Long-form guides on Kenyan mobile money, fees, and history.
Original reporting and explainers. Updated quarterly. No clickbait, no sponsored disguised as editorial.
How to pay Safaricom Home Fibre via M-PESA (paybill 150501), 2026
The paybill is 150501 and it takes your Home Fibre account number, not your phone number. Here is the exact flow, plus what to do when the line stays down after the payment confirms.
6 min read
How to buy KPLC tokens via M-PESA (paybill 888880), 2026
Prepaid tokens use paybill 888880 with your meter number. Postpaid bills use 888888. Mixing them up is the single most common KPLC payment mistake, so this guide keeps the two apart.
6 min read
How to pay StarTimes via M-PESA (paybill 585858), 2026
StarTimes is paybill 585858 with your smartcard or IUC number. Here is the 30-second flow and the reactivation trick when the decoder still shows subscription expired.
5 min read
How to pay Zuku via M-PESA (fibre 320320, TV 320323), 2026
Zuku runs two paybills. Fibre and bundled plans use 320320. Standalone satellite TV uses 320323. Send the money to the wrong one and you stay disconnected on a paid account.
5 min read
How to pay poa! Internet via M-PESA (paybill 7769384), 2026
poa! Internet is the low-cost WiFi favourite in Nairobi's estates. It is paybill 7769384 with your account number. Here is the flow and what to check when the WiFi stays down.
5 min read
How to pay Faiba (JTL) via M-PESA (paybill 776611), 2026
Faiba, run by Jamii Telecommunications, covers home fibre and the FaibaMobile 4G network. It is paybill 776611. Here is the flow for both.
5 min read
How to pay d.light via M-PESA (paybill 215550), 2026
d.light is paybill 215550 with your customer reference as the account. Here is the flow for topping up or repaying a d.light solar unit.
5 min read
How to pay your Nakuru water bill (NAWASSCO) via M-PESA, paybill 111444, 2026
NAWASSCO runs Nakuru's water supply, and you pay your bill from M-PESA with paybill 111444 and your water account number from the bill.
4 min read
How to pay your Kisumu water bill (KIWASCO) via M-PESA, paybill 200900, 2026
KIWASCO runs Kisumu's water supply, and you pay your bill from M-PESA with paybill 200900 and your water account number from the bill.
4 min read
How to pay your Mombasa water bill (MOWASSCO) via M-PESA, paybill 565444, 2026
MOWASSCO runs Mombasa's water supply, and you pay your bill from M-PESA with paybill 565444 and your water account number from the bill.
4 min read
How to pay your Eldoret water bill (ELDOWAS) via M-PESA, paybill 511000, 2026
ELDOWAS runs Eldoret's water supply, and you pay your bill from M-PESA with paybill 511000 and your water account number from the bill.
4 min read
How to pay your Thika water bill (THIWASCO) via M-PESA, paybill 860100, 2026
THIWASCO runs Thika's water supply, and you pay your bill from M-PESA with paybill 860100 and your water account number from the bill.
4 min read
How to pay M-KOPA via M-PESA (paybill 333222), 2026
M-KOPA is paybill 333222 with your M-KOPA account ID, not your phone number. Here is the flow and what to do when the device stays locked after the payment clears.
5 min read
How to pay Mogo loan via M-PESA (paybill 7034211), 2026
Mogo is paybill 7034211 with your agreement number or vehicle plate as the account. Here is the exact flow and what to do when a repayment does not show on your statement.
5 min read
How to pay Watu Credit via M-PESA (paybill 650880), 2026
Watu is paybill 650880 with your National ID as the account. Here is the flow, plus how long the bike takes to unlock after you pay.
5 min read
How to pay Onfon Mobile via M-PESA (paybill 4104151), 2026
Onfon is paybill 4104151 with your registered phone as the account. Onfon runs a second paybill too, so confirm which one the recipient wants before you send.
5 min read
How to repay a Zenka loan via M-PESA (paybill 979988), 2026
Zenka is paybill 979988 with your registered phone number or loan ID. Here is the flow and what to check when the balance does not clear.
5 min read
How to pay an M-Shwari loan (2026): the steps, and why there is no paybill
M-Shwari sits inside M-PESA, so there is no paybill. Pay from Loans and Savings, M-Shwari, LOAN, Pay Loan, then enter the amount and your PIN.
3 min read
How to repay a Hustler Fund loan (2026): *254#, auto-repay, and savings
The Hustler Fund is a government line, so you repay it through the *254# menu, not a Pay Bill. Repaying on time is also how you grow your limit and free up the savings portion.
5 min read
How to repay an Equity Eazzy loan via M-PESA (paybill 247263), 2026
You can clear an Equity Eazzy loan straight from M-PESA using the Eazzy loan paybill 247263 with your Equity account number, without moving money into the bank app first.
5 min read
How to repay a Branch loan via M-PESA (paybill 998608), 2026
Branch lets you repay in-app, but the M-PESA paybill 998608 works too, with your registered phone number as the account.
5 min read
How to repay an Absa Timiza loan via M-PESA (paybill 300067), 2026
Absa Timiza can be repaid on its own *848# menu, but the M-PESA paybill 300067 works too, with your registered phone as the account.
5 min read
How to pay a KCB M-PESA loan (2026): the menu or paybill 522559
KCB lists two ways to pay: the M-PESA menu, or paybill 522559 with the borrower's national ID number as the account.
4 min read
How to repay a Tala loan via M-PESA (paybill 851900), 2026
Tala's app has a repay button, but the M-PESA paybill 851900 works too, with your registered phone number as the account.
5 min read
How to send M-PESA to an Absa Bank account (paybill 303030), 2026
Moving money from M-PESA into an Absa Bank account is a Pay Bill, not a Send Money. The paybill is 303030 and the account is the Absa account number you are funding.
5 min read
How to send M-PESA to a Stanbic Bank account (paybill 600100), 2026
Moving money from M-PESA into a Stanbic Bank account is a Pay Bill, not a Send Money. The paybill is 600100 and the account is the Stanbic Bank account number you are funding.
4 min read
How to send M-PESA to a Standard Chartered account (paybill 329329), 2026
Moving money from M-PESA into a Standard Chartered account is a Pay Bill, not a Send Money. The paybill is 329329 and the account is the Standard Chartered account number you are funding.
4 min read
How to send M-PESA to a Family Bank account (paybill 222111), 2026
Moving money from M-PESA into a Family Bank account is a Pay Bill, not a Send Money. The paybill is 222111 and the account is the Family Bank account number you are funding.
4 min read
How to send M-PESA to a National Bank of Kenya account (paybill 547700), 2026
Moving money from M-PESA into a National Bank of Kenya account is a Pay Bill, not a Send Money. The paybill is 547700 and the account is the National Bank of Kenya account number you are funding.
4 min read
How to send M-PESA to a Prime Bank account (paybill 982800), 2026
Moving money from M-PESA into a Prime Bank account is a Pay Bill, not a Send Money. The paybill is 982800 and the account is the Prime Bank account number you are funding.
4 min read
How to send M-PESA to a Gulf African Bank account (paybill 985050), 2026
Moving money from M-PESA into a Gulf African Bank account is a Pay Bill, not a Send Money. The paybill is 985050 and the account is the Gulf African Bank account number you are funding.
4 min read
How to send M-PESA to a Sidian Bank account (paybill 111999), 2026
Moving money from M-PESA into a Sidian Bank account is a Pay Bill, not a Send Money. The paybill is 111999 and the account is the Sidian Bank account number you are funding.
4 min read
How to send M-PESA to a Bank of Africa account (paybill 972900), 2026
Moving money from M-PESA into a Bank of Africa account is a Pay Bill, not a Send Money. The paybill is 972900 and the account is the Bank of Africa account number you are funding.
4 min read
How to send M-PESA to a Ecobank account (paybill 700201), 2026
Moving money from M-PESA into a Ecobank account is a Pay Bill, not a Send Money. The paybill is 700201 and the account is the Ecobank account number you are funding.
4 min read
How to deposit to Stima Sacco via M-PESA (paybill 0240240), 2026
Paying into Stima Sacco from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 0240240. The same flow covers deposits, loan repayments, and share contributions.
4 min read
How to deposit to Mwalimu National Sacco via M-PESA (paybill 541900), 2026
Paying into Mwalimu National Sacco from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 541900. The same flow covers deposits, loan repayments, and share contributions.
4 min read
How to deposit to Harambee Sacco via M-PESA (paybill 525200), 2026
Paying into Harambee Sacco from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 525200. The same flow covers deposits, loan repayments, and share contributions.
4 min read
How to deposit to Kenya Police Sacco via M-PESA (paybill 4027903), 2026
Paying into Kenya Police Sacco from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 4027903. The same flow covers deposits, loan repayments, and share contributions.
4 min read
How to deposit to Tower Sacco via M-PESA (paybill 885885), 2026
Paying into Tower Sacco from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 885885. The same flow covers deposits, loan repayments, and share contributions.
4 min read
How to deposit to Hazina Sacco via M-PESA (paybill 850436), 2026
Paying into Hazina Sacco from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 850436. The same flow covers deposits, loan repayments, and share contributions.
4 min read
How to deposit to Kimisitu Sacco via M-PESA (paybill 911200), 2026
Paying into Kimisitu Sacco from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 911200. The same flow covers deposits, loan repayments, and share contributions.
4 min read
How to deposit to Unaitas via M-PESA (paybill 544700), 2026
Paying into Unaitas from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 544700. The same flow covers deposits, loan repayments, and share contributions.
4 min read
How to deposit to Biashara Sacco via M-PESA (paybill 400300), 2026
Paying into Biashara Sacco from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 400300, and it covers deposits, loan repayments, and shares.
4 min read
How to deposit to Kenya Bankers Sacco via M-PESA (paybill 400444), 2026
Paying into Kenya Bankers Sacco from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 400444, and it covers deposits, loan repayments, and shares.
4 min read
How to deposit to Gusii Mwalimu Sacco via M-PESA (paybill 283052), 2026
Paying into Gusii Mwalimu Sacco from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 283052, and it covers deposits, loan repayments, and shares.
4 min read
How to deposit to Chai Sacco via M-PESA (paybill 544200), 2026
Paying into Chai Sacco from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your member number in the account field. The paybill is 544200, and it covers deposits, loan repayments, and shares.
4 min read
How to pay Jubilee Insurance premiums via M-PESA (paybill 328100), 2026
Paying a Jubilee Insurance premium from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your policy number in the account field. The paybill is 328100.
4 min read
How to pay CIC Insurance premiums via M-PESA (paybill 600111), 2026
Paying a CIC Insurance premium from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your policy number in the account field. The paybill is 600111.
4 min read
How to pay APA Insurance premiums via M-PESA (paybill 511600), 2026
Paying a APA Insurance premium from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your policy number in the account field. The paybill is 511600.
4 min read
How to pay Madison Insurance premiums via M-PESA (paybill 880928), 2026
Paying a Madison Insurance premium from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your policy number in the account field. The paybill is 880928.
4 min read
How to pay ICEA Lion premiums via M-PESA (paybill 974203), 2026
Paying a ICEA Lion premium from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your policy number in the account field. The paybill is 974203.
4 min read
How to pay Old Mutual premiums via M-PESA (paybill 600501), 2026
Paying a Old Mutual premium from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your policy number in the account field. The paybill is 600501.
4 min read
How to pay AAR Insurance premiums via M-PESA (paybill 333200), 2026
Paying a AAR Insurance premium from M-PESA is a Pay Bill with your membership or policy number in the account field. The paybill is 333200.
4 min read
How to pay NSSF via M-PESA (paybill 333300), 2026
NSSF is paybill 333300 with your 10-digit NSSF membership number. Here is the flow, when the contribution shows on your portal, and the 5 percent late penalty to avoid.
5 min read
How to check your Bonga Points balance (USSD *126#), 2026
Dial *126#, choose Bonga, then Balance. That is the whole thing. Here is that flow plus the app route and what you can actually do with the points.
4 min read
How to opt out of Fuliza (2026): the *334# steps and what to know first
If you would rather M-PESA simply declined a payment than quietly overdraw you, opt out of Fuliza. It takes a short menu, but you have to clear any balance first.
4 min read
What happens when an M-PESA reversal fails, and what to do next (2026)
A reversal request is not a guaranteed refund. It can fail, usually because the money is already gone or the recipient will not release it. Here is what each failure means and how far you can push it.
5 min read
How to check your M-PESA balance (2026): app, *334#, and SMS
Three ways to see your M-PESA balance: instantly and free in the app, on the *334# menu, or simply reading the running balance printed at the bottom of your last transaction SMS.
3 min read
How to calculate your water bill in Kenya from the meter reading (2026)
Your water bill is not a flat rate. It is the units you used times a rising tariff, plus a sewerage percentage and a fixed monthly charge. Here is how to read the meter and do the sum.
5 min read
How to deposit on Shabiki via M-PESA (paybill 290063), 2026
Shabiki is paybill 290063 with your registered Safaricom number. Here is the deposit flow, the tax that comes off before the money lands, and the scam paybills to avoid.
5 min read
The complete history of M-Pesa (2007 to 2026)
How a 2007 Vodafone-Safaricom experiment changed African finance forever, and where M-Pesa goes next.
12 min read
How M-Pesa paybills actually work
The technical anatomy: from the merchant, through Safaricom, to the bank, and why charges work the way they do.
8 min read
M-Pesa vs Airtel Money vs T-Kash: 2026 comparison
Honest comparison of fees, coverage, paybill interoperability, and which to use when.
10 min read
Sending money to Kenya from abroad, the 2026 paybill guide
How to pay a Kenyan paybill from London, New York, Dubai, or Sydney, fees, FX, and the cheapest route.
14 min read
Fuliza explained: how it actually works in 2026
How the M-Pesa overdraft works, what it costs, and when it makes sense vs when it traps you.
8 min read
How to pay KPLC via M-Pesa (postpaid + prepaid), 2026
Step-by-step for postpaid bills, prepaid token purchases, what to do if tokens don't arrive, and Lipa Mdogo Mdogo.
7 min read
How to pay KRA via M-Pesa, taxes, PRN, common mistakes
Generate a PRN on iTax, pay paybill 222222, and avoid the five mistakes that send money to KRA but don't clear your obligation.
8 min read
How to use M-Pesa as a tourist or foreigner in Kenya
Visiting Kenya? Get set up at the airport in 30 minutes, what you need, what it costs, what to avoid.
8 min read
Paybill scams in Kenya, and how to spot them
Common scam patterns, the fake-paybill trick, what Safaricom can and can't do, and how to verify before you send.
7 min read
SHA paybill explained: paying your Social Health Authority contribution
What changed when NHIF became SHA, the new paybill, who has to pay, and how to back-pay if you missed a month.
10 min read
Asset finance in Kenya: Watu, Mogo, OnFon, M-KOPA
How motorbike, phone, and asset finance works, major lenders compared, M-Pesa repayment, and the cost traps.
11 min read
Solar financing in Kenya: M-KOPA, Sun King, d.light
Pay-As-You-Go solar in Kenya, how it works, the major providers, total cost, and which fits your household.
10 min read
How to buy Safaricom airtime via M-Pesa (and why paybill isn't the right tool)
Safaricom prepaid airtime via M-Pesa, methods, costs, and the paybill misconception worth clearing up.
8 min read
Paybill interoperability in Kenya: M-Pesa ↔ Airtel Money ↔ T-Kash
How CBK-mandated cross-network paybill payments actually work in 2026 and the practical implications.
9 min read
M-Pesa Global explained: cross-border send and receive
How M-Pesa Global lets you send and receive internationally. Costs, mechanics, and where it fits.
9 min read
PayPal to M-Pesa: how to withdraw PayPal balance to M-Pesa
Kenyan freelancers withdrawing PayPal balances, Equity, Wise, and Lemfi routes compared.
9 min read
How to pay Safaricom postpaid via M-Pesa (paybill 200200)
Step-by-step for postpaid mobile, Home Fibre, and Safaricom Business via paybill 200200.
8 min read
Safaricom OneApp explained: M-Pesa, mySafaricom, all in one
What OneApp does well, what it doesn't yet, and whether you should switch from standalone M-Pesa app.
10 min read
DStv vs GOtv vs StarTimes: which TV package is best in Kenya (2026)
Honest 2026 comparison of DStv, GOtv, and StarTimes, packages, prices, channels, sports coverage, and which fits your household.
11 min read
How to pay DStv via M-PESA paybill 444900
The official DStv Kenya paybill, every package price, and the troubleshooting fixes when reactivation stalls.
9 min read
How to pay GOtv via M-PESA paybill 423655
GOtv Kenya M-PESA paybill, package prices for Lite through Supa Plus, and how to fix activation stalls.
9 min read
Kenya School of Law fees 2026: payment guide via paybill 400222
ATP and pupillage fee structure, M-PESA payment via paybill 400222, payment plans, HELB, and what to do if you miss a deadline.
9 min read
How to pay KMTC fees via M-PESA paybill 222222
KMTC fee structure, the government services paybill 222222, campus differences, HELB funding, and common payment mistakes.
9 min read
Top SACCOs in Kenya 2026: paybills, dividends, and how to join
The largest SACCOs in Kenya, Mwalimu National, Stima, Kenya Police, Harambee, Kenya Bankers, and more. Paybills, dividend rates, and how to join.
13 min read
Boda boda financing in Kenya 2026: Watu, Mogo, OnFon compared
Real numbers on boda boda asset finance, down payments, weekly costs, total interest, and the financing traps to avoid.
11 min read
Microfinance banks in Kenya 2026: KWFT, SMEP, Caritas, Faulu paybills
CBK-licensed microfinance banks, what each is good for, paybill numbers, and how they actually compare to commercial banks and digital lenders.
11 min read
How to pay your Eldoret water bill via M-PESA paybill 511000
ELDOWAS account format, billing cycle, common reading issues, prepaid switching, and disconnection avoidance.
8 min read
How to pay your Nakuru water bill via M-PESA paybill 111444
NAWASSCO account format, billing cycle, prepaid water, leak detection, and the small things that trip up new residents.
8 min read
Group lending in Kenya 2026: Vision Fund, BIMAS, ECLOF, KWFT compared
How joint-liability microcredit works in Kenya, the major lenders, joint liability rules, and how to choose a group to join.
11 min read
Bus tickets via M-PESA in Kenya 2026: Tahmeed, Modern Coast, Easy Coach
The major intercity bus operators in Kenya, paybill numbers, booking flow, fare ranges, cross-border routes, and the scams to avoid.
9 min read
How to apply for an M-PESA paybill or till number (2026)
Requirements, application steps, fees, processing time, and which Safaricom Lipa na M-PESA product fits your business.
11 min read
Give to Nairobi churches via M-PESA: 20 paybills (2026 directory)
Verified paybills for the major Nairobi churches, Catholic, Anglican, PCEA, Pentecostal, Baptist, Vineyard. Plus tithing best practices and tax considerations.
11 min read
M-PESA charges 2026: complete fee schedule (paybill, send, withdraw, till)
Every M-PESA bracket for 2026, Send Money, Paybill, Withdraw at Agent, Buy Goods. Free thresholds, KRA excise duty, and what changed from 2025.
13 min read
M-PESA withdrawal charges 2026: full agent and ATM fee schedule
Every withdrawal bracket for 2026, ATM vs agent comparison, and five practical ways to cut your cash-out costs.
10 min read
Ziidi by Safaricom: how it works (with or without the M-PESA app)
Safaricom's money-market savings product inside M-PESA, returns, fees, withdrawal rules, and the USSD route for users without the M-PESA app.
10 min read
New M-PESA app 2026: features, download, and what changed
Every feature in the new M-PESA app, install steps, what changed, troubleshooting, and how it compares with Safaricom OneApp.
11 min read
How to send money from M-PESA to KCB Bank (3 methods)
KCB paybill 522522, KCB M-PESA, and KCB app, fees, timing, common mistakes, and how to fix a stuck deposit.
9 min read
How to send money from M-PESA to Equity Bank
Equity paybill 247247, Equity Mobile pull, and Equitel, step-by-step, fees, and which method to choose.
9 min read
How to send money from M-PESA to Co-op Bank
Co-op paybill 400200, MCo-opCash app, and USSD *667#, fees, timing, and the gotchas.
9 min read
Send money from M-PESA to any Kenyan bank: complete paybill directory
28 verified bank paybills, universal step-by-step flow, fees, and when to use paybill vs app pull vs SWIFT wire.
11 min read
KCB M-PESA loan when CRB-listed: can you still borrow?
How KCB M-PESA, M-Shwari, Fuliza, and digital lenders treat CRB-listed users. Legitimate paths to clearing your status, plus what to do meanwhile.
11 min read
How to reverse an M-PESA transaction in Kenya (2026)
The exact code, app flow, and process for reversing M-PESA. Realistic timelines and what reversal actually works for.
9 min read
How to download your M-PESA statement (5 methods, 2026)
App, USSD *334#, SMS, email request, or Safaricom shop. Each method has a different period, format, and use case.
9 min read
How to deposit money into M-PESA without an agent
Five practical alternatives to agent deposit, bank-to-M-PESA pull, ATM cardless, M-PESA Global, Pochi sweep, and branch deposits.
9 min read
How to send money from M-PESA to Airtel Money (2026)
Cross-network send from M-PESA to Airtel Money, fees, settlement time, paybill interoperability, and how to handle stuck transactions.
8 min read
How to buy Airtel airtime via M-PESA (2026)
Three practical methods, the M-PESA-to-Airtel-Money cross-network flow, and the cleanest way to top up an Airtel line from a Safaricom account.
8 min read
Online jobs in Kenya that pay via M-PESA: 12 legitimate options
Twelve real ways to earn online and receive payments via M-PESA. Plus the warning signs that distinguish a job from a scam.
11 min read
What is Equitel? Equity Bank's mobile line explained (2026)
Equitel is Equity Bank's mobile line: a SIM that turns your phone into an Equity account. Runs on the Airtel network as an MVNO. Send, pay, borrow up to KES 3M.
7 min read
How to pay a paybill or buy goods with Equitel (2026)
Dial *247#, choose Pay Bill, enter the paybill and account, confirm with PIN. Includes paybill 247247 for M-PESA to Equity.
6 min read
Equitel charges 2026: send, withdraw and bill fees
Send-money bands, withdrawal fees, PesaLink and RTGS. Includes the honest note that Equitel's own tariff tables disagree; ranges are given.
8 min read
Equitel vs M-PESA vs Airtel Money: an honest 2026 comparison
M-PESA wins on ubiquity, Airtel Money on free within-network sending, Equitel on bank integration and high limits. Model, fees, loans compared.
8 min read
EazzyLoan guide 2026: how to borrow up to KES 3 million
Eligibility, how to apply on *247#, Boostika mid-transaction overdraft, Jiokolee Credo, and the honest note that Equity does not publish a fixed interest rate.
7 min read
How to register for Equitel and link it to your Equity account (2026)
Bring your original national ID to an Equity branch or agent. Open an Equity account on the spot. Physical SIM or eSIM. Plus linking to Equity mobile banking.
6 min read