In the past, we talked about how you could buy Telkom or Airtel Kenya airtime via M-PESA for free for up to KES 100. This was done with a pay bill number and could be done natively with an STK or my Safaricom/M-PESA apps, as well as via a WhatsApp tool. The pay bill number is important because it allows you to top up other networks if you are unable to access a shop that sells scratch cards. It’s also important because there will be times when you don’t have an M-PESA balance but can Fuliza for airtime if you qualify for the overdraft. You can now top-up any amount of airtime for free, and here’s how:
Use your STK or my Safaricom/M-PESA app to log in.Select Lipa Na M-PESA.Choose Pay Bill.Enter Business Number (309028)Enter your account number (Telkom, Safaricom or Airtel number)Choose amountUse your PIN code to verify your identity.Done
You can also do the same thing with a WhatsApp bot:
Start WhatsApp on your smartphone.OR, use this direct link to the bot (or copy it for later use: https://wa.me/+254203892444?text=Hi).You will see a chat interface that is familiar to you.Enter whatever you want. Assume it is the most widely used greeting in the world, Hello.The bot will send you a text telling you what to do.Enter the Telkom/Safaricom/Airtel number to be topped up, followed by the hash # symbol, and then the amount as follows: +254722******# 100From the called STK Menu, select Send Authenticate with a PIN.
