Safaricom Home Fibre Contacts

Safaricom Home Fibre is currently rolling out in various towns in the country. You can confirm whether the service is available in your area by checking the active locations or you can request a confirmation via USSD and get called by Safaricom Home customer care.

On the other hand, you may also wish to contact them to manage your account if you're already connected to the service.

Contacting Safaricom Home

Safaricom Home

You can contact the customer care through:

1. Calling

Option 1: If You're Already Connected

Call 400 with the Safaricom line that you pay with for the service.

Option 2: If Not Yet Connected

1. Dial *400# with your Safaricom line and from the menu reply with the option regarding your query.

Safaricom Home USSD

2. For example: To confirm whether your area is covered reply with 5.

3. You'll receive an SMS with the instructions to either dial *400*1# or check the coverage online. Choose the first option by dialling *400*1#.

4. Follow the prompts by replying with the location you wish to check for Safaricom Home's availability i.e. Town, Estate and Nearest Landmark (e.g. school, church).

5. You'll then get a USSD reply that you'll be contacted by a Safaricom Home representative within 24 hours.

6. After a few minutes (or more) you'll be called by an agent from the number 0722 000000.

2. Via Email

Send an email with your queries to safaricomhome@safaricom.co.ke

How to Unsubscribe from Telkom Kenya Daily Data Bundles

Telkom Kenya offers a variety of data bundles whose validity periods range from daily, weekly or monthly. Daily data bundles can either be purchased once or can be auto-renewed every day.

While the one-time bundle expires after a 24-hour period the subscription based one is automatically renewed every 24 hours by deducting the bundle's price from the airtime. If there is insufficient or no airtime in the account, the renewal is postponed until when the subscriber tops up again.

On the other hand, if the bundle is exhausted before the validity period is over, the data is automatically charged from the airtime. This can however be prevented by activating Telkom's My Data Manager.

To stop the auto-renewal of daily bundles, a subscriber is required to unsubscribe from the specific bundle they're subscribed to. To do that, do the following.

Unsubscribe from Auto-renewing Daily Bundles

Telkom Daily Bundles

1. Dial *544# on your Telkom Kenya line.

2. Reply with 2 for Data Bundles followed by 1 for 1 Day Bundles.

1 Day Bundles

3. Next reply with number of the particular daily bundle that you are subscribed to e.g. 2 for the 25MB @ 10/-

Daily Bundles

4. Now just reply with 3 for Unsubscribe.

Unsubscribe

You should get a USSD message that you've been successfully unsubscribed from that specific data offer.

How to Check the Validity and Status of a KRA PIN

A Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN identifies one as a taxpayer. Once a person applies and is approved for one, they're are obliged to fulfil their tax obligations as prescribed by law. This includes but not limited to payment of taxes and filing of tax returns.

Unemployed persons such students who are in possession of a PIN (e.g. due to loan or job applications) but have no taxable income are likewise required to file nil tax returns.

Depending on the context, it may be necessary to verify the authenticity of a KRA PIN that a person may provide. This establishes that a PIN is genuine and whether it's status is active. It could also go a long way in preventing cases of fraud and corruption.

Fortunately, employers, creditors or any other concerned entity that may wish to verify that a KRA PIN is genuine can do it on the KRA's iTax site. This can also be useful for persons wishing to verify their basic details when they cannot log into their iTax dashboard after forgetting their KRA Password.

Verify a KRA PIN

Check KRA PIN

To check the validity of any KRA PIN do the following:

1. Go to the iTax site (you don't have to log in).

2. Below the PIN Checker open the Click Here link.

PIN Checker

3. In the PIN checker page enter the KRA PIN to check then complete the security stamp challenge.

Enter PIN to Check (click-to-enlarge)

4. Finally click the Consult button to complete the request.

Pin Checker Results (click-to-enlarge)

As shown above, the checker will output the basic details of the taxpayer including their:

• Names
• PIN Status
• iTax Status
• Address Details
• Tax Obligation Details

This way one can establish whether the information provided by an indvidual or their credentials (such as their National ID) matches with those that PIN Checker outputs.

Resetting iTax Password When Email Address is Inaccessible

Resetting one's KRA iTax password is an easy process provided one has access to the email address they registered their account with. This is because the reset password is sent to this email address.

There are situations however when this may not possible. A common scenario is when one can no longer access their registered email address. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as:

• The email address account has been closed permanently. This may happen if you registered your iTax account with your company's work email. It's the policy of some companies to close email accounts of employees who no longer work for them e.g. after retirement, resignation or a lay off.
• One has forgotten their email's password and cannot login or reset it.
• The email address password has been changed after being hacked.
• One registered with another person's email address who they can no longer reach.

In all these scenarios one is locked out of their iTax account. As such one cannot access crucial services such as filing returns, updating iTax details or applying for a KRA compliance certificate.

Getting Back Access to Your iTax Account

Fortunately, one may still be able to access their account even under such circumstances. This will involve two things:

• Your iTax details have to be updated by changing the old email address with a new one that you can access.
• Once this has been done, you'll go through the normal reset process in order to receive your reset password.

1. Updating the Inaccessible Email

Email address amendments usually require an approval from a KRA agent to take effect. But this is only possible if one can access the account to make this change in the first place.

Since this is not possible in our case, you'll have to contact the KRA customer care to make this change for you. Provide them with details on why you can no longer access your registered email address. They will open a support ticket for you and give you on a way forward e.g. providing an alternative email address where the code can be sent.

You may be asked to provide a scanned copy of your National ID in addition to your KRA PIN.

You can contact the KRA customer care through the following channels:
1. Email: callcentre@kra.go.ke
2. Live Chat: Visit the KRA Support Homepage. At the bottom of this page click the Chat With Us button. You'll then be prompted to create an account first so as to begin chatting with an agent.
3. Social Media: Twitter Handle (@KRACare)
4. Phone: +254 20 4 999 999 or +254 711 099 999
5. In Person: Visit the nearest KRA Office

After the change has been made you'll have to wait until this change has been approved. When this is done, you'll be sent your updated KRA PIN Certificate to your new email address. The approval may take some time.

2. Resetting the Old iTax Password

Reset iTax Password

Once the above has been done, you can proceed with resetting your iTax password as usual:

1. Log in into iTax by entering your KRA PIN.

2. In the password page, click the Forgot Password/Unlock Account link.

3. In the Forgot Password page, answer the security stamp question then submit.

4. You'll receive the reset password in your email address.

5. Go back to the iTax login page and login with this password.

6. This will then take you to the first time log in page where you'll be required to create a new password and security question & answer.

7. After doing this you'll be able to access the iTax dashboard. You may however be prompted to first verify your email address again by sending a verification code.

Send it then go to your email address. Copy the code (OTP for Email Verification) and submit it in the prompt to complete the process. You should now be able to access your iTax account dashboard.

Preventing this from happening again

To avoid such a situation in the future:

• Use third party email services such as Gmail, Yahoo and Microsoft for your iTax account registration or email changes.
• If you must use a work email address, make sure to update it with one you can access before you leave the company.
• Use a password manager program or app to securely store your login credentials or record them somewhere to avoid forgetting them.

How to Transfer Airtel Kenya Zawadi Points

Did you know that similar to Bonga Points, you can actually transfer your Zawadi points to another number? This rather invaluable if you are in need of some extra points to redeem a service or device or just want to trade your points. By trading points I mean selling and buying of Zawadi points as it seems there is a whole market for that nowadays thanks to Bonga Points being turned into a commodity.

By wanting to do this I'll assume you've already enrolled for the Zawadi Points and have some points accumulated. Your recipient should likewise be enrolled into the program.

Getting Started

Zawadi Points

Before you can transfer, there are a couple of things worth noting:

• the minimum amount of zawadi points you can transfer is 50. 
• you should also be left with a minimum balance of 50 points after transferring your zawadi points, i.e.you're not allowed to transfer your entire points.
• Before you can transfer your zawadi points you're required to set up your Zawadi Points PIN. This is put in place to prevent anyone from transferring your points without your knowledge.

A. Setting up or Changing the Zawadi Points Pin

1. Dial *326#

2. From the menu select option 5 for Set or Change PIN.

Setting up the PIN

3. You'll then get a prompt to enter your old PIN. If it's your first time, the default PIN is 1234. If you're changing your PIN, enter the PIN that you set up.

4. Next you'll get a prompt to enter a New PIN. Enter a four-digit number, and while you're at it use something less obvious and that you don't use anywhere else.

PIN Updated

5. Now just wait and you should get the above confirmation SMS that your PIN has been changed.

B. Transferring Zawadi Points

1. Dial *326#

2. Choose option 4 for Transfer Points

Transferring Zawadi Points

3. Enter the number of points you want to transfer. Remember the minimum is 50.

Minimum - 50 Zawadi Points

4. Enter the number of the recipient of points.

5. Enter your Zawadi Points PIN.

6. You'll then get a prompt that the points have been successfully transferred.

How to Stop Airtel Kenya Promotion SMS Messages

Network operators are by the day diversifying their product line ups to entice more subscribers just as much as they need to keep a hold on their loyal customers; that is, lest they stray to the competition on account of the same. So while the comedy laced TV Ads and static commuter commercial breaks might work for the former, a more personalised approach is rightly assumed to fare much better with regards to already loyal subscribers. 

Still, there's no excuse for operators to send numerous SMS messages to their subscribers every other day, especially if they are saying the same thing. One message is enough, two can be allowed if ignorance is assumed on our part, but three? That's tantamount to spamming. Airtel is no stranger to this as is Safaricom who not long ago were the worst offenders. If you wish to stop getting Airtel's marketing SMS messages, typically those concerned with offers, do the following.

Stop Promotional SMS

Stop Marketing Spam!

1. Dial *100# on your Airtel Line.

2. Enter 2 for Manage My Account.

Manage my Account

3. Enter 9 for Stop Promotional SMS

Stop Promotional SMS

4. Enter 1 to confirm and that's it.

Confirm

NOTE: The exact numbers in the USSD menu keep getting updated so I can't guarantee they will appear as they do here. As such, follow the titles not the numbers.

Now you'll have to wait for 48hrs for your request to be processed and be effective. Meanwhile you'll continue receiving promotional SMS's from Airtel.

Confirmation

With this now you won't be forced to bear with the constant barrage of marketers knocking i your inbox for the better part of the day. The days of them welcoming themselves in the inbox only to pile up in the waiting room while eagerly waiting to be given an ear in the living room are now over.

How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe from Telkom SMS Bundles

Telkom Kenya has an SMS Bundle that's similar to that of Safaricom and Airtel. Similar to Airtel's SMS Bundles, on Telkom you can use your SMS bundles to text both on-net and off-net. This is unlike Safaricom's SMS bundles which can't be used to text users on other local networks.

Other features worth noting with regards to Telkom's SMS Bundles is that:

• Telkom only offers daily SMS bundle. They used to have monthly bundle but it has since been removed.
• You can buy more than one SMS bundle before the validity period of a preceding bundle has ended. SMS from the newer subscription are added to the older SMS bundle.
• The SMS cannot be used for international SMS. Such SMS will be charged from your airtime.
• The daily SMS bundles are auto-renewed.
• Unused SMS are not rolled over as it's the case with Airtel SMS Bundles.

Subscribing to Telkom's SMS Bundles

Telkom SMS Bundles

You can subscribe to Telkom Kenya's SMS bundles through:

• USSD
• My Telkom App
• Your T-Kash Menu (T-kash activation necessary)

Let's take a look at the first two methods.

A. USSD

1. Dial *188#. You can also dial either *123*3*3# or *100*3*3#.

SMS Bundles

2. Select the daily SMS bundle to buy. There are only two to choose from:

• Daily 50 SMS Bundle (all networks) at Ksh.5
• Daily 250 SMS Bundle (200 on-net and 50 off-net) at Ksh.10

3. Confirm the subscription by replying with 1.

B. My Telkom App

1. Download and install My Telkom from Google Playstore if you haven't yet.

2. In the app's start page, select the Bundles option that's on the bottom menu .

3. Select the SMS Bundles item then choose the exact SMS bundles you wish to buy.

My Telkom App

 4. Finish by tapping the subscribe button followed by accepting the confirmation prompt.

Unsubscribing from Telkom's SMS Bundles

1. Dial *188# (or *123*3*3# / *100*3*3#) then reply with 3 for Unsubscribe.

2. Next reply with the SMS bundle you were subscribed to: 1 for Daily 50 or 2 for Daily 250.

Select Bundle to Unsubscribe

2. Confirm the stopping of auto-renewal (unsubscription) by replying with 1.

You can also unsubscribe via the app by going to the SMS bundle menu, selecting the bundle you're subscribed then tap the unsubscribe button.

Checking your Telkom SMS Bundles Balance

To check your SMS bundle balance, dial the usual balance shortcode *131# or go to My Account section in My Telkom App.

How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe from Airtel SMS Bundles

Airtel Kenya is mostly known for its cheap calling rates and data offers however it has a host of similar services that its main competitor Safaricom provides. Such is the case with SMS bundles which many people may be forgiven for thinking is offered by Safaricom only.

While less popular, Airtel runs a SMS bundle subscription service that's offers more value compared to Safaricom SMS Bundles. Airtel SMS bundle include more SMS and has less limitations since:

• The SMS bundles are split by half for on-net and off-net use. Hence, unlike the Safaricom ones that have to be used on-net only, with Airtel SMS bundles you can SMS people on other local networks. This is also the case with Telkom's SMS Bundles.
• Unused SMS are carried over to the next day/period if you've subscribed to an auto-renewed SMS bundle. On Safaricom they expire at midnight.

Subscribing to Airtel SMS Bundles

Airtel SMS Bundles

1. Dial the code *767*2# or alternatively dial *767# then reply with 2 for SMS Bundles.

Choose SMS Bundles

2. Choose the validity period of the SMS bundle you wish to buy followed by the specific bundle in the daily plans. For the weekly and monthly bundles reply with 1 to proceed. The SMS bundles on offer include:

Daily Bundles:

• 6 SMS (3 off-net and 3 on-net) for Ksh.3 daily 
• 40 SMS (20 off-net and 20 on-net) for Ksh.5 daily
• 250 SMS (125 off-net and 125 on-net) for Ksh.10 daily
• 500 SMS (250 off-net and 250 on-net) for Ksh.20 daily

Weekly Bundle:

• 500 SMS (250 off-net and 250 on-net) for Ksh.30 weekly

Monthly Bundle:

• 1,500 SMS (750 off-net and 750 on-net) for Ksh.75 monthly

3. Choose whether to buy only once or to auto-renew once the validity period ends.

Buy Once or Autorenew

You should then get a confirmation message once your request is processed.

Unsubscribing from Airtel SMS Bundles

1. Dial *767*2# or alternatively dial *767# then reply with 2 for SMS Bundles.

2. Reply with 6 for Unsubscribe.

Unsubscribe SMS Bundles

You should then shortly receive an SMS confirming the unsubscription from auto-renewing SMS bundles.

Checking your Airtel SMS Bundles Balance

To check your SMS bundle balance just dial *767*2# then reply with 5 for Check SMS Balance. You'll then receive an SMS with your bundle balance.

Telkom Kenya Mobile Number Prefixes

Telkom Kenya is the third largest mobile network in terms of subscriber numbers in the country. Partly owned by the government, the operator underwent a major rebranding in 2017 from Orange Kenya to Telkom Kenya after being sold to Helios Investments Partners.

The rebranded network has since launched some new prefixes to keep up with their new found growth. Let's take a look at its current mobile prefixes:

Telkom Kenya Prefixes

Telkom Kenya Prefixes

Prefix	Local Mobile Number	International Mobile Number
770	0770 XXXXXX	+254770 XXXXXX
771	0771 XXXXXX	+254771 XXXXXX
772	0772 XXXXXX	+254772 XXXXXX
773	0773 XXXXXX	+254773 XXXXXX
774	0774 XXXXXX	+254774 XXXXXX
775	0775 XXXXXX	+254775 XXXXXX
776	0776 XXXXXX	+254776 XXXXXX
777	0777 XXXXXX	+254777 XXXXXX
778	0778 XXXXXX	+254778 XXXXXX
779	0779 XXXXXX	+254779 XXXXXX

Last updated: Sep. 2018
Other Networks: Safaricom Prefixes | Airtel Kenya Prefixes
Source: International Telecommunications Union (https://www.itu.int/)

Telkom's rebranding seems to have paid off with the operator registering a slight growth in subscriber numbers to stand currently around 4 million. While the company is yet to register profits, this trend may signal a change for the better especially considering that their competitive rates coupled with their clever marketing campaigns have been rather effective.