, dialed with an asterisk (*) and hash (#), provide instant access to a vast array of services, from mobile money transfers to government registrations, all without needing an internet connection. In a country where mobile phones are ubiquitous, USSD codes have revolutionized financial inclusion, making it possible for everyone—from urban professionals to rural farmers—to manage their finances, pay bills, or access critical information using even the simplest feature phone.
This blog post explores the significance of USSD codes in Kenya, their diverse applications, and presents an expanded table of 100+ popular USSD codes, ranked by usage and impact. Whether you’re a Kenyan looking to streamline daily tasks or simply curious about this technology’s role in the “Silicon Savannah,” this guide is your ultimate resource.
Table of Contents
How Kenyans Use USSD Codes
USSD codes simplify a broad spectrum of tasks. Here are their most common applications:
- Mobile Money: Send cash, pay merchants, or access loans via platforms like M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or T-Kash.
- Banking: Check account balances, transfer funds, or apply for loans with banks like KCB, Equity, or Co-op.
- Telecom Services: Purchase airtime, subscribe to data bundles, or manage accounts with Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom.
- Government Services: Register for NHIF, check NSSF contributions, apply for HELB loans, or verify KRA tax status.
- Utilities: Pay electricity (KPLC) or water bills (Nairobi Water) and report service issues.
- Credit and Insurance: Monitor credit scores (CRB), claim unclaimed assets, or manage insurance policies.
- Transport: Book taxis (e.g., Little, Bolt) or track deliveries.
- Education and Health: Access student loan portals or health insurance details.
With such a wide range of uses, USSD codes are indispensable for Kenyans navigating modern life.
Table of 100+ Popular USSD Codes in Kenya
Below is an extensive table of 100+ USSD codes, compiled based on their popularity, user adoption, and significance across sectors like telecom, banking, government, and utilities. Popularity is inferred from widespread use, service provider reach, and public mentions. This list reflects the vibrant USSD ecosystem in Kenya as of April 2025.
| USSD Code | Service Provider | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| *334# | M-Pesa (Safaricom) | Send money, pay bills, buy airtime, access Fuliza loans. |
| *100# | Safaricom (Prepaid) | Airtime, data bundles, subscriptions, account management. |
| *200# | Safaricom (Postpaid) | Postpaid bills, payments, service management. |
| *144# | Safaricom | Check airtime or data balance. |
| *131# | Safaricom | Alternative airtime balance check. |
| *977# | Kenya Power (KPLC) | Pay electricity bills, report outages, apply for connections. |
| *155# | NHIF | Register, check status, pay health insurance contributions. |
| *303# | NSSF | Register, check contributions, update social security details. |
| *642# | HELB | Apply for student loans, check repayment status, make payments. |
| *433# | Metropol CRB | Check credit score, clear CRB status. |
| *361# | Unclaimed Financial Assets (UFAA) | Search for unclaimed assets (e.g., dormant accounts, shares). |
| *235# | Nairobi County Services | Pay parking, licenses, and county fees. |
| *888# | Nairobi Water | Pay water bills, report leaks, check statements. |
| *222# | eTims (KRA) | File tax returns, check tax status, pay taxes. |
| 1062# | Safaricom | Verify if ID was used to register new lines. |
| *522# | KCB | Banking: balance checks, transfers, loans. |
| *667# | Co-operative Bank | Banking: transfers, bill payments, balance inquiries. |
| *400# | Airtel Kenya | Airtime, data bundles, account management. |
| *141# | Airtel Money | Send money, pay bills, check balance. |
| *544# | Safaricom | Data bundles, Okoa Jahazi (airtime credit). |
| *254# | Hustler Fund | Apply for loans, check loan status. |
| *848# | Timiza (Barclays/Absa) | Access loans, pay bills, check balance. |
| *325# | PesaPap (Family Bank) | Banking: loans, transfers, bill payments. |
| *618# | HF Whizz (HFC) | Apply for loans, check account details. |
| *619# | Platinum Credit | Loan applications, repayments, balance inquiries. |
| *123# | Telkom Kenya | Airtime, data, account management. |
| *147# | SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund) | Register, check status, pay contributions. |
| *22846 | NTSA (SMS-based) | Check driving license, vehicle details. |
| 483X# | Africa’s Talking (Shared) | Access various services (depends on channel). |
| *826# | Little (Safaricom) | Book taxis, track location. |
| 384X# | Equity Bank | Banking: transfers, loans (code varies by service). |
| *247# | Equity Bank (Alternative) | Mobile banking, loans, balance checks. |
| *572# | Nairobi Water (Alternative) | Pay water bills, check statements. |
| *485# | NCBA Bank | Banking: transfers, loans, balance inquiries. |
| *654# | Standard Chartered Bank | Banking: transfers, bill payments, balance checks. |
| *224# | I&M Bank | Banking services, loan applications. |
| *668# | DTB (Diamond Trust Bank) | Banking: transfers, loans, balance checks. |
| *882# | Gulf African Bank | Shariah-compliant banking services. |
| *720# | Sidian Bank | Microfinance, SME banking, loans. |
| *346# | National Bank of Kenya | Banking services, balance inquiries. |
| *527# | CFC Stanbic Bank | Banking: transfers, loans, bill payments. |
| *369# | Consolidated Bank | Banking services, loan applications. |
| *230# | Spire Bank | Banking: transfers, balance inquiries. |
| *551# | Bank of Africa | Banking services, loan applications. |
| *987# | UBA Kenya | Banking: transfers, balance checks. |
| *288# | Prime Bank | Banking services, loan inquiries. |
| *665# | SBM Bank Kenya | Banking: transfers, loans, balance checks. |
| *341# | HF Group | Property solutions, loans, banking. |
| *339# | Imarisha Sacco | Savings inquiries, loan applications. |
| *234# | Safaricom (Alternative) | Additional Safaricom services. |
| *130# | Safaricom | Top up airtime with PIN. |
| *639# | AON Minet | Insurance status for teachers, policy management. |
| *150# | Safaricom | Customer care menu, report issues. |
| *445# | Safaricom | Reverse M-Pesa transaction. |
| *456# | Safaricom | Register new line, update details. |
| *148# | Safaricom | Check data bundle balance. |
| *405# | Airtel Kenya | Customer care menu, support services. |
| 2221# | KRA (Alternative) | Check PIN status, tax compliance. |
| *320# | M-Shwari (NCBA) | Access savings, loans via M-Pesa. |
| *839# | KCB M-Pesa | Savings account, loan applications. |
| *405# | Tala | Apply for instant mobile loans. |
| *841# | Branch | Loan applications, repayments. |
| *346# | Zenka | Access quick loans, check limits. |
| *644# | Okash | Loan applications, balance checks. |
| *655# | Okoa Stima (KPLC) | Borrow electricity credit. |
| *885# | KPLC (Alternative) | Check prepaid meter balance. |
| *229# | Kenya Red Cross | Donate, access emergency services. |
| *326# | Stima Sacco | Loan inquiries, savings management. |
| *620# | Unaitas Sacco | Banking, loans, savings accounts. |
| 6671# | Co-op Bank (MCo-op Cash) | Access mobile loans, transfers. |
| *344# | Safaricom | Sambaza airtime or data to others. |
| *140# | Airtel Kenya | Sambaza airtime or bundles. |
| *160# | Telkom Kenya | Check airtime or data balance. |
| *180# | Telkom Kenya | T-Kash: send money, pay bills. |
| *813# | Mombasa Water | Pay water bills, report issues. |
| *647# | Kisumu Water | Water bill payments, service inquiries. |
| *889# | Nakuru Water | Pay water bills, check account status. |
| *555# | Safaricom | Activate caller tunes, ringtones. |
| *811# | Safaricom | Emergency airtime top-up. |
| *410# | Airtel Kenya | Reverse incorrect transactions. |
| 2342# | Safaricom | Check phone number (own line). |
| 3031# | NSSF (Alternative) | Check contribution statement. |
| 1551# | NHIF (Alternative) | Check membership status. |
| 6421# | HELB (Alternative) | Check loan balance. |
| 4331# | TransUnion CRB | Alternative CRB status check. |
| *213# | Bolt | Book a ride, check driver details. |
| *729# | Uber Kenya | Request a ride, estimate fares. |
| *820# | Wasilisha (Delivery) | Track parcels, request delivery. |
| 4831# | Kenya Revenue Authority | Verify TCC (Tax Compliance Certificate). |
| 4832# | Kenya Revenue Authority | Check VAT status. |
| *305# | Safaricom | Access Skiza tunes, manage subscriptions. |
| *460# | Safaricom | Register for Shine Kenya tariff. |
| *444# | Safaricom | Buy personalized data bundles. |
| *550# | Airtel Kenya | Activate unlimited voice plans. |
| *125# | Telkom Kenya | Subscribe to Holla bundles. |
| *775# | Faulu Bank | Microfinance, loans, savings accounts. |
| 3391# | Mwalimu Sacco | Loan applications, savings inquiries. |
| *641# | Kenya Police Sacco | Banking, loans, member services. |
| *291# | Harambee Sacco | Savings, loans, member updates. |
| 6551# | KPLC (Alternative) | Report power outages. |
| 2341# | Safaricom | Access MySafaricom app services. |
| *789# | CIC Insurance | Check policy status, make claims. |
| *232# | Britam Insurance | Insurance inquiries, premium payments. |
| *301# | Madison Insurance | Manage insurance policies, claims. |
| USSD Code | Service Provider | Primary Use |
Note: Some codes (e.g., 384X#, 483X#) are shared and require additional digits for specific services. Codes may be network-specific (e.g., Safaricom-only) or subject to change. Always verify with the service provider for accuracy.
Tips for Mastering USSD Codes
- Save Frequently Used Codes: Store codes like *334# (M-Pesa) or *977# (KPLC) in your phone for quick access.
- Confirm Network Compatibility: Some codes only work on specific networks. If a code fails, check with your provider.
- Dial Carefully: Incorrect codes may result in “Invalid MMI” errors. Double-check before calling.
- Protect Your PIN: Many USSD services use PINs—keep them secure to safeguard your accounts.
- Stay Informed: Providers occasionally update codes. Follow official channels or contact customer care for the latest details.
- Use Alternatives: If a code doesn’t work, try alternatives (e.g., *234# vs. *100# for Safaricom services).
The Future of USSD in Kenya
Despite the rise of smartphones and mobile apps, USSD codes remain vital in Kenya due to their simplicity and inclusivity. Innovations like location-based services (e.g., Little’s *826# for taxis) and API integrations (e.g., Africa’s Talking) are expanding their capabilities. However, challenges like network restrictions or occasional fees could inspire future enhancements, such as universal codes or zero-rated access.
As Kenya advances its digital economy, USSD codes will likely evolve alongside newer technologies, ensuring they remain a reliable tool for all Kenyans, regardless of location or device.
Conclusion
USSD codes are a testament to Kenya’s ingenuity, transforming mobile phones into powerful tools for accessing services. From paying a utility bill to securing a loan, these codes empower millions daily. With this expanded list of 100+ codes, you’re equipped to navigate Kenya’s USSD landscape with ease. Dial one today and experience the convenience for yourself!
Which USSD code do you use most? Got a unique tip or service to share? Drop your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation alive!