Send messages under your brand name
Customers open messages from a name they recognise. We handle the registration with Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom and Equitel for you.
Send under your business name
A sender ID replaces the number your customers see with your brand, up to 11 characters, such as YOURBRAND. You pay once per network to register it.
| Network | Setup fee | Ready in |
|---|---|---|
| Safaricom + Airtel bundle Best valueSafaricom 1–3 days, Airtel 7–14 days | KES 14,100 | Safaricom 1–3 days, Airtel 7–14 days |
| Safaricom only1–3 working days | KES 8,700 | 1–3 working days |
| Airtel only7–14 days | KES 8,700 | 7–14 days |
| Telkom4–8 weeks | KES 4,500 | 4–8 weeks |
| Equitel4–8 weeks | KES 9,000 | 4–8 weeks |
One-off setup fees. Prices exclude 16% VAT.
What you need to apply
- A sender name of up to 11 characters that matches your business or product
- Certificate of registration, or trademark proof if the name is a product
- A signed authorisation letter on your letterhead (we send you the template)
- KRA PIN certificate of the business or individual
- ID or passport of the authorised representative
Promotional
For offers, announcements and marketing. Every new sender ID starts as promotional.
Transactional
For OTPs, receipts, alerts and account notices. Needs a short migration letter and takes about 2 extra days.
How registration works
-
01
Choose your name
Up to 11 letters or numbers that match your registered business or product, for example YOURBRAND.
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02
Send your documents
Signed authorisation letter, certificate of registration, KRA PIN certificate and the ID of the person signing.
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03
We submit to the networks
Safaricom applications go in on Mondays and Thursdays. Airtel, Telkom and Equitel are submitted on Wednesdays.
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04
Start sending
We let you know as soon as your sender ID is live on each network.
Common questions about sender IDs
How long does approval take?
Safaricom applications sent on Monday or Thursday morning are usually live the next day. Airtel takes 7 to 14 days, and Telkom and Equitel take 4 to 8 weeks.
Can I use any name?
The name must be 11 characters or fewer and match your registered business or a product you can show a trademark for. Generic words such as INFO or ALERTS are rejected by the networks.
Promotional or transactional?
Every new sender ID starts as promotional. If you will send OTPs, receipts or account alerts, we migrate it to transactional with a short letter from you; this takes about 2 extra days.
Which networks should I register on?
Most businesses start with the Safaricom and Airtel bundle at KES 14,100, which covers the large majority of Kenyan mobile numbers.
Ready to send your first message?
Create an account in a minute, buy units from KES 0.40 each, and start sending today.