31 Popular USSD Codes Kenyans Use Daily (2026 Verified List)

USSD codes are the unsung hero of Kenya's mobile economy. From sending money on M-PESA to checking your KPLC tokens, paying KRA taxes or unlocking your NHIF cover, a five-character shortcut beats opening an app every time. They are fast, work on every phone (smartphone or feature phone), need zero data, and are deeply trusted across all 47 counties.

This article is the definitive 2026 reference: 31 popular USSD codes Kenyans use daily, verified against Safaricom, Airtel Kenya, Telkom Kenya, the NTSA, and other official sources. Bookmark it, share it on WhatsApp, and use it whenever your data bundle runs out.

What are USSD codes and why do they still matter in 2026?

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a real-time, session-based messaging protocol that runs over GSM networks. Unlike SMS, USSD is free in most cases, works without internet, and delivers menus instantly. The Communications Authority of Kenya reports that mobile penetration in Kenya has now exceeded 130%, and a huge share of M-PESA, banking and government transactions still happen on USSD rather than apps.

For businesses, USSD is also a powerful customer engagement channel. Read our guide on how USSD can help your business grow in Nairobi and the comprehensive guide to building USSD applications if you want to deploy your own short code.

Safaricom USSD codes (M-PESA, airtime, data)

Safaricom remains the largest telecommunications company in Kenya and Eastern Africa. Here are the codes Kenyans use every single day.

1. *100#: Prepaid customer service menu (balance, data, products).
2. *200#: Postpaid customer service menu.
3. *334#: M-PESA main menu (send, withdraw, buy goods, pay bill, Lipa Na M-PESA).
4. *144#: Check airtime balance.
5. *141*voucher#: Load airtime from a scratch card.
6. *456#: Safaricom self-service (Tunukiwa offers, data bundles, voice bundles).
7. *400#: Safaricom Home Fibre and 5G Home subscriptions and payments.
8. *544#: Bonga Points balance and redemption.
9. *126*PIN#: Okoa Jahazi airtime advance.
10. *106*2#: Check all SIM cards registered against your ID (introduced after the 2021 SIM-registration drive).

Airtel Kenya USSD codes

Airtel Kenya offers competitive data and roaming bundles. Use these codes to control your line.

11. *544#: Main My Airtel menu (bundles, balance, offers).
12. *133#: Check airtime balance.
13. *131#: Buy data bundles.
14. *150#: Airtel Money (Tuma, Lipa, Toa).
15. *100*1*4#: Sambaza airtime to another Airtel line.

Telkom Kenya USSD codes

Telkom Kenya complements the big two with affordable bundles and J-Pay services.

16. *188#: Check airtime balance, buy bundles and manage your line.
17. *160#: T-Kash main menu (send money, pay bills).
18. *544#: Find your Telkom number.
19. *180#: Buy data bundles.
20. *#06#: Display your phone's IMEI (works on every network worldwide).

Banking USSD codes in Kenya

Most major banks run USSD shortcuts so you can send money, check balances and pay bills without the bank app or internet.

21. *247#: Equity Bank (Eazzy Banking).
22. *522#: KCB Bank.
23. *667#: Co-operative Bank (MCo-op Cash).
24. *325#: Family Bank PesaPap.
25. *722#: Standard Chartered SC Mobile.
26. *654#: NCBA (formerly CBA).
27. *335#: Ecobank Kenya.

Government and utility USSD codes

From paying for power to checking your KRA tax position, these government and utility shortcuts are essential.

28. *977#: KPLC (Kenya Power) prepaid token purchase and postpaid bills.
29. *888#: Nairobi Water bill payment and statements.
30. *155#: NHIF / SHA / SHIF contributions and status checks.
31. *572#: KRA M-Service for PIN, eTIMS and tax filings.

Bonus codes worth knowing

These are not in the headline 31 but are widely used and deserve a place in your contacts.

• *222#: eCitizen portal for passport, driving licence and other government services.
• *235#: Nairobi County services (parking, single business permit).
• *361#: Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA). UFAA estimates over KES 55 billion in unclaimed assets in Kenya, with only ~KES 1.5 billion reclaimed to date. It costs nothing to check.
• *642#: HELB loan balance and repayment.
• *303#: NSSF contributions.
• *433#: CRB / credit reference bureau status.
• 22846: NTSA Transport Information Management System (TIMS) shortcut.

USSD codes for businesses, not just consumers

Most Kenyans see USSD as a consumer tool, but it is also one of the fastest-growing business channels in Africa. Banks, SACCOs, betting companies and logistics startups all use custom USSD codes to onboard customers, send OTPs and collect payments. If you are building a product targeting feature phones or rural users, USSD will outperform an app every time. For neighbouring markets, check our guides to USSD usage in Senegal, popular USSD codes in Ghana, and USSD codes in South Africa.

How to launch your own USSD code in Kenya

If you want a dedicated short code (such as *123#) for your business, you need a USSD aggregator licensed by the Communications Authority of Kenya. Costs typically include a one-off setup fee plus a monthly rental. HelloDuty partners with leading aggregators so you can ship a USSD experience in days, not months. See our list of top USSD providers in Kenya and our guide to choosing the right USSD platform.

Frequently asked questions about USSD codes in Kenya

Are USSD codes free to use in Kenya?

Most operator and government USSD codes are free or cost a small fee per session (typically KES 1 to 5). M-PESA codes like *334# are free to dial, though transactions may attract M-PESA charges.

Do USSD codes work on smartphones?

Yes. USSD works on any GSM phone, smartphone or feature phone, as long as you have a SIM and network signal. No data is required.

What is the USSD code for M-PESA in 2026?

The main M-PESA menu is *334#. You can also dial *234# to access additional Safaricom services and *144# to check airtime balance.

How do I check my KRA PIN or file taxes by USSD?

Dial *572# on Safaricom for the KRA M-Service. You can also pay PAYE, VAT and other taxes through this code or via *222# eCitizen.

Can businesses get their own USSD code?

Yes. Through a licensed aggregator you can apply for a shared or dedicated short code. Read our guide to building USSD applications for the full process.

What do I do if a USSD code is not responding?

Check your network signal, ensure you have airtime if the code is paid, and try again after a minute. If the issue persists, contact your operator (Safaricom 100, Airtel 111, Telkom 100).

Engage feature-phone Kenya with HelloDuty USSD

USSD remains the single most powerful customer channel in Kenya and across Africa for reaching the unbanked, the rural and the offline. HelloDuty combines USSD, voice, SMS and WhatsApp in one platform so you can engage every customer on the channel they prefer.

Ready to launch your own USSD code or unify all your communication channels? Start with HelloDuty for free or talk to our team about USSD, voice and WhatsApp solutions for African businesses.