Faiba4G USSD Short Codes

The following is a list of Faiba4G ussd codes that you can use to access various services and manage your account.

Service	USSD CODE	Function
Main Menu	*111#	Main Menu to access all the services available on Faiba4G
Balance Check	*131#	Checks the account balance of the line
Buy Bundles	*544#	For buying data bundles for your Faiba4G account
Sambaza	*140#	Transfer (sambaza) your airtime to another Faiba4G number
Phone Number	*130#	Check your Faiba4G phone number
Customer Care	100	Dial this number to contact Faiba4G customer care

How to Withdraw Money from PayPal to M-PESA

PayPal is one of the most common payment methods used online. For a long time now, most Kenyans working online have had to rely on Equity bank and some middlemen services to get access to their PayPal funds locally.

However, thanks to the partnership between Safaricom and Transfer-To (now DT One/Thune), users can now conveniently withdraw money from their PayPal accounts straight into their M-PESA accounts.

Through this service, the funds are automatically converted into the local currency (KES) and deposited into one's M-PESA account after two hours or a maximum of 3 days.

With that said, only amounts in USD ($) can be withdrawn using the service however PayPal does provide means to convert funds in a different currency to USD.

The service is also not free and includes a charge that we'll see later in the article.

Transfer Money from PayPal to M-PESA

1. First things first, you have to link your PayPal account with your M-PESA account.

2. After doing that, go to the PayPal M-PESA page and on your top right, click the Log In button to sign into your PayPal account.

3. After logging in, click the Withdraw from PayPal button.

Withdraw from PayPal

4. Next you'll be shown the current available balance in your PayPal account. Below it enter the amount in USD (United States Dollars) to withdraw then click the Continue to Withdraw button.

Available PayPal Balance in USD

Note:

• You can withdraw a maximum of Ksh70,000 per transaction. As such, convert your amount to KES using the current exchange rates to ensure you've not gone past this limit.
• Your M-PESA account can only hold a maximum of Ksh100,000. Plan your transactions accordingly to ensure you don't exceed this limit.
• Only amounts in USD can be withdrawn using the service. To withdraw amounts in a different currency, first convert the funds to USD by going to your Manage Currencies section inside your PayPal account.

5. In the next page you'll be prompted to confirm the withdrawal.

The amount to be withdrawn will have been converted to KES and the exchange rate used will be shown as well as tthe amount of time it will take to process the transaction e.g. 2 hours.

Exchange Rate and Processing Time

Click the Confirm button to continue.

6. Finally you'll get a confirmation message that your withdrawal request has been successfully recorded and will be processed within a specified duration.

You'll also receive an SMS from Safaricom confirming the processing of the transaction.

Processing SMS from Safaricom

7. Now you only have to wait the specified time to get SMS's from Safaricom and M-PESA confirming the money has been received. 

PayPal to M-PESA Transaction SMS

Meanwhile you can view the status of your transaction by clicking the Transaction History link that's on the PayPal M-PESA site's menu.

View Transaction History

If you don't receive your funds after the specified time, you can get help by contacting the Transfer-To customer service.

In the message include your transaction ID (available in the Transaction History page) and your email address.

Fees Charged for PayPal to M-PESA Withdrawal

TransferTo charges a 3% conversion fee for the amount withdrawn.

This conversion fee is subtracted from the exchange rate used to convert the USD amount to KES and NOT the amount being withdrawn. The exchange rate shown when confirming the withdrawal has the conversion fee already subtracted.

Let's take a look of sample transaction to help you understand better how this works.

Example of a Transaction

Let's assume you're withdrawing $20 USD to your M-PESA and the current exchange rate is: 1 USD = 100.20 KES

Amount in KES: 20 x 100.20 = 2,004
Conversion fee: 3/100 x 100.20 = 3.006
Exchange rate used for transfer: 100.20 - 3.006 = 97.194
Amount sent to M-PESA: 20 x 97.194 = 1,944
Fee Charged: 2004 - 1944 = 60

Based on this, it would seem that Equity's PayPal service fees are slightly lower compared to those of Transfer-To/Safaricom.

How to Link PayPal with M-PESA

In 2018, Safaricom in partnership with PayPal and TransferTo (now DT One/Thune) launched service that links one's PayPal account with their M-PESA wallet.

The service provides two essential money transfer functions:

• Withdrawing money from your PayPal account into your M-PESA account
• Topping up your PayPal wallet using M-PESA

This service is therefore quite a lifesaver for the thousands of Kenyans that work online as freelancers or those that buy goods and services using PayPal. Previously, some had to resort to using middlemen for withdrawal as Equity bank was the only reputable institution providing PayPal services.

Before you can use this transfer service, you're required to link your PayPal account with your Safaricom M-PESA number. This is only takes a few minutes and thereafter you can begin using the service.

Link PayPal Account with Safaricom M-PESA Account

1. First Sign up for a PayPal account if you don't have one. If you've one already, go to the PayPal M-PESA site and click on the Get Started button then log into your PayPal account.

Note:

• If you had already logged in using that computer, your account will be displayed for you to log in. If it's not your account or the one you intend to link, make sure to log it out first.

Get Started

2. Next enter your Safaricom M-PESA number and click the Link your accounts button. The phone number may be auto-filled for you if you've it already saved inside your PayPal's account settings.

3. A confirmation code will be sent to your Safaricom number via SMS. Enter this 4-digit code in the next window and click the Confirm button.

4. You'll now get a conformation message that your PayPal account has been linked to your M-PESA. Click the Start using the service button to withdraw from PayPal to M-PESA or to top up your PayPal account using M-PESA.

If you encounter problems linking your accounts, you can get help by contacting the TransferTo customer service.

Types of KCB Bank Accounts Available

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) is the largest bank in Kenya with over 7 million account holders and a network of 192 branches spread out across the 47 counties

The bank has various banking services for individuals and businesses. These services are primarily offered through different types of banking accounts that are tailored for the needs of the customer.

The accounts offered by KCB can be grouped into three main types:

• Current Accounts - an account which you can deposit and withdraw money to and from at any time and provides the holder with a chequebook to make payments without using cash.
• Transactional Accounts - an account similar to the current account but usually with no access to cheque books
• Savings Accounts - an account for depositing savings with interest but with restrictions on withdrawals

Each of these three main types are further customized into different types of accounts for individuals and businesses. Let's take a look at them.

KCB Personal Accounts

These accounts are meant for individual persons. They include:

Current Accounts

1. Current Account
A current account for individuals with access to a chequebook and KCB Visa Debit Card.

2. Advantage Current Account
A personalized current account with a dedicated relationship manager and access to premium services at KCB Advantage Banking centres.

Transactional Accounts

1. Jiinue Account
An account targeting the employed and self-employed with low opening and operating balances, no restrictions on deposits and withdrawals and access to loans.

2. Bankika Personal Account
An account targeting the youth with no monthly fees (charges transactions instead), a low operating balance and with access to limited cheque book.

3. Mapato Account
An account tailored for individuals with salaries with no restrictions on deposits and withdrawals and with access to salary advance facilities including personal loans.

4. Student Account
An account targeting university and college students with no restrictions on deposits and withdrawals or monthly charges. It allows deposting of HELB loans and provides a KCB Visa debit card.

Savings Accounts

1. Goal Savings Account
A savings account with an attractive interest rate (7% p.a.), free standing order and a loan facility based on one’s savings.

2. Simba Savings Account
An interest earning account with a low operating balance and that is restricted to one withdrawal per month.

3. Advantage Simba Savings Account
A personalized savings account with competitive interest rates, a dedicated relationship manager and access to premium services at KCB Advantage Banking centres.

4. Cub Account
A savings account for children below the age of 18 years. It includes a free life insurance cover and a free kit to save at home.

Other Personal Accounts

1. KCB Platinum Account
A premium product with options for current and transactional accounts. It includes a dedicated relationship manager, exclusive KCB platinum centres and express counters.

2. Fixed Deposit Account
An account that allows for saving unlimited amounts over fixed periods with competitive interest rates (6% p.a).

3. Advantage Mortgage Account
An account with discounted interest rates on mortgage.

KCB Diaspora Banking

These accounts target Kenyans residing abroad.

1. Diaspora Transactional Account
A transactional account available in the major foreign currencies (USD, Euro & GBP) with access to internet and mobile banking.

2. Diaspora Junior Account
An interest earning savings account targeting parents with children living abroad. It's automatically upgraded to the diaspora transactional account when the child turns 18 years old.

Mobile Banking Accounts

1. KCB M-Benki Account
Part of KCB Mobile banking, this type of account can be opened conveniently using one’s mobile phone. Depositing and withdrawal is available through Safaricom M-PESA services and KCB Mtaani Agents. Has access to loans and supports transferring money to other bank accounts.

The account however has restrictions on some services which can be removed by doing an account update at a KCB branch.

2. KCB M-PESA
An account available on the M-PESA menu that gives Safaricom customers easy access to instant loans from KCB. The account however also includes saving options with interest rates (6.3% p.a.).

KCB Business Accounts

These accounts target business people, investment groups, corporates and other institutions. They are grouped into the following categories:

• Micro
• SME (Small and Medium Enterprises)
• Agri
• Corporates
• Investment

A. Micro

Current Accounts

1. Tuungane Current
This is a current account that targets investment groups (chamas). It provides access to a chequebook and has no monthly charges or restriction on withdrawals.

In addition to mobile banking, it can be managed through the KCB Mobi Chama service.

Transactional Accounts

1. Boresha Biashara
A transactional account targeting small scale businesses with non-registered businesses. It has low operating balance and provides access to business loans.

2. Bankika Business
This account targets the youth who have non-registered and sole proprietorship businesses. It has no monthly charges, minimum operating balance or restrictions on withdrawals and deposits. It also provides access to business loans.

3. Tuungane Investment
A savings account that targets investment groups that are registered or unregistered.

B. SME

Current Accounts

1. Business Current Account
A current account for registered businesses. It's ideal for businesses with a high number of transactions and has no minimum operating balances. It also provides access to business loans and overdrafts

2. Business Privilege Account
A business account that targets registered businesses with high transaction volume. It has a flat fee for all monthly transactions costs and provides access to an unlimited cheque book.

3. School Current Accounts
An account for registered schools to facilitate collection of fees. It has no charges.

Transactional Accounts

1. Entrepreneur Account
This is an affordable business account that charges per transaction and has no maintenance fees.

2. Community Account
An account targeting registered non-profit organisations, charities and religious bodies. It has no charges.

C. Agri

1. Mavuno Account (Farmers Account)
An account tailor made for farmers with no minimum operating balance and maintenance fees. It also waiver charges for account activation as these accounts become dormant periodically.

D. Corporate Accounts

1. Current Account
An account for businesses with custom chequebooks and online statements.

2. Transactional Account
A transactional account for businesses with no minimum operating balance, standing orders, and a custom chequebook.

E. InvestmentAccounts

1. Business Account
An interest earning savings account for businesses.

2. Fixed and Short Term Deposit Account
An account that allows for saving unlimited amounts over fixed periods (long or short term) with competitive interest rates (6% p.a). It offers flexible investment periods of between one month to a year.

3. Call Deposits Investment
An interest earning account for saving investment funds but that allows for withdrawals alike a current account.

How to Withdraw Money from HF Whizz to M-PESA

HF Whizz is the mobile banking application by HFC Bank. Available to existing customers and non-customers, the app includes services ranging from opening and managing bank accounts to applying for instant loans.

As part of managing one's account, the app allows customers to conveniently deposit and withdraw money from the linked account. These transactions are made possible through the use of M-PESA services.

Depositing is done through the bank's paybill number while withdrawing sends the money to one's  registered Safaricom number or to a different M-PESA number.

Let's take a look at how the latter is done.

Transfer Money from HFC Account to M-PESA using HF Whizz

1. Launch the app and select the SEND MPESA option.

Send to M-PESA

2. In the next menu, select the account to withdraw funds from.

Select HFC Account

Select the SELF option to send money to your registered M-PESA number. Otherwise, select the OTHER option and just below it enter a different Safaricom number or select it from your Contacts

3. You'll now be prompted to confirm details of the transaction. At the bottom, the app tells you how much fees your account will be charged for the Send to M-PESA.

Confirm Details

Tap on the PROCEED button to continue.

4. Next enter your HF Whizz PIN to complete the request.

Shortly after this you'll receive an SMS from HFC confirming a successful debit and another from M-PESA confirming the received amount from 100401.

Confirmation SMS from MPESA and HFC

If you registered your email address, you'll also receive a new email from mybank@hfgroup.co.ke confirming the transfer from your account.

If the transaction is not successful or you encounter some other problem, you can get help by contacting the HFC Customer Care on the toll free number 0800721400.

Safaricom vs Airtel vs Telkom All-in-One Monthly Bundles

Safaricom has just released its new all in one monthly bundles. These types of bundles are however not new to the market.

Airtel all in one-monthly bundles have been offered for years now in their UnlimiNet plans while Telkom introduced these plans last year.

The all in one monthly bundles include data, minutes and in some cases SMS in one convenient plan. This way no extra costs are incurred other than those from premium services and mobile money transactions.

These bundles are therefore quite economical and ideal for those that need to keep within a fixed budget every month. With that said, the plans vary amongst the operators in terms of their offerings and pricing.

To know which plan best works for you or one that offers the best value for your money, here's how the bundles compare across the three operators.

Bundles Comparison

BUNDLE	SAFARICOM	AIRTEL	TELKOM
Ksh.400		1GB + 100 Min
Ksh.500	2GB	0.5GB + 100 Min + 500SMS	3GB + 100 Min
			4GB
			333 Min
Ksh.1000	1GB + 400 Min	6GB (+1GB) + 400 Min + 2000 SMS	7GB + 300 Min
	2GB + 200 Min		10GB
	5GB
Ksh.2000	3GB + 1000 Min	12GB (+3GB) + 1200 Min + 1000 SMS	25GB
	12GB + 600 Min
	15GB
Ksh.3000	5GB + 1500 Min		40GB
	20GB + 900 Min
	25GB
Ksh.5000	35GB + 1500 Min
	10GB + 2500 Min
Ksh.10000	50GB + 3500 Min
	20GB + 7500 Min

Note:

• Additional data offer for Airtel bundles is valid until 28th March 2019.
• Safaricom and Telkom minutes can be used across all networks.
• Airtel minutes can likewise be used across all networks with the exception of the Ksh500 bundle whose minutes are split equally for on-net and off-net (i.e 50 min on-net and 50 min off-net).
• The Airtel Ksh400 bundle minutes are off-net but includes 100 mins every day for Airtel to Airtel calls.
• Telkom bundles includes free Night Data from 12.00am to 6am.
• Safaricom data bundles include free WhatsApp once the data is exhausted. 
• Airtel bundles include free WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter of up to 100MB daily once the data is exhausted.
• All plans can be purchased by dialling *544#.

How to Deposit Money into HFC Account using M-PESA

HFC, the banking subsidiary of HF Group (formerly Housing Finance), launched their mobile banking application dubbed HF Whizz.

The app along with the *618# USSD offers a wide array of banking services to existing and new customers. Some of these services include opening new accounts, applying for loans, depositing and withdrawing money to and from one's account among other services.

Previously, these services were only available to account holders who had registered to access mobile banking services with the *232# USSD code.

Using the app or USSD, new customers can now open accounts without visiting the bank and deposit money into their new staright from M-Pesa.

Existing customers can likewise use the app to deposit money into their savings, current, salary and other types of accounts.

Let's see how depositing money to our HFC accounts is done.

Transfer Money from M-PESA to HFC Account

Depositing of money to an HF account is done through Lipa na M-Pesa Paybill. This can be completed by either using:

• the HF Whizz app or, by
• manually entering the details in your M-PESA Menu

Safaricom will charge you a transaction cost for transferring the funds. You can query the charge for a specific amount by dialling *234# then going to: My M-PESA Information > Tariff Query > Lipa na M-PESA

Deposit using the HF Whizz App

1. Launch the app and select the DEPOSIT option.

Deposit

2. Select the account to deposit funds to followed by the amount to transfer then tap on the SUBMIT button.

Select account to deposit

3. You'll be prompted to confirm the deposit. Confirm the details the tap on the PROCEED button to continue.

4. Next you'll be alerted that the request has been received and is being processed. Tap on the Okay button to continue.

Request Sent

5. Finally you'll be redirected to the M-PESA menu to enter your M-PESA PIN to complete the transaction.

Enter PIN

Now just wait for the confirmation SMS's.

Deposit using the M-PESA Menu

This is useful if you cannot use the app or don't have an internet connection to complete the transaction via the app.

1. Go to the Lipa na M-PESA option in your M-PESA menu and select the Pay Bill option.

2. Enter 100400 as the Business number followed by your HF Account Number as the account.

3. Next enter the amount of money to deposit.

4. Finally, enter your M-PESA PIN to complete the transaction.


After completing the transactions using either of the two methods, you should get confirmation SMS's from M-PESA and HFC. If you've your email registered, you'll also get a new email from mybank@hfgroup.co.ke alerting you of the amount credited into your account.

To confirm your new balance, just go to the VIEW ACCOUNT option in the app and enter your HF Whizz PIN. Checking your balance with the app is free.

Should you encounter any difficulties depositing funds, please contact the HFC Customer Care on the toll free number 0800721400.

How to Subscribe to Safaricom's Storo Data Bundle

Safaricom's Stori Ibambe service has been with us since 2015. Over the course of that 3-year period little changed about the service up until September 2018 when the operator announced the good news that Storo bonus airtime could now be used for data bundles.

Aptly dubbed Storo Data bundle, users subscribed to Stori Ibambe can now choose to use their bonus airtime for data in addition to local calls and SMS.

The terms and conditions of the service however remain unchanged. This means therefore:

• the bonus is only valid for a day and is only awarded after you've achieved your daily target
• the bonus data expires at 11:59 PM i.e. the bonus data is not rolled over to the next day and must therefore be used before midnight.
• you cannot sambaza your storo data bundle
• using your storo bonus for data won't earn you any bonga points

Note however that Stori Ibambe is only available to prepay customers. Let's see how to activate the service.

Step 1: Subscribe to Storo Ibambe

First we need to subscribe to the service. To do this:

1. Dial *460# on your Safaricom prepay line and reply with 4 to subscribe.

2. You'll then get a message that you've been successfully subscribed to STORO Bonus promotion.

Step 2: Reach Your Daily Target

In order to get your storo bonus airtime, you'll need to achieve your daily storo bonus target before midnight. The earlier you achieve it the more time you have at your disposal to make use of your bonus data.

You can check your daily target by dialling *460*1#.

Safaricom will however notify you the remainder of what you need to spend to reach your daily target every time you use their services e.g. after making a call

Storo target notification

You can also check how much you've spent by dialling *460*5#.

Step 3: Subscribe to a Storo Data Bundle

Once you've reached you daily target, you can subscribe to a data bundle by doing the following:

1. Dial *460# and reply with 6 for Storo Data Bundle.

Storo Data

You can also dial *460*6# or *544# then select Storo Data on the second page.

2. Depending on your target you'll be provided with bundles that you can subscribe to.

How to Check Storo Bonus Balance

To check your storo bonus balance, including your storo data bundle, just dial *460*2#. You can also dial *460# first then reply with 2 for Check my STORO Bonus Balance.

Can I Adjust my Storo Bonus Target?

The simple answer to this is NO.

This is because your storo bonus target is automatically determined by the average amount you spend daily on your Safaricom line. You can't therefore manually adjust to increase or lower your daily target.

The lowest daily target is set at Ksh.35 and can reach highs of Ksh.90. The thing to note however is that the more you spend on average the higher your target will be.

As such, if you need to lower your target you'll have to respond by spending less every day until your target is revised down. Likewise, to increase the target you'll have to spend more on average until it's revised upwards.

How to File Nil Returns on KRA iTax in 2019

Every year individual Kenyans and business are required to file their previous year's tax returns in accordance with the law. For individuals, this applies to every one with a KRA PIN regardless of their income status.

Those without employment or any source of income but have a KRA PIN are therefore required to file a NIL return. This usually includes:

• university/college students who applied for the PIN during their HELB Loan applications
• unemployed individuals that acquired the PIN when requesting  for the Tax Compliance Certificate that's required in most government/county job applications.
• persons formerly employed that are currently unemployed and with no source of income

The 2019 tax filing season begins in January 1st with the deadline set at June 30th. It's important that the tax returns are filed within this duration otherwise one risks a fine of Ksh. 20,000.

However, in accordance with new regulations released in June last year (2018), taxpayers will from 2019 be allowed to apply for extensions past this deadline. This extension however has to be applied 30 days prior to the deadline for individuals.

Still, there's no need to wait for the last minute more so if you are filing zero returns. Here's how to do it in a few minutes.

Filing a Nil Return

1. Go to KRA's iTax Portal and enter your KRA PIN then click Continue.

2. Next type in your KRA Password then complete the security question to log in.

Log in

3. Inside your iTax dashboards menu, click the Returns option then under it select File Nil Return.

File Nil Return

4. A form will be loaded where you are required to fill:

• the type of return (i.e. self)
• your KRA Pin, and
• your tax obligation.

Taxpayer Details

The first two fields will automatically be filled for you.

5. Under the Tax Obligation field, select your obligation as the Income Tax - Resident Individual option then click Next.

Tax Obligation type

6. In the next page, a new form will be loaded where you're the following details are filled:

• your Personal Identification Number (KRA PIN).
• your Wife's PIN - leave it blank if you're not married.
• Return periods - this will be automatically filled and should be from 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2018 for 2018 tax returns. If not click the calender icon to fill the details.

e-Return Form

When you're done, click the submit button to proceed.

7. Your request will be processed and if successful an e-Return Acknowledgement Receipt with the filed return details and summary will be generated.

Download the receipt and print it or save the PDF somewhere safe.

Remember to always file your nil returns months or weeks before the 30th June date as the iTax site tends to be overloaded and sometimes inaccessible as the deadline date draws near.