Safaricom is the leading telecommunications company in Kenya, with millions of users hooked into its services daily. Among the many features being used is the SMS service, which offers promotional offers you can subscribe to, making it easy to stay in touch with your family and friends. In addition, Safaricom has also made it easier to buy SMS bundles for another number. The process is relatively easy, as long as you know how to do it.
Sending text messages through Safaricom doesn’t have to cost a fortune when you know how to gift SMS bundles to other numbers. While standard SMS rates charge Ksh 1 per message, Safaricom’s bundled options offer dramatic savings compared to normal rates, with options like 20 SMS for just Ksh 5.
Here are several methods for buying SMS for a number other than the *188# option.
What Bundle Types Are Available?
Safaricom offers several bundle tiers to match different usage patterns. They are as follows:
| Plan Type | Bundle Option (example) | Price (from KES) | Validity | Autorenew |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 20 SMS | 5 | 24 hours | ✔ |
| 200 SMS | 10 | 24 hours | ✔ | |
| 500 SMS | 20 | 24 hours | ✔ | |
| Weekly | 400–1,000 SMS | from 30 | 7 days | ✔ |
| Unlimited SMS | from 50 | 7 days | ✔ | |
| Monthly | 1,500 SMS | 100 | 30 days | ✔ |
| 3,500 SMS | 200 | 30 days | ✔ |
Requirements
Before gifting SMS bundles to another Safaricom number, ensure both you and the recipient meet the basic requirements. They are as follows:
- An active Safaricom line that isn’t currently roaming.
- Both lines must be on Safaricom, since you cannot buy SMS bundles directly for another network like Airtel or Telkom.
- Sufficient airtime or M-PESA balance to cover your chosen bundle.
- The recipient’s correct Safaricom number.
How do I buy SMS for another number on Safaricom?
Safaricom has made it easier for anyone to buy SMS for another number via several methods, including the most popular one, *188#. Before you give another number, be aware that once purchased, bundles cannot be transferred between numbers, are non-refundable if unused, and there is no direct sambaza option for existing SMS bundles. In addition, daily bundles expire after 24 hours, while weekly and monthly bundles last for 7 and 30 days, respectively.
These SMS bundles can only be bought via your airtime balance or deduction from M-Pesa after providing your PIN, depending on the option you choose. Here are the methods you can use to send an SMS to another number on Safaricom.
USSD Method
This approach works on all Safaricom phones without internet access, making it the most widely used option. Simply dial *188# from your Safaricom line and follow these steps:
- Select “Gift SMS” or “Buy for Other Number” from the menu.
- Choose your preferred bundle type (daily, weekly, or monthly).
- Pick the specific bundle size you want to gift.
- Enter the recipient’s Safaricom number carefully.
- Confirm the transaction when prompted using airtime or M-PESA.
- Wait for the confirmation message showing a successful purchase.
After completing these steps, both you and the recipient will receive SMS confirmation of the successful bundle purchase. Always double-check the recipient’s number before confirming, since transactions cannot be reversed once processed.
Safaricom App
For smartphone users, the Safaricom app offers a more visual approach to gifting SMS bundles.
- Open your Safaricom app and log in securely with your Safaricom number.
- Navigate to the “Data, Calls, SMS & Airtime” section.
- Select “SMS Bundles” from the available options.
- Choose your desired bundle package and amount.
- Select “Other Number” instead of “My Number”.
- Enter the recipient’s Safaricom number accurately.
- Choose whether to pay via airtime or M-PESA, then authenticate the transaction with your M-PESA PIN if needed.
- Receive instant confirmation within the app and via SMS.
FAQs
Can you send SMS bundles on Safaricom?
Safaricom does not offer a direct way to sambaza (share) existing SMS bundles to another Safaricom number. Unlike airtime or data, SMS bundles are tied to the line that bought them, so the only way to use them on another line is to purchase SMS bundles directly using *188# or the Safaricom app.
How to Check SMS Balance and Expiry
How to Check SMS Balance and Expiry
The easiest way to check the SMS bundle balance is to use the same *188# used for purchases. All you need to do is follow the process below:
- Dial *188# and select the “Check SMS Balance” option.
- Wait for the automated response that shows the remaining messages and expiry details.
The SMS you receive will show how many SMS you have left and the exact date and time the bundle will expire.
Do SMS bundles have expiry periods?
Yes, SMS bundles have expiry periods. Daily bundles expire in 24 hours, weekly in 7 days, and monthly in 30 days. Unused SMS are forfeited after expiry.
