How to buy SMS for another number in Kenya: A step-by-step guide
How to buy SMS for another number? The process is: dial *188#, select “Gift SMS,” choose a bundle type (daily, weekly, or monthly), enter the recipient’s number, and confirm the purchase.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- To gift SMS bundles on Safaricom, dial *188#, select “Gift SMS,” choose a bundle type, enter the recipient’s number, and confirm the purchase.
- Safaricom does not offer a direct way to sambaza (share) SMS bundles to another Safaricom number.
- You cannot purchase SMS bundles from Airtel to Safaricom. Each mobile network in Kenya offers its SMS bundles with distinct pricing.
How to buy SMS for another number via USSD?
To buy SMS bundles for another Safaricom number in Kenya, you can use Safaricom’s USSD menu. Here’s how to do it:
- Dial *188# on your Safaricom line.
- Select option 7: Gift SMS.
- Choose the bundle type: daily, weekly, or monthly SMS bundle.
- Pick the specific bundle (e.g., 400 SMS for Ksh 30).
- Enter the recipient’s Safaricom number.
- Confirm the purchase.

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How to buy bundles for another Safaricom line via the Safaricom app?
You can easily buy SMS bundles for another Safaricom number using the Safaricom app. Here's how to buy SMS for another number on Safaricom:
- Download and open the Safaricom app.
- Log in with your Safaricom number.
- Tap on "Data, Calls, SMS & Airtime."
- Click on "SMS Bundles."
- Click “Buy” on your ideal package.
- Choose “Other Number” and select payment method (Airtime or M-Pesa).
How to sambaza SMS to other number?
Safaricom does not offer a direct way to sambaza (share) SMS bundles to another Safaricom number. Unlike airtime or data, SMS bundles are tied to the original purchaser's line, and cannot be transferred using USSD codes or the Safaricom app.
How to buy SMS from Airtel to Safaricom?
You cannot purchase SMS bundles from Airtel to Safaricom. Every mobile network in Kenya, including Airtel, Safaricom, and Telkom, offers its SMS bundles with distinct pricing, and these bundles are only valid for purchase within the issuing network.
Airtel SMS bundles are designed to send texts from an Airtel line to any number, including Safaricom. However, messages sent across networks, such as Airtel to Safaricom, are typically charged more than those sent within the same network. Safaricom follows a similar model.
How to buy SMS for another Airtel number?
You can easily gift Airtel SMS bundles to another Airtel number in Kenya using USSD. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Dial *544# on your Airtel line.
- Select Option 8: Gift Bundle.
- Choose Option 5: SMS Bundle.
- Enter the recipient’s Airtel number.
- Pick the SMS bundle you want to send (daily, weekly, or monthly).
- Confirm the purchase.
- Choose your payment method: either Airtel airtime or Airtel Money.
- You’ll receive a confirmation SMS.

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FAQs about Safaricom
- Can SMS bundles be used for premium services or short codes? No, SMS bundles cannot be used for premium or short code services such as voting or subscriptions.
- How to check Safaricom SMS bundle? To check your Safaricom SMS bundle, dial *188# and select “Check Balance,” or view usage via the Safaricom App.
- 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.
- Can multiple SMS bundles be purchased at once? Yes, you can purchase multiple SMS bundles at once. However, each bundle retains its expiry period and does not extend or combine with others.
- Can SMS bundles be used while roaming? No, SMS bundles cannot be used while roaming. They are only valid within Kenya and do not apply to roaming services.
Final word
How to buy SMS for another number? To buy SMS for another number, dial *188# and follow the shared steps. It's quick, convenient, and can be done in minutes.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Tuko.co.ke has published an article about how to Fuliza M-Pesa to another number in a few simple steps. Fuliza is a service that allows M-Pesa users to transact when they have insufficient or no funds. The product was introduced in the Kenyan market in 2019, but some Safaricom users don't know how it works. Read this article for details.
Source: TUKO.co.ke