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How to Start Using Safaricom eSIM

How do I get a Safaricom e-SIM?

A SIM – subscriber identity module – is a small plastic card with silicone chips that forms a central communication component through mobile phones owing to its ability to send and receive texts and calls and connect to a cellular network. SIM cards have been around since the early 1990s when they were a size of a credit card.

For years, physical SIM cards have been a staple for mobile technology. Still, slightly over five years ago, smartphone manufacturers led by Samsung introduced an eSIM-only Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch in 2016, followed by subsequent phase-out of the SIM tray in its rival Apple’s iPhone 14 to become the first phone maker to eliminate the use of physical SIM cards.

Apple played a trump card here, and other phone makers have begun to follow suit. Aside from eSIM’s security precedence over physical SIM cards, while using it, for instance, in iPhone 14, it supports two phone numbers and eight data lines on the same eSIM because you can switch carriers wirelessly.

How do you get an eSIM in Kenya? You can get an eSIM from Safaricom. Here are processes and steps of getting one for convenience and flexibility even if you travel abroad:

How do you get a Safaricom e-SIM?

If your phone supports Embedded SIM (eSIM), sometimes referred to as Embedded Universal Circuit Card (eUICC), and you are a Safaricom customer, you can get your eSIM when you visit Safaricom Shops near you, where a SIM swap from physical SIM card to Safaricom eSIM will be done by a customer representative.

Can you get a Safaricom eSIM online? No. Safaricom has not unveiled an online application method for eSIMs.

how to apply for Safaricom esim in kenya

To switch from a physical SIM card to Safaricom eSIM, you are required to take with you an identification document used to register your line; either a national ID or a passport.

How much does Safaricom eSIM cost?

Safaricom eSIM costs Ksh150 if you are basically doing a SIM swap of your previous number. A new eSIM costs Ksh250 for those needing a new Safaricom line.

Which phones support eSims in Kenya?

Currently, you can use these phones with Safaricom eSIM;

* iPhone models: XR, XS, XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 and iPhone SE 2020
* Samsung phones: S21, Z Fold, and Note 20

Note:

When using Safaricom eSIM, you can switch to different mobile operator networks registered under your name and linked to your eSIM profile anytime, at no cost. The number of eSIM profiles on your phone is determined by the phone manufacturer and not Safaricom. Remember, you can maintain your Safaricom physical SIM card alongside your eSIM.

READ: How to Send Money From United States Directly to Kenya’s Mpesa

 

How to Register Mpesa as a Tourist in Kenya

Registering on Mpesa as a tourist or non-resident

Mesmerizing cities, Nairobi. Quaint towns. Architectural marvels, Mombasa. Transfixing wilderness, Maasai Mara. Impressionist artworks, Malindi art galleries. Stunning landscapes; everywhere. Without mentioning the hallmarks of great cultural diversity in each corner of the country, when you visit Kenya, you have to admit that it is an amazing place.

While starting to explore these and many other fascinating things that Kenya has to offer, there is one thing you have to know – the easiest way to pay for services in Kenya is through Mpesa, whereby making monetary transactions is “as quickly and easily as sending a text message,” according to BBC.

What is Mpesa?

M-Pesa (‘M’ for mobile, and ‘Pesa,’ a Swahili word for money) is a mobile cash service that allows users to transact offline using SIM cards without the need for any routing application or a bank account but a SIM toolkit, STK.

It is operated by Safaricom PLC, the largest mobile network operator in Kenya, serving more than 50 million customers with low-cost access to financial services since its launch in 2007.

When you register Mpesa as a tourist or a non-resident, you will enjoy seamless services of sending money, paying bills, and receiving cash on one platform. That is convenient, right?

Registering on Mpesa as a tourist or non-resident

How easy is it to register for Mpesa in a process that takes about 5 to 10 minutes at maximum with minimal paperwork? A Safaricom SIM card is your ticket to using Mpesa services in Kenya. So, to start using Mpesa as a non-resident, follow these steps to get yourself a Safaricom line and begin transactions on Mpesa:

1. Visit your nearest Safaricom Care Desks or Customer Care outlets. Thankfully, they are available countrywide and at the entry points in major airports, providing unmatched convenience and high levels of customer satisfaction. Some of the Customer Care outlets that conduct non-resident Safaricom SIM registrations in Nairobi and around Mombasa are located at;

* JKIA – Terminal 1A
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Terminal 1A

* JKIA – Gate 6
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Gate 6

* JKIA – Gate 15
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Gate 15

* MIA
Moi International Airport, Terminal 1, ground floor, Mombasa

* Nyali
Nakumatt Nyali , Malindi Road, Mombasa

* Mtwapa
Simba Telcom – Mombasa Kilifi road next to Tuskys supermarket

* Rex
Rex House, Ground Floor Moi Avenue, Mombasa

As a foreigner, tourist, or non-resident, you cannot register your Safaricom SIM card at local Mpesa shops or agents. You must seek help desk services from authorized outlets available countrywide.

2. At the Safaricom Customer Care desks or outlets, as a foreigner, you will be asked to produce a registration document. Of course, not a government-issued ID but a valid passport before your details, like name, email, postal address, and identification number, are fed into an eKYC gadget for digital customer onboarding and identity verification.

At this stage, your photo will be taken using the tablet, and registration for a new SIM card will begin immediately when all the required information is filled, verified, digitally signed, and submitted.

How can wazungu register on Safaricom Mpesa?

3. Your SIM card is now registered, and you are now a Safaricom user. Now pay the required amount of Ksh100, in which Ksh50 is the cost of the SIM, and the other Ksh50 covers the cost of first-time airtime top-up to activate the line. Pay at the point of sale in cash or using a supported bank card.

4. The customer service agent will give you the Safaricom SIM card at this point to insert it into your phone. Use the four-digit PIN on the green SIM plate labeled PIN 1 to gain access to the SIM card.

You will get messages from Safaricom approving your registration.

5. After confirming that the SIM registration was successful, the customer service agent will begin Mpesa activation, after which you will receive a 4-digit Mpesa PIN via SMS. Use it as your access key and change it to your desired secret PIN.

Alternatively, you can conduct a solo registration on Mpesa by going to the SIM toolkit, selecting ‘Activate,’ entering the start key received on SMS, creating your own PIN, and keying in your passport number to complete registration.

Mpesa will send a message of successful opt-in. Pay bills, send and receive money using Mpesa.

How much can I pay with Mpesa as a non-resident?

Whether a non-resident, foreigner, tourist, or a local, Mpesa transaction limits cut across the board; are similar. The maximum amount of money your Mpesa can hold at the moment is Ksh300,000. The amount of money you can pay via Mpesa in a day is also Ksh300,000. However, this sum cannot be transferred in one go because the limit of a single transaction is Ksh150,000.

You can make as many transactions as possible, provided you don’t cross these set limits. Mpesa transactions are instant.

Important Safaricom USSD codes to know

For real-time customer update requests, callback services, and other critical SIM services, it is wise to have some Safaricom USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes right at hand.

Safaricom USSD codes work when you supply the correct three-digit codes beginning with (*) and ending with (#). It is free to use.

Here are some of Safaricom’s quick codes:

Safaricom service USSD code
Accessing Prepaid self-service *100#
Accessing Postpaid self-service *200#
Checking airtime balance *144#
Recharging airtime *141#
Purchasing data bundles *544#
Purchasing talk time (minutes) *444#
Activating voicemail service *222#
Barring all international calls *331*0000#
Deactivating barring #330*0000#
For all Mpesa services *334#, *234#
Getting Skiza Tunes *811#

READ: How to Send Money From United States Directly to Kenya’s Mpesa

 

How to Register a Company in Nigeria Online?

How to Register a Company in Nigeria Online?

I hate to say it, but I’m going to panyway.

Starting a business in Nigeria is hard.

In fact, as of 2020, 33% of startups in Nigeria failed. Back then, there was a fuel subsidy. Today, there’s none.

But that’s not the problem.

The problem is you need loans to finance operations in your startup. And if the start-up fails, you’re liable for those loans.

I mean, your creditors can seize your personal properties.

Thankfully, there’s a legal loophole to help you escape that trap: company registration. And you don’t need to follow strenuous bureaucratic processes to explore this loophole. You can do it online.

In this article, I’ll show you how to register your company in Nigeria online.

But first, let’s start with some explanations.

Types of Companies and the Best Fit for Your Business

A company is a legal entity (corporate personhood) that helps the government separate your assets from your business assets.

And you must understand the different types of company structures before registering yours.

In Nigeria, the government recognizes two types of companies:

  • Private companies
  • Public companies

Private companies

Private companies are companies that can’t sell their shares in stock markets. This type of company can have a minimum of two owners and a maximum of 50 owners.

There are three types of private companies:

  • Private company limited by shares
  • Private company limited by guarantee
  • Private unlimited company

The difference between these sub-types is the extent of liability.  In the event of liquidation, shareholders in a company limited by shares will only pay for the amount of unpaid shares they own.

In a company limited by guarantee, shareholders are only liable to pay for an amount they promised to pay in the case of liquidation.

But in an unlimited company, the liability of shareholders is not limited. They must pay for all the insufficiencies that sales of the company’s assets don’t cover.

Public Companies

Public companies are corporate entities that can sell their shares in stock markets. This type of company can have an unlimited number of shareholders but must have a minimum of 7 shareholders.

Like  private companies, public companies have three subtypes:

  • Public company limited by shares
  • Public company limited by guarantee
  • Public unlimited company

And these sub-types have the same function and limitations as their private counterparts. The differences are the transferability of shares and number of shareholders.

You can read about types of companies, stocks, and shares on Investopedia.

Most companies in Nigeria are either private or public limited companies. So, I’ll focus on how to register both private and public limited companies.

How to Register a Company in Nigeria Online

The body responsible for implementing company registration in Nigeria is the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). And the CAC’s online registration process comprises 4 stages:

  • Name availability check
  • CAC account creation
  • Name reservation
  • Company registration

Name Availability Stage

To check for the availability of your business name, visit CAC’s name-searching tool.

Conduct a business name search to verify there’s no business entity with the same name in Nigeria. If your proposed name is available, move to the next stage.

CAC Account Creation

You need an account on the CAC portal to be able to register your company. Here’s how to create one:

  • Step 1: Visit the CAC registration portal
  • Step 2: Click on the sign-up button
  • Step 3: Fill out the bio data form on the next page
  • Step 4: You’ll receive a confirmation email. Confirm the mail.
  • Step 5: Write down your email and password.

Business Name Reservations

The CAC allows you to register a business name and reserve it for 60 days. You must reserve a business name before you can register your company.

Here’s how to register a business name:

  • Step 1: Log in to your CAC account
  • Step 2: Click on the “New Name Reservation” button
  • Step 3: Type in your proposed company name and business type. This is where you’ll choose the type of company.
  • Step 4: Click on the “save and continue” button

Check out CAC’s naming policy.

  • Step 6: Select “New Incorporation” in the drop-down menu on the next page. And click on the save and continue button.
  • Step 7: Preview your details to avoid errors. Proceed to the payment page
  • The name reservation fee is 500 Naira. If the payment is successful, the portal will redirect you to the main dashboard.

Company Registration Stage

Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering your company in Nigeria online:

  • Step 1: Click on the reserved tab on the CAC dashboard
  • Step 2: Click on the “Start Registration” button
  • Step 3: Fill out the required fields in the form
  • Step 4: Click on the “Add Object” button on the “Object of Memorandum” page. Then, click on the “save and continue” button. You can add multiple objects
  • Step 5: Type in your witness’s information on the “Articles of Association” page. You can either adopt default Articles of Association or input a custom article.
  • Step 6: On the next page, fill out the company’s director bio-data and means of identification.
  • Step 7: If your company has a secretary, you can input his/her data. Small companies can skip this stage.
  • Step 8: Type in your company’s Statement of Issued Share Capital.
  • Step 9: Add your company’s shareholders
  • Step 10: Add Persons with Significant Control in your company. (People or companies with at least 5% shares)
  • Step 11: Upload the relevant documents seen below.
  • Preview your information. And click on the “Proceed to Payment” button. CAC company registration fee is 10, 0000 Naira.

If and when the registration is successful, you’ll see it on the “Registered” tab in the main dashboard.

Conclusion

Building a startup is a risky endeavor, especially in developing nations like Nigeria.

Apart from the obvious opportunity cost of time you will lose, there’s a chance you’ll personal asset. That’s if the business fails.

Although no one prays for failure, it’s better to reduce this risk. And the only way to decrease the risk is to register your company.

Thankfully, the Federal Government of Nigeria has removed the bureaucratic processes involved in company registration. You can now register your company online.

Hopefully, the step-by-step in this article is enough to help you register your company in Nigeria online.

 

 

What Is My Postal Code in Kenya?

Postal codes of locations in Kenya

In 1977 when email was invented by Ray Tomlinson, and during the 1980s, the 90s, and early 2000s, when it became widely used, it “drastically reduced the use of traditional mail” globally, according to a research paper by the University of Rhode Island. Now, with all internet innovations and the coming of age of quick communication, handwritten letter writing is dying a slow death.

When was the last time you wrote a letter? You don’t write anymore? Well, no one does, but almost everyone uses postal codes, which are still used by the few who are using letters to communicate.

Postal codes or postal addresses are unique 5-digit numbers that identify a particular postal delivery in Kenya. Because these numeric codes provide the information necessary to locate a place or a building, they are very crucial these days when filling up something that may need your location data. Let’s say signing up on specific websites like WesternUnion.

If you are looking for a postal address to help you complete registration on a website or want to send a physical letter, this time, here is a list of all postal codes in Kenya;

Postal codes of locations in Kenya

Here is a list of all postal addresses of locations in Kenya in an A-Z format. To check your postal code, look in the category where the first letter in your location name falls:

A

Adungosi postal code — 50413
Agenga postal code — 40406
Ahero postal code — 40101
Ainabkoi postal code — 30101
Akala postal code — 40139
Aluor postal code — 40140
Amagoro postal code — 50244
Amukura postal code — 50403
Andigo postal code — 40136
Angurai postal code — 50412
Anyiko postal code — 40616
Archer’s Post postal code — 60302
Arror postal code — 30708
Asembo Bay postal code — 40619
Asumbi postal code — 40309
Athi River postal code — 00204
Awach Tende postal code — 40328

B

Bahati postal code — 20113
Bamburi postal code — 80101
Banja postal code — 50316
Bar Ober postal code — 50411
Baragoi postal code — 20601
Baraton postal code — 30306
Baricho postal code — 10302
Bartolimo postal code — 30412
Barwesa postal code — 30412
Bissil postal code — 01101
Bokoli postal code — 50206
Bomet postal code — 20400
Bondeni postal code — 20101
Bondo postal code — 40601
Booker postal code — 50137
Boro postal code — 40620
Budalangi postal code — 50415
Bugar postal code — 30702
Buhuyi postal code — 50416
Bukembe postal code — 50233
Bukiri postal code — 50417
Bukura postal code — 50105
Bulimbo postal code — 50109
Bumala postal code — 50404
Bumutiru postal code — 50418
Bungoma postal code — 50200
Bunyore postal code — 50301
Bura Tana postal code — 70104
Burnt Forest postal code — 30102
Buru Buru postal code — 00515
Busia postal code — 50400
Butere postal code — 50101
Butula postal code — 50405
Buyofu postal code — 50210

C

Chamakanga postal Code — 50302
Changamwe postal Code — 80102
Chavakali postal Code — 50317
Chebiemit postal Code — 30706
Cheborge postal Code — 20215
Chebororwa postal Code — 30125
Chebunyo postal Code — 20401
Chemamul postal Code — 20222
Chemaner postal Code — 20407
Chemase postal Code — 40143
Chemelil postal Code — 40116
Chemiron postal Code — 30206
Chepareria postal Code — 30605
Chepkorio postal Code — 30129
Chepsonoi postal Code — 30309
Cheptais postal Code — 50201
Cheptalal postal Code — 20410
Chepterwai postal Code — 30121
Cheptongei postal Code — 30709
Chepsinendet postal Code — 20217
Chesoi postal Code — 30712
Chiakanyinga postal Code — 60410
Chaikariga postal Code — 60409
Chogoria postal Code — 60401
Chuka postal Code — 60400
Chuvuli postal Code — 90219
Chumvi postal Code — 90147
Chumvini postal Code — 80314
Chwele postal Code — 50202
City Square postal Code — 00200
Coast Gen Hsp postal Code — 80103

D

Dadaab postal Code — 70103
Dago postal Code — 40112
Dandora postal Code — 00516
Daraja Mbili postal Code — 40117
Daystar University postal Code — 90145
Dede postal Code — 40331
Diani Beach postal Code — 80401
Docks postal Code — 80104
Dol Dol postal Code — 10401
Dorofu postal Code — 50213
Dudi postal Code — 40621
Dundori postal Code — 20118

E

Eastleigh postal Code — 00610
Egerton University postal Code — 20115
Ekalakala postal Code — 90139
El Wak postal code — 70301
Elburgon postal code — 20102
Eldama Ravine postal code — 20103
Eldoret Airport postal code — 30124
Eldoret GPO postal code — 30100
Elementaita postal code — 20119
Elugulu postal code — 50429
Emali postal code — 90121
Embakasi postal code — 00501
Embu postal code — 60100
Emining postal code — 20140
Emuhaya postal code — 50314
Endarasha postal code — 10107
Endau postal code — 90206
Endebess postal code — 30201
Enosaen postal code — 40703
Enterprise Road postal code — 00500
Eregi postal code — 50303
Etago postal code — 40208
Ewaso Kedong postal code — 00242

F

Faza postal code — 80501
Fort Ternan postal code — 20209
Funyula postal code — 50406

G

Gacharage-ini postal code — 10210
Gachoka postal code — 60119
Gaitu postal code — 60209
Gakere Road postal code — 10109
Gakindu postal code — 10111
Gambogi postal code — 50318
Ganze postal code — 80205
Garba Tulla postal code — 60301
Garissa postal code — 70100
Garsen postal code — 80201
Gatara postal code — 10212
Gathiruini postal code — 00239
Gathugu postal code — 00240
Gatimbi postal code — 60217
Gatitu postal code — 10114
Gatondo postal code — 10115
Gatugura postal code — 10305
Gatukuyu postal code — 01028
Gatundu postal code — 01030
Gatunga postal code — 60404
Gatura postal code — 01013
Gede postal code — 80208
Gembe postal code — 40312
Gesima postal code — 40503
Gesusu postal code — 40201
Giakanja postal code — 10108
Gigiri postal code — 00601
Gikoe postal code — 10213
Gilgil postal code — 20116
Giribe postal code — 40407
Gisambai postal code — 50304
Githiga postal code — 00903
Githogo postal code — 60205
Githumu postal code — 01032
Githunguri postal code — 00216
Gitimene postal code — 60212
Gituamba postal code — 01003
Gitugi postal code — 10209
Gongini postal code — 80206
Gorgor postal code — 20411
Griftu postal code — 70202

H

Habaswein postal code — 70201
Hakati postal code — 50407
Hamisi postal code — 50312
Hawinga postal code — 40640
Highridge postal code — 00612
Hola postal code — 70101
Homa Bay postal code — 40300
Huruma postal code — 30109

I

Ichichi postal code — 10227
Igare postal code — 40209
Igoji postal code — 60402
Igwamiti postal code — 20307
Iiani postal code — 90120
Ikalaasa postal code — 90135
Ikerege postal code — 40415
Ikinu postal code — 00904
Ikonge postal code — 40501
Ikutha postal code — 90207
Ikuu postal code — 60405
Ilasit postal code — 00214
Ileho postal code — 50111
Imanga postal code — 50112
Ishiara postal code — 60102
Isibania postal code — 40414
Isinya postal code — 01102
Isiolo postal code — 60300
Isulu postal code — 50114
Iten postal code — 30700
Ithanga postal code — 01015
Itibo postal code — 40504
Itumbe postal code — 40210

J

Jebrok postal code — 50319
Juja Road postal code — 00622

K

Kaanwa postal code — 60411
Kabarak University postal code — 20157
Kabarnet postal code — 30400
Kabartonjo postal code — 30401
Kabati postal code — 90205
Kabazi postal code — 20114
Kabianga postal code — 20201
Kabiemit postal code — 30130
Kabiyet postal code — 30303
Kabujoi postal code — 30305
Kabula postal code — 50214
Kacheliba postal code — 30601
Kadel postal code — 40314
Kadongo postal code — 40223
Kaewa postal code — 90150
Kagio postal code — 10306
Kagumo postal code — 10307
Kagunduini postal code — 01033
Kagwe postal code — 00223
Kaheho postal code — 20304
Kahuhia postal code — 10206
Kahuro postal code — 10201
Kahuti postal code — 10214
Kaimosi postal code — 50305
Kainuk postal code — 30604
Kairo postal code — 10215
Kajiado postal code — 01100
Kakamega postal code — 50100
Kakemer postal code — 50419
Kakibora postal code — 30216
Kakoneni postal code — 80209
Kakuma postal code — 30501
Kakunga postal code — 50115
Kakuzi postal code — 01014
Kalamba postal code — 90122
Kalawa postal code — 90126
Kalimoni postal code — 1001
Kalokol postal code — 30502
Kaloleni postal code — 80105
Kamaget postal code — 20218
Kamahuha postal code — 10217
Kamara postal code — 20134
Kambiri postal code — 50116
Kambiti postal code — 10226
Kamiti postal code — 00607
Kampi Ya Samaki postal code — 30406
Kamuriai postal code — 50408
Kamuwongo postal code — 90403
Kamwaura postal code — 20132
Kamwosor postal code — 30113
Kandara postal code — 01034
Kandiege postal code — 40304
Kangari postal code — 10218
Kangema postal code — 10202
Kangemi postal code — 00625
Kangundo postal code — 90115
Kanja postal code — 60118
Kanjuku postal code — 01004
Kanyakine postal code — 60206
Kanyenyaini postal code — 10220
Kanyuambora postal code — 60106
Kapcheno postal code — 30304
Kapcherop postal code — 30204
Kapchorwa postal code — 30311
Kapedo postal code — 30410
Kapenguria postal code — 30600
Kapkatet postal code — 20214
Kapkelet postal code — 20219
Kapkenda postal code — 30119
Kapkugerwet postal code — 20206
Kapngetuny postal code — 30111
Kapsabet postal code — 30300
Kapsara postal code — 30208
Kapsoit postal code — 20211
Kapsokwony postal code — 50203
Kapsowar postal code — 30705
Kapsumbeiwa postal code — 30313
Kapsuser postal code — 20207
Kaptagat postal code — 30114
Kaptalamwa postal code — 30710
Kaptama postal code — 50234
Kaptarakwa postal code — 30701
Kaptebengwet postal code — 20221
Kaptel postal code — 30312
Kapteren postal code — 30711
Karaba postal code — 60105
Karandi postal code — 20328
Karatina postal code — 10101
Karatu postal code — 00233
Karen postal code — 00502
Karingari postal code — 60107
Kariobangi postal code — 00615
Kariua postal code — 10231
Karota postal code — 40505
Karungu postal code — 40401
Karuri postal code — 00219
Karurumo postal code — 60117
Kasarani postal code — 00608
Kasigau postal code — 80307
Kasikeu postal code — 90123
Katangi postal code — 90106
Kathiani postal code — 90105
Kathonzweni postal code — 90302
Kathwana postal code — 60406
Katito postal code — 40118
Katse postal code — 90404
Katutu postal code — 90217
Kaviani postal code — 90107
Kavuti postal code — 90405
Kayole postal code — 00518
Kebirigo postal code — 40506
Kedowa postal code — 20220
Keekorok postal code — 20501
Kegogi postal code — 40515
Kegonga postal code — 40416
Kehancha postal code — 40413
Kendu Bay postal code — 40301
Kenol (Makuyu) postal code — 01020
Kenyatta National Hospital postal code — 00202
Kenyatta University postal code — 00609
Kenyenya postal code — 40211
Kericho postal code — 20200
Keroka postal code — 40202
Kerugoya postal code — 10300
Kerwa postal code — 00906
Kesogon postal code — 30215
Kesses postal code — 30132
Keumbu postal code — 40212
Kevote postal code — 60108
Khayega postal code — 50104
Khumusalaba postal code — 50306
Khwisero postal code — 50135
Kiamariga postal code — 10122
Kiambere postal code — 60109
Kiambu postal code — 00900
Kiamokama postal code — 40213
Kiamutugu postal code — 10309
Kiamwangi postal code — 00236
Kiandu postal code — 10123
Kianjai postal code — 60602
Kianjokoma postal code — 60122
Kianyaga postal code — 10301
Kibigori postal code — 40119
Kibingoti postal code — 10311
Kibirichia postal code — 60201
Kibugu postal code — 60112
Kibwezi postal code — 90137
Kiganjo postal code — 10102
Kigumo postal code — 10203
Kihoya postal code — 10207
Kihuga Square postal code — 30110
Kiirua postal code — 60207
Kijabe postal code — 00220
Kikima postal code — 90125
Kikuyu postal code — 00902
Kilala postal code — 90305
Kilgoris postal code — 40700
Kilibwoni postal code — 30315
Kilifi postal code — 80108
Kilindini postal code — 80107
Kilingili postal code — 50315
Kimahuri postal code — 10125
Kimana postal code — 00215
Kimathi way postal code — 10140
Kimbimbi postal code — 10310
Kimilili postal code — 50204
Kiminini postal code — 30209
Kimoning postal code — 30120
Kimulot postal code — 20225
Kimunye postal code — 10312
Kimwarer postal code — 30128
Kinamba postal code — 20320
Kinango postal code — 80405
Kinari postal code — 00227
Kindaruma postal code — 01031
Kinoru postal code — 60216
Kionyo postal code — 60211
Kipevu postal code — 80116
Kipkabus postal code — 30103
Kipkarren River postal code — 50241
Kipkelion postal code — 20202
Kiplegetet postal code — 30117
Kipsaina postal code — 30203
Kipsaraman postal code — 30411
Kiptabach postal code — 30118
Kiptagich postal code — 30402
Kiptangwanyi postal code — 20133
Kiptere postal code — 20213
Kiptugumo postal code — 20208
Kirengeti postal code — 20131
Kiriani postal code — 10204
Kiritiri postal code — 60113
Kiritu postal code — 50313
Kiriua postal code — 01017
Kiruara postal code — 01018
Kisanana postal code — 20144
Kisasi postal code — 90204
Kiserian postal code — 00206
Kisii postal code — 40200
Kisumu postal code — 40100
Kitale postal code — 30200
Kitengela postal code — 00241
Kithimani postal code — 90124
Kithimu postal code — 60114
Kithyoko postal code — 90144
Kitise postal code — 90303
Kitivo postal code — 80316
Kitui postal code — 90200
Kiunduani postal code — 90148
Kiusyani postal code — 90218
Kivaani postal code — 90116
Kivunga postal code — 90111
Kocholya postal code — 50420
Koilot postal code — 30314
Kojwang postal code — 40317
Kola postal code — 90108
Kombewa postal code — 40102
Kondele postal code — 40103
Kondik postal code — 40121
Koracha postal code — 40639
Koru postal code — 40104
Kosele postal code — 40332
Koyonzo postal code — 50117
Kuresoi postal code — 20154
Kutus postal code — 10304
Kwale postal code — 80403
Kwanza postal code — 30210
Kwavonza postal code — 90215
Kyatune postal code — 90220
Kyeni postal code — 90209
Kyuso postal code — 90401

L

Laare postal code — 60601
Ladhri Awasi postal code — 40122
Laikipia Campus postal code — 20330
Laisamis postal code — 60502
Lamu postal code — 80500
Lanet postal code — 20112
Langas postal code — 30112
Langata postal code — 00509
Lavington postal code — 00603
Leshau postal code — 20310
Lessos postal code — 30302
Likoni postal code — 80110
Limuru postal code — 00217
Lita postal code — 90109
Litein postal code — 20210
Lodwar postal code — 30500
Loitoktok postal code — 00209
Loiyangalani postal code — 60501
Lokichoggio postal code — 30503
Lokitaung postal code — 30504
Lokori postal code — 30506
Lolgorian postal code — 40701
Londian postal code — 20203
Longisa postal code — 20402
Lower Kabete postal code — 00604
Luanda postal code — 50307
Luandanyi postal code — 50219
Luandeti postal code — 50240
Lubao postal code — 50118
Lugari postal code — 50108
Lugingo postal code — 40622
Luhano postal code — 40623
Lukolis postal code — 50421
Lukore postal code — 80408
Lukume postal code — 50132
Lumakanda postal code — 50242
Lunga Lunga postal code — 80402
Lunza postal code — 50119
Lusingeti postal code — 00905
Lusiola postal code — 50320
Lutaso postal code — 50121
Lwakhakha postal code — 50220

M

Maai Mahiu postal code — 20147
Mabusi postal code — 50235
Machakos postal code — 90100
Madaraka postal code — 01002
Madiany postal code — 40613
Madina postal code — 80207
Magada postal code — 50321
Magadi postal code — 00205
Magena postal code — 40516
Mago postal code — 50325
Magombo postal code — 40507
Magumoni postal code — 60403
Magunga postal code — 40307
Magutuni postal code — 60407
Magwagwa postal code — 40508
Mahanga postal code — 50322
Mairo Inya postal code — 20314
Maji Mazuri postal code — 20145
Makimeny postal code — 20418
Makindu postal code — 90138
Makongeni postal code — 00510
Maktau postal code — 80315
Makueni postal code — 90300
Makumbi postal code — 20149
Makunga postal code — 50133
Makupa postal code — 80112
Makutano postal code — 20141
Makuyu postal code — 01020
Malaha postal code — 50122
Malakisi postal code — 50209
Malava postal code — 50103
Malindi postal code — 80200
Malinya postal code — 50123
Mandera postal code — 70300
Manga postal code — 40509
Manyani postal code — 80301
Manyatta postal code — 60101
Manyuanda postal code — 40625
Manyulia postal code — 50126
Maragoli postal code — 50300
Maragua postal code — 10205
Maralal postal code — 20600
Marani postal code — 40214
Mariakani postal code — 80113
Marigat postal code — 30403
Marima postal code — 60408
Marimanti postal code — 60215
Mariwa postal code — 40408
Marmanet postal code — 20322
Marsabit postal code — 60500
Masana postal code — 50324
Maseno postal code — 40105
Mashini postal code — 80312
Mashuru postal code — 01103
Masii postal code — 90101
Masimba postal code — 40215
Masinde Muliro University postal code — 50139
Masinga postal code — 90141
Matayos postal code — 50422
Matete postal code — 50136
Mathare Valley postal code — 00611
Mathuki postal code — 90406
Matiliku postal code — 90140
Matinyani postal code — 90210
Matuga postal code — 80406
Matunda postal code — 30205
Matuu postal code — 90119
Mau Narok postal code — 20111
Mau Summit postal code — 20122
Maua postal code — 60600
Maungu postal code — 80317
Mavindini postal code — 90304
Mawego postal code — 40310
Mazeras postal code — 80114
Mbagathi postal code — 00503
Mbakalo postal code — 50236
Mbari Ya Njiku postal code — 00231
Mbiri postal code — 10233
Mbita postal code — 40305
Mbitini postal code — 90214
Mbiuni postal code — 90110
Mbumbuni postal code — 00127
Mchumbi Road postal code — 00504
Menengai postal code — 20104
Merigi postal code — 20419
Merti postal code — 60303
Meru postal code — 60200
Mfangano postal code — 40319
Mgambonyi postal code — 80313
Mgange postal code — 80306
Miathene postal code — 60604
Migioini postal code — 01029
Migwani postal code — 90402
Miharati postal code — 20301
Mikayi postal code — 40225
Mikinduri postal code — 60607
Milimani postal code — 50138
Milton Siding postal code — 20123
Mirangine postal code — 20124
Mirogi postal code — 40320
Misikhu postal code — 50207
Misori postal code — 40626
Mitaboni postal code — 90104
Mitunguu postal code — 60204
Miu postal code — 90112
Miwani postal code — 40106
Mkomani postal code — 80106
Mobi Plaza postal code — 00620
Mochongoi postal code — 20312
Mogogosiek postal code — 20403
Mogotio postal code — 20105
Moi Airport postal code — 80115
Moi University postal code — 30107
Moi-ben postal code — 30104
Moi’s Bridge postal code — 30202
Mokomoni postal code — 40510
Mokowe postal code — 80502
Molo postal code — 20106
Mombasa postal code — 80100
Mosoriot postal code — 30307
Moyale postal code — 60700
Mpeketoni postal code — 80503
Msambweni postal code — 80404
Mtito Andei postal code — 90128
Mtongwe postal code — 80111
Mtopanga postal code — 80117
Mtwapa postal code — 80109
Mubwayo postal code — 50423
Muddo Gashe postal code — 70102
Mudhiero postal code — 40627
Muguga postal code — 00228
Mugunda postal code — 10129
Muhoroni postal code — 40107
Muhotetu postal code — 20323
Muhuru Bay postal code — 40409
Mukerenju postal code — 01023
Mukeu postal code — 20315
Mukuro postal code — 40410
Mukurweini postal code — 10103
Mulango postal code — 90216
Muluanda postal code — 50428
Mumias postal code — 50102
Mundoro postal code — 00235
Mungatsi postal code — 50425
Muranga postal code — 10200
Muruka postal code — 01024
Murumba postal code — 50426
Murungaru postal code — 20316
Mururi postal code — 60120
Musanda postal code — 50125
Mutha postal code — 90211
Muthaiga postal code — 00619
Muthetheni postal code — 90113
Mutituni postal code — 90117
Mutomo postal code — 90201
Mutumbu postal code — 40628
Muumandu postal code — 90114
Mwala postal code — 90102
Mwatate postal code — 80305
Mweiga postal code — 10104
Mwingi postal code — 90400

N

Nairage Enkare postal code — 20504
Nairobi GPO postal code — 00100
Naishi postal code — 20142
Naitiri postal code — 50211
Naivasha postal code — 20117
Nakuru postal code — 20100
Namanga postal code — 00207
Nambacha postal code — 50127
Nambale postal code — 50409
Nandi Hills postal code — 30301
Nangili postal code — 50239
Nango postal code — 40615
Nanyuki postal code — 10400
Naro moru postal code — 10105
Narok postal code — 20500
Ndalani postal code — 90118
Ndalat postal code — 30123
Ndalul postal code — 50212
Ndanai postal code — 20404
Ndaragwa postal code — 20306
Ndenderu postal code — 00230
Ndere postal code — 40629
Nderu postal code — 00229
Ndhiwa postal code — 40302
Ndigwa postal code — 40630
Ndithini postal code — 01016
Ndoora postal code — 90202
Ndori postal code — 40602
Ndunyu Njeru postal code — 20317
Ngambwa postal code — 80311
Nganduri postal code — 60115
Ngara Road postal code — 00600
Ngecha postal code — 00218
Ngewa postal code — 00901
Nginyang postal code — 30404
Ngiya postal code — 40603
Ngong Hills postal code — 00208
Ngong Road postal code — 00505
Ngorika postal code — 20126
Nguni postal code — 90407
Nguyoini postal code — 10224
Ngwata postal code — 90129
Njipiship postal code — 40702
Njoro postal code — 20107
Nkondi postal code — 60214
Nkubu postal code — 60202
North Kinangop postal code — 20318
Nthongoini postal code — 90149
Ntimaru postal code — 40417
Nunguni postal code — 90130
Nuu postal code — 90408
Nyabondo postal code — 40124
Nyandorera postal code — 40631
Nyahururu postal code — 20300
Nyali postal code — 80118
Nyamache postal code — 40203
Nyamarambe postal code — 40206
Nyambunwa postal code — 40205
Nyamira postal code — 40500
Nyamonye postal code — 40632
Nyadhiwa postal code — 40333
Nyangande postal code — 40126
Nyangori postal code — 40127
Nyangusu postal code — 40218
Nyangweso postal code — 40311
Nyansiongo postal code — 40502
Nyaramba postal code — 40514
Nyaru postal code — 30131
Nyatike postal code — 40402
Nyawara postal code — 40633
Nyayo Stadium postal code — 00506
Nyeri postal code — 10100
Nyilima postal code — 40611
Nzeeka postal code — 90136
Nziu postal code — 90143
Nzoia postal code — 50237

O

Obekai postal address — 50427
Oboch postal address — 40129
Ogembo postal address — 40204
Ogen postal address — 40130
Ogongo postal address — 40323
Okia postal address — 90301
Ol Joro Orok postal address — 20302
Ol Kalou postal address — 20303
Olbutyo postal address — 20421
Olenguruone postal address — 20152
Olkurto postal address — 20502
Olololunga postal address — 20503
Oloomirani postal address — 20424
Oltepesi postal address — 00213
Omboga postal address — 40306
Omogonchoro postal address — 40221
Ongata Rongai postal address — 00511
Oriang postal address — 40227
Ortum postal address — 30602
Otaro postal address — 40324
Othaya postal address — 10106
Othoch Rakuom postal address — 40411
Othoro postal address — 40224
Otonglo postal address — 40108
Oyani-Masii Postal address — 40334
Oyugis postal address — 40222

P

Pala postal address — 40329
Pap Onditi postal address — 40111
Parklands postal address — 00623
Passenga postal address — 20311
Paw Akuche postal address — 40131
Pembe Tatu postal address — 40113
Plateau postal address — 30116
Port Victoria postal address — 50410

Q

Quarry Road postal address — 00624

R

Rabuor postal address — 40132
Racecourse Road postal address — 00617
Ragengni postal address — 40604
Rakwaro postal address — 40325
Ramba postal address — 40330
Ramula postal address — 40142
Ranen postal address — 40412
Rangala postal address — 40634
Rangwe postal address — 40303
Rapogi postal address — 40403
Ratta postal address — 40137
Reru postal address — 40133
Rhamu postal address — 70302
Rigoma postal address — 40511
Ringa postal address — 40226
Riochanda postal address — 40512
Riosiri postal address — 40220
Riruta postal address — 00512
Rodi Kopany postal address — 40326
Ronald Ngala Street postal address — 00300
Ronda postal address — 20127
Rongai postal address — 20108
Rongo postal address — 40404
Roret postal address — 20204
Ruaraka postal address — 00618
Ruiru postal address — 00232
Rumuruti postal address — 20321
Runyenjes postal address — 60103
Ruri postal address — 20313
Ruringu postal address — 10133
Rusinga postal address — 40327
Ruthangati postal address — 10134

S

Sabatia postal address — 20143
Saboti postal address — 30211
Sagalla postal address — 80308
Sagana postal address — 10230
Samburu postal address — 80120
Samitsi postal address — 50128
Sare postal address — 40405
Sarit Centre postal address — 00606
Sasumua Road postal address — 00513
Sawagongo postal address — 40612
Sega postal address — 40614
Serem postal address — 50308
Seretunin postal address — 30407
Shabaab postal address — 20150
Shianda postal address — 50106
Shiatsala postal address — 50129
Shibuli postal address — 50130
Shimanyiro postal address — 50131
Shimba Hills postal address — 80407
Shinyalu postal address — 50107
Siakago postal address — 60104
Siaya postal address — 40600
Sidindi postal address — 40605
Sifuyo postal address — 40643
Sigomre postal address — 40635
Sigor postal address — 20405
Sigoti postal address — 40135
Sigowet postal address — 20212
Sikinwa postal address — 30217
Silibwet postal address — 20422
Simat postal address — 30127
Sindo postal address — 40308
Singore postal address — 30703
Sio Port postal address — 50401
Sipili postal address — 20326
Sirembe postal address — 40636
Sirende postal address — 30213
Sirisia postal address — 50208
Sirongo postal address — 40642
Solai postal address — 20128
Sololo postal address — 60701
Sondu postal address — 40109
Songhor postal address — 40110
Sorget postal address — 20223
Sosiot postal address — 20205
Sotik postal address — 20406
South Horr postal address — 20604
South Kinangop postal address — 20155
South Kinangop postal address — 20319
Soy postal address — 30105
Suba Kuria postal address — 40418
Subukia postal address — 20109
Suguta Mar Mar postal address — 20602
Sulmac postal address — 20151
Sultan Hamud postal address — 90132
Suna postal address — 40400
Suwerwa postal address — 30212

T

Tabani postal address — 30220
Tabani postal address — 50238
Tala postal address — 90131
Tambach postal address — 30704
Tarasaa postal address — 80203
Tausa postal address — 80309
Taveta postal address — 80302
Tawa postal address — 90133
Tenges postal address — 30405
Thaara postal address — 10110
Thangathi postal address — 10135
Thare postal address — 01026
Thigio postal address — 00210
Thika postal address — 01000
Tigiji postal address — 60210
Timau postal address — 10406
Timber Mill Road postal address — 20110
Timboroa postal address — 30108
Tiriki postal address — 50309
Tom Mboya postal address — 00400
Tombe postal address — 40513
Tongaren postal address — 30218
Torongo postal address — 20153
Tot postal address — 30707
Tseikuru postal address — 90409
Tulia postal address — 90203
Tumu Tumu postal address — 10136
Tunyai postal address — 60213
Turbo postal address — 30106
Turi postal address — 20129

U

Uaso Nyiro postal address — 10137
Ugunja postal address — 40606
Uhuru Gardens postal address — 00517
Ukunda postal address — 80400
Ukwala postal address — 40607
Uplands postal address — 00222
Uranga postal address — 40608
Uriri postal address — 40228
Usenge postal address — 40609
Usigu postal address — 40637
Uthiru postal address — 00605

V

Valley Arcade postal address — 00514
Vihiga postal address — 50310
Village Market postal address — 00621
Vipingo postal address — 80119
Vitengeni postal address — 80211
Viwandani postal address — 00507
Voi postal address — 80300
Voo postal address — 90212

W

Wagusu postal address — 40638
Waithaka postal address — 00613
Wajir postal address — 70200
Wamagana postal address — 10138
Wamba postal address — 20603
Wamunyu postal address — 90103
Wamwangi postal address — 01010
Wangige postal address — 00614
Wanguru postal address — 10303
Wanjengi postal address — 10225
Wanjohi postal address — 20305
Watalii Road postal address — 80204
Watamu postal address — 80202
Webuye postal address — 50205
Weiwei postal address — 30603
Werugha postal address — 80303
Westlands postal address — 00800
Winam postal address — 40141
Witu postal address — 80504
Wiyumiririe postal address — 20329
Wodanga postal address — 50311
Wundanyi postal address — 80304

Y

Yala postal address — 40610
Yaya Towers postal address — 00508
Yoani postal address — 90134

Z

Ziwa postal address — 30214
Zombe postal address — 90213

The meaning of postal codes in Kenya

As seen, a postal code is a five-digit number. A valid postal code depends on where you live because this set of specific numbers reveals your location or where the letter is supposed to be routed. Here is the meaning of a postal code in Kenya: for example, take Nairobi GPO postal code 00100 – the first digit ‘0’ represents the postal region (Nairobi). That is why Kenyatta National Hospital, because of regional similarity, has a postal code beginning with 0 and then 0202, 00202. The second two digits show the entity’s distribution center, where it accesses postal services, and the last two numbers indicate the details of who the postal code belongs to because they are very unique, as the first three numbers may be similar across some locations in the same region.

READ: How to Join Skiza Tune as a Creative and Make Money

How to Send Money From United States Directly to Kenya’s Mpesa

Cheap ways to send money from the US to Mpesa in Kenya

Identifying the best way to transfer money from the United States of America (USA) to Kenya is a priority for over 90,000 Kenyan Diaspora who live and work in the US, the data from Migration Policy Institute (MPI) shows.

These Kenyans in the North American continent, according to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), send an average of $200 million monthly to families, friends, and businesses in their home country Kenya. These total a cumulative amount of above $2 billion in a year, and for instance, in 2022, an aggregate sum of $2.4 billion was received as diaspora remittances from the US.

In that year, cash inflows from the diaspora equaling $4.03 billion were one of the leading foreign exchange earners of the country after closing in on major export products like tea and coffee, which added $5.8 billion to the pool in the same period.

However, the same appears less likely this year. The US economy is growing more slowly than anticipated after it expanded only by a weak 1.1% in the first quarter of 2023. It might be one of the reasons why statistics from the CBK show a sharp decline in diaspora remittances from the USA by a negative data point of 41.4% from $2.03 billion to $1.19 billion when comparing cash received within the first six months of 2022 and 2023.

This can be attributed to the turbulent economy amidst Federal Reserve’s rate hikes to shore up inflation shortfalls in the world’s largest economy. Maybe the money is tight. If you are a Kenyan in the US, every coin matters now. So, we’ve come up with a list of the cheapest and most convenient methods of sending money to Kenya to save you a penny or two and some time to work overtime:

Cheap ways to send money from the US to Kenya

Transferring money from the USA to Kenya is an international transaction. So if you decide to use high street banks to send money, it will mean paying huge fees of up to $40 because of poor exchange rates associated with it.

The best option is to send money via foreign currency transfer companies or currency brokers who usually offer competitive rates when wiring cash to Kenya, with some charging $0. Free!

Here is a rundown of the best ways of transferring funds from the United States to Kenya:

1. Sendwave to Mpesa

When picking out a cash transfer service to send money to Kenya from the US for free, choose Sendwave because of its instant transfers to Mpesa at no cost using its easy-to-use app available on all mobile application stores for free downloads.

How to send money from USA to Kenya instantly

Sendwave, a New York Department of Financial Services licensee, makes a profit upon exchanging superior and lower-valued currencies when customers transact on the platform. Let’s say USD to Ksh.

Transferring money using Sendwave to Mpesa while in the USA is easy. Just download the Sendwave app on your phone, register for a free account, and verify your account with a selfie photo and ID to send money to your people in Kenya.

Verified Sendwave accounts can send up to $12,000 in a month, while regular accounts manage $2,999 and $999 daily transaction limits. The minimum amount you can send on Sendwave is $1.

2. MoneyGram to Mpesa

“MoneyGram is excited to work with Safaricom to provide millions of customers with access to fast, reliable, and secure options to send and receive money. Safaricom’s M-PESA is a global leader in mobile money and has helped increase financial inclusion in Kenya,” the then Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MoneyGram International Inc Pamela H. Patsley, said in November 2014 when unveiling the strategic partnership that enabled Mpesa users to receive funds from MoneyGram customers in over 90 countries, including the USA.

MoneyGram is a great option to quickly send money to your friends and family using Mpesa in Kenya for free. Yes, for free! This global money transfer operator only charges a 2% cost after converting the original currency.

To send money to a Kenyan Mpesa number from the US, register or log in to MoneyGram on its app or website, enter ‘Send Money,’ key in the amount to send in USD, and select ‘Receiver Country’ as Kenya.

Click ‘Estimate Fees’ to view applicable currency exchange rates and cost estimates. Assuming you have topped up your MoneyGram account using a credit card, debit card, online banking, or deposited at an agent, go to ‘Select a Receive Method’ and choose ‘Mobile Wallet’ Mpesa to enter the mobile number for the reception of funds. Hit send money to move funds from MoneyGram to Mpesa. Done!

A popup message with transaction details will appear with the ‘Send Again’ option. You can choose to add some small cash to your loved ones.

The maximum amount you can send from MoneyGram to Mpesa is money not exceeding Ksh300,000 USD equivalent split in two transactions of Ksh150,000 USD equivalent each. On the other hand, MoneyGram-Kenyan bank transfers have a limit of $10,000 per day.

3. WorldRemit to Mpesa

How can I send money from USA to Kenya for free?

Speed and affordability are always primary objectives when sending money from the USA to your fellow Kenyans who are Safaricom Mpesa subscribers. So, WorldRemit should be your friend.

WorldRemit is another money transfer service for moving funds from the States directly to a mobile wallet in Kenya. Precisely, Mpesa. At no extra or hidden fee but a midmarket exchange rate markup of 2%, charged upon converting USD to Kenyan shillings.

To send money to Kenya using WorldRemit, sign up for a free account on their website and initiate the transfer by entering your details, such as the amount you would like to send, receive country as Kenya, and put receive method as ‘Mobile Money’ Mpesa.

You’ll view the applicable fees before you enter the recipient’s Mpesa number. Now, fund your account from your bank to WorldRemit or use a credit and debit card to complete the transfer. That is how to send money from the USA to Kenya’s Mpesa for free. Easy.

There is no minimum transfer amount when sending money from the WorldRemit account to Mpesa. However, Mpesa rate limits of Ksh150,000 per transaction and Ksh300,000 (US Dollar equivalent) apply.

Also, the maximum number of WorldRemit-Mpesa transactions you can make in 30 days is 20, and you are not allowed to transfer amounts exceeding $5,000 within this period.

4. Xoom to Mpesa

Xoom is a digital payment system or an e-remittance platform that lets you send money from the USA to Kenya using your PayPal balance, cash in the bank, and credit and debit cards.

On its user-friendly website interface, you can easily transfer funds directly to a Mpesa account in Kenya within minutes by just entering amounts to send, checking rates, and topping up your account on the same page. Because it is a PayPal service, you don’t need to sign up on Xoom but log in using your PayPal details.

Xoom to Mpesa transfer fees

Xoom to Mpesa money transfers are free, not limiting funding your Xoom account from PayPal and bank accounts. For credit and debit cards, you will be charged $1.99 as a deposit charge before sending money to Safaricom’s mobile wallet at $0.

The minimum amount to transfer from Xoom to Mpesa is Ksh1,346, around $10. Money reflects on the mobile wallet within minutes.

5. Small World Money Transfer to Mpesa

Another option for sending money from the US to Kenya is Small World Money Transfer which allows secure payments directly to Mpesa wallets within minutes at a minimum fee of $1.99.

With its forward exchange rate averaging 1.77%, Admittedly, the major con of Small World is its transfer costs which may be high in contrast to similar players like SendWave and WorldRemit, whose exchange rate margins are 0.01% and 1.66%, respectively, in reference to World Bank report.

To send money to Kenya from the USA using Small World, you can use either their website or the Small World FS app, downloadable on all Android and iOS phones at no cost.

6. Western Union to Mpesa

Western Union beats many money transfer services when it comes to cost. It is one of the cheapest methods of moving cash from the US to Kenya’s Mpesa wallets because of its low transfer fees of 1% when the dollar is swapped to shillings.

Another plus of this leader of cross-border money transfer that began the Western Union to Mpesa money movement in 2018 after a strategic partnership with Safaricom is its $0 fees when you pay transfer using a bank account or debit card. A small fee applies to credit cards. However, for new customers, their first transfer is completely free.

When you send money via Western Union to Mpesa, the receiver gets the cash as soon as instantly. Western Union can be operated online on its website and app.

How to Send Money From United States Directly to Kenya’s Mpesa

Bottom line

Sending money from the USA to the most popular and innovative mobile wallet in Kenya – Mpesa – is arguably effortless and more efficient with these money transfer service providers. To determine the best ways to transfer funds home, we assessed different remittance companies and cross-currency brokers, analyzing convenience and looking at transfer fees, service time, and transaction limits.

Use it to your advantage but know that FX rates are volatile, so compare your options to select the most cost-effective transfer service that matches your pocket.

READ: PayPal to Equity Bank: Everything You Need to Know

 

How to Join Skiza Tune as a Creative and Make Money

How to sell your song to Skiza Tune

If you are a budding musician or a content creator who is just starting out, I am sure you are looking for ways of making money from your content aside from the traditional ways of the likes of YouTube, whose use may be economically inefficient for new artists who may have not hit the required watch hours and prerequisite number of subscribers. If you belong here, you ought to join the Skiza Tune platform.

Skiza Tunes are personalized RingBack Tones (RBTs) heard by the calling party whilst waiting for the callee to pick up the phone call: they can range from songs, inspirational messages, funny tunes, bible verses, and more that can set up the moods of the recipient for just a perfect phone conversation.

Additionally, it can be integrated with mobile marketing solutions for digital marketing campaigns. Skiza was introduced by Safaricom PLC in 2009 as an initiative to support music creators with a new revenue stream while edging over other mobile operators, service and profitwise.

If you are an artist publishing your work on other streaming services to earn some money for a living, you might as well sell your songs and other content to Skiza Tune and diversify your income sources. Even the wise man said, don’t put all the eggs in one basket. Moreso, the lockdown measures caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic left a lesson to creatives when live performances were banned…

Here is a guide on how you can make money on Skiza Tune in Kenya today:

How to sell your song to Skiza Tune

Follow these steps to get your music or content uploaded on the Skiza Tune service and earn whenever customers subscribe to your tune;

Step 1: Contact Skiza content service providers

Although Skiza Tune is a product by telco giant Safaricom, the company is not entirely involved in onboarding musicians to its Skiza database. Aspiring artists who want to join the service must register with third-party content companies that act as ‘middlemen’ between them and the network operator.

Some of the best Skiza Tune service providers you can reach via call or mail in Kenya are;

* SKIZA na Nation

– Content – Local content and gospel tunes, in-house productions, Animations
– Contact – John David
– Postal Address – P.O Box 49010 – 00100 Nairobi
– Physical address- Nation Center
– Cell Phone Number – +254 716463215, Landline – +254 20 3288575
– Email Address – skiza@ke.nationmedia.com

* Define Media Solutions Ltd

– Content – Customized and funny Tunes
– Contact – Stephen Kimani
– Postal Address – P.O. Box: 150 -00650, Nairobi.
– Physical address- Nelleon Place, RHAPTA Road Westlands
– Cell Phone Number – +254 700182557 / 020 2000678
– Email Address – info@definemedia.africa

* Lamahuraan Communications Ltd

– Content – Islamic content and non-music Skiza Tunes
– Contact – Abass Abdi Hussein
– Postal Address — P.O. Box: 2557, Kisii.
– Cell Phone Number – +254 728028282
– Email Address – lamahuraancomm@yahoo.com

* Ziiki Melody Ltd

– Content – Kenyan, Bongo, International, and Bollywood
– Contact –Ronny Omanga
– Physical Address- No 15., 3rd Floor, Park Suites, Parklands Road
– Postal Address: P.O. Box 239 – 00507 Viwandani, Nairobi.
– Cell Phone Number – +254 724 707 043
– Email Address – ronny.omanga@ziikimedia.com

* Bluewater Group Ltd

– Content – Corporate, SME, Hustle Tunes, Gospel and Birthday Tunes
– Contact – Lydiah Chebet
– Physical address – Parklands Road, Gallant Building, 2nd Floor.
– Postal address – P O Box 223465 – 00100 Nairobi
– Cell Phone Number – +254 725 870870
– Landline Number – +254 020 2174107
– Email Address – businesstunes@bluewatergroup.co.ke

* Interactive Media Services

– Content – Bongo and Kenyan tunes
– Contact – Nicholas Ndegwa
– Physical Address – View Park Towers
– Postal address – P.O. Box 20000 – 00100 Nairobi
– Cell Phone Number – +254 722 204508
– Landline Number – +254 020 341566/9
– Email Address – nicholas@ims.co.ke

* Mtech Ltd

– Content – Naija, Wacky tunes, Kenyan tunes, Gospel, Islamic, Vernacular
– Contact – Maureen Kamau & Khadija Sebit
– Physical address – 34, Kabarsiran Avenue, off James Gichuru Road, Lavington
– Postal address – P. O. Box 23920 – 00100 Nairobi
– Cell Phone Number – +254 712 936033/0712-222-299
– Office Number – 020 22 2399
– Email Address – contentkenya@mtechcomm.co.ke

Step 2: Arrange a meeting with Skiza aggregators

After contacting your preferred Skiza Tune content service provider, you will get informed on everything you need to know about Skiza Tunes and how your partnership will work out if accepted into the platform.

If you come to a mutual understanding, as a musician, you will be asked to visit their offices with your national ID and your music in MP3 format as part of the requirements before registering on Skiza as an artist.

Registering to Skiza Tune for artists is free with most content service providers.

Step 3: Sign Skiza distribution deal

After submitting your music to the Skiza partners and satisfying all prerequisites, the next procedure is signing a distribution deal, a formal agreement indicating your consent to give the content provider the rights to distribute your content or song in all viable digital channels.

It also states how much you will earn on Skiza as an artist when all costs relating to distribution are excluded. These are usually represented as percentages because the service is commission-based. After signing the Skiza distribution deal, move to the final step;

Step 4: Wait for the Skiza code

Upon successful registration to Skiza Tune, you will wait for a Skiza code to be generated within three working days. These codes will be used by your fans on self-service interfaces such as SMS when subscribing to your content as RBT.

Congratulations! You have registered on Skiza Tune as a content creator.

How much is Skiza paying artists in Kenya?

When the 2021 Copyright Amendment Bill (sponsored by Hon. Gladys Wanga) was signed into law by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, it was a big win for musicians after it initiated a new revenue-sharing formula requiring telecommunication companies and distributors to pay content creators not less than 52% of the total revenue – a jump from the initial 40%.

The rates of content aggregators were reviewed to 8.5%, while that of Safaricom was capped at 39.5%. So, because Safaricom charges a customer an average of Ksh1.50 daily fee for a Skiza Tune, artists will get Ksh0.78 per subscriber, the telco will receive Ksh0.59, and content aggregators will take home Ksh0.13.

To track your Skiza earnings as a musician, dial *622# on your phone.

READ: Branch Savings Account Review 2023

 

Why Mankind Pharma Was on Burj Khalifa

why mankind pharma was showing on burj khalifa

Thursday, July 20, 2023: The Burj Khalifa in Dubai was lit up with Mankind Pharma’s showcase video at 8:15 PM (GST) in honor and celebration of 28 years of serving humankind with high-quality but affordable pharmaceutical products to become one of the most revered medicine manufacturers in the world.

In the video that illuminated the façade of the tallest building on earth for three minutes, Mankind Pharma highlighted its commitment to raising healthcare standards by unlocking access to premium-grade drugs, which are the purest, containing the standard active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) as per the Drug Master File in Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Also in the clip, Mankind, the fourth largest pharmaceutical company in India by domestic sales, spotlit its vision-chasing trek, which traces back to 1991 when it was started by brothers Ramesh Juneja and Rajeev Juneja with an investment capital of merely $60,000 to its listing at the Indian bourse NSE India with a market cap of over $9 billion in 2023.

Speaking after the event, Mr. Ramesh, who is now the Vice Chairman and Managing director of Mankind Pharma, said, “We are immensely proud to have unveiled this mesmerizing video projection on Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, symbolizing Mankind Pharma’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. This monumental achievement showcases our dedication to providing access to affordable and high-quality medicines. We believe that this grand showcase represents not only our brand’s remarkable journey but also our mission to positively impact global healthcare. Mankind Pharma will continue to push boundaries, redefine industry standards, and inspire others to join us in transforming lives through our pharmaceutical products.”

Mankind Pharma is popular for its Manforce condoms brand, pregnancy testing kit Prega News and Acnestar for pimple treatment and management, among other drugs. It made history as the first biopharma to present a LED show on the iconic skyscraper with 163 floors.

Watch Mankind Pharma video on Burj Khalifa

 

How to link NIN?

How to link NIN

Are you wondering why you can’t make calls with your SIM card?

Well. It’s because the Nigerian government liaised with Telcos (telecommunications companies) to ban anyone who hasn’t linked their SIM to a NIN (National Identification Number) from making calls.

Here’s the full story: In December 2021, the Nigerian government instructed its citizens to link their sim to their NIN. They said anyone who doesn’t adhere to this instruction would be unable to make calls from January 19, 2021.

Yet for numerous reasons, that deadline was extended 9 times between 2021 and 2022. Then, on April 4, 2022, the FG directed Telcos to restrict unlinked SIMs from making calls.

That said, there’s nothing to fear. You can still link your NIN to your SIM. And I’m here to help.In this post, I’ll show you how to link your NIN to all the Telcos in Nigeria.

But first, check out the requirements for NIN to SIM linkage.

Requirements for NIN to SIM Linkage

  • Your National Identification Number (NIN)
  • Virtual NIN
  • Your phone number
  • A mobile phone.

If you don’t have a NIN, head to the NIN pre-enrollment portal. Fill out the enrollment form. And print a summary sheet that has a 2D barcode. Then, proceed to any NIMC enrollment centre to complete your registration.

Likewise, if you can’t recall your NIN, dial *346#. Reply 1 for NIN retrieval. You’ll receive an SMS, which contains your NIN. And the process will cost you 20 Naira.

Now. Although the NIN isn’t a new concept. You’ve probably never heard of virtual NIN. I’ll explain.

The virtual NIN is a 16-character alphanumeric placeholder for your NIN. In simple terms, it’s a string that helps protect your NIN from cloning and duplication.

For example, assuming you want to register a new SIM, you can give out your VNIN, instead of revealing your NIN to a stranger.

Here’s how to generate your VNIN:

  • Dial *346#
  • Input 3, type in your NIN, and click on send
  • Input your network provider’s enterprise ID

Note: you’ll find the enterprise ID when you dial *996#.

  • The screen will display your VNIN, and you’ll also receive it as an SMS

How to Link Your NIN to Your SIM

News flash: on May 18, 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission unified the USSD codes for all the mobile networks in the country.

This development means you can use only one code to access a specific service across all networks. So all the previous NIN linkage codes — *785# (MTN), *121*1# (Airtel), *200*8# (9mobile), *109*NIN# (Glo) — are obsolete.

But that’s not bad news. In fact, it has made the process easier. Now, the unified code for linking your SIM to your NIN is *996#.

Let me show you how to use it.

NIN Nigeria

  • Dial *996#
  • Input your VNIN, and click send
  • Reply 1 to confirm your VNIN
  • You’ll receive a message that will validateNIN to SIM Linkage

Conclusion

There’s a global trend towards digitization. Web 3 and AI are fast growing. Nations are striving to centralize their citizens’ databases.

And Nigeria isn’t left behind.From December 2020 to April 2022, over 78 million people registered for a new NIN due to FGs decision to stop unlinked SIM from making calls.

Hopefully, this post has taught you how to link your NIN to your SIM and what you need for a seamless SIM linkage.

Hey Neighbour Fest 2023: Kendrick Lamar to Take Center Stage

Will Hey Neighbour tickets be available for purchase again?

The lineup for Hey Neighbour Festival 2023 has been released. Slather on your sunblock and put on some dancing shoes; the party is about to begin. The iconic three-day live music event, curated by Glen 21 Entertainment, will be held at Legends Adventure Farm in Pretoria.

Opening the event on Friday, December 8, Billboard chart-busting musical artists The Chainsmokers and Khalid will top the bill on the first night. Kendrick Lamar will perform a solo headline set on day two of the fest before the Swedish music supergroup, Swedish House Mafia, and singer-songwriter H.E.R. cap off the concert on December 10.

“Multi-Grammy-winning artist, Pulitzer Prize recipient, a cultural icon, and a living legend. Neighbours! Join us in celebrating the unrivaled greatness of Kendrick Lamar as he takes the spotlight on Day 2 of our festival!” The event organizer announced.

Kendrick Lamar is taking the spotlight as the only rap act with a prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Music under his name. The Compton-born rapper received the award on April 16, 2018, for his fourth studio album DAMN released in 2017.

The 36-year-old high-profile artist also has 17 Grammy’s, the latest being the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album – Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.

How to get Hey Neighbour Fest tickets in SA

If you want to see Kendrick Lamar, the DNA hit-maker, performing live in South Africa, rush to grab your tickets at www.ticketpros.co.za before they are all snapped up.

Early bird tickets (phase 1 Hey Neighbour Festival Weekend Pass) are already sold out after Kendrick Lamar fans reserved front-row seats at the crack of dawn, just at the beginning of ticket sales. Regular tickets were sold at R4,199, while VIP Hey Neighbour Fest tickets went for R5,199.

Will Hey Neighbour tickets be available for purchase again?

Yes. The second phase of Hey Neighbour ticket sales will reopen on July 25, 2023, and festgoers can still get 3-day passes at R4,199 for General Admission Festival Pass and VIP Festival Passes at R5,199 by visiting the Ticketpro website. On the same date, you can make purchases of a one-day ticket which will be priced at R1,599 and R2,199, for regular and VIP Hey Neighbour passes, respectively.

Has Kendrick Lamar ever been to South Africa before?

Yes. This is the second time Kendrick Lamar is coming to South Africa. His first visit was in 2014, where he performed at Belville Velodrome in Cape Town, Johannesburg Stadium, and Durban Wave House from February 7th to 9th, alongside local talents like Khuli Chana and rapper Reason.

Will Hey Neighbour Fest be live on TV?

Yes. Hey Neighbour Festival, one of the biggest music performance stages hosted in South Africa in 2023, will be broadcasted live on MTV, MTV Base, BET, and Comedy Central, as confirmed by the event planners.

Hey Neighbour Festival 2023 summary

How to get Hey Neighbour Fest tickets in SA

When: December 8-10
Where: Legends Adventure Farm, Pretoria, South Africa
Who will perform? Kendrick Lamar, The Chainsmokers (Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall), Khalid, Swedish House Mafia (Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Angello, and Axwell), and H.E.R.
Tickets: Three-day regular tickets at R4,199 and R5,199 for VIPs. One-day regular tickets at R1,599 and R2,199 for a day VIP pass.
Age restriction: You must be 18 years or older to attend Hey Neighbour Fest
Gates open: 12:00 PM
Gates close: 12:00 AM

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