How To Buy Kenya Power Tokens Via KPLC PayBill Number (M-PESA)

Mpesa is one of the most popular mobile payment systems in Kenya. It allows users to send and receive money from other Kenyans. Learn how to pay tokens using Mpesa!

Nov 24, 2023 - 01:00
Nov 24, 2023 - 12:03
How To Buy Kenya Power Tokens Via KPLC PayBill Number (M-PESA)
How To Buy KPLC Tokens Via M-Pesa PayBill Number

Gone are the days when one had to endure long queues and hours of waiting to settle utility bills. If you're a resident of Kenya, especially in urban areas, you're likely familiar with the transformative power of M-Pesa. This mobile money transfer service has revolutionized how Kenyans handle their financial transactions, and it's no surprise that it has also streamlined the process of purchasing Kenya Power tokens.

What Is KPLC Tokens?

Before we show you how to buy Kenya Power (KPLC) tokens through the M-Pesa PayBill number, let's first grasp what KPLC tokens are. Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) introduced the concept of prepaid meters linked to tokens, transforming how electricity is consumed in the country. These tokens represent a 20-digit code you enter into your prepaid meter to access electricity, akin to topping up your mobile phone with airtime. While various methods exist to acquire these tokens, none are as convenient and widely used as M-Pesa.

The Convenience of M-Pesa

M-Pesa, a mobile money platform launched in Kenya by Safaricom, has become an integral part of the daily lives of Kenyan residents. It offers a swift, secure, and efficient means of conducting various financial transactions, from sending money to paying bills. As the demand for prepaid electricity services grew, so did the need for a hassle-free payment solution. M-Pesa stepped in to fill this void, making it effortless for consumers to purchase KPLC tokens without leaving the comfort of their homes or offices.

This article is a comprehensive guide walking you through buying Kenya Power tokens via the KPLC PayBill number on M-Pesa. We'll cover prepaid and postpaid options, explore alternative methods, and discuss recent changes in the payment landscape. By the time you've read this article, you'll be well-equipped with all information on KPLC token purchases with confidence and ease.

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Buying KPLC Tokens via M-PESA Prepaid

In Kenya, electricity is an essential utility, and managing your power consumption efficiently is crucial. One convenient way to do this is by using prepaid electricity meters, allowing you to pay for electricity in advance and track your usage effectively. To make the process even more user-friendly, Kenya Power (KPLC) has partnered with M-PESA, Kenya's renowned mobile money service, to enable customers to purchase KPLC tokens seamlessly. 

Understanding KPLC Tokens and Prepaid Meters

Before we dive into the details of purchasing KPLC tokens through M-PESA, let's clarify what KPLC tokens are and the significance of prepaid meters.

KPLC Tokens: These are 20-digit codes generated by Kenya Power and used to recharge prepaid electricity meters. Each token represents a specific amount of electricity units, allowing you to control your power consumption.

Prepaid Meters: Unlike traditional postpaid meters that bill you at the end of the month, prepaid meters require you to pay for electricity upfront. This system grants you the flexibility to manage your electricity expenses more efficiently.

Steps to Buy KPLC Tokens via M-PESA Prepaid

Let's get started with the process of purchasing KPLC tokens through M-PESA Prepaid. Please follow these steps:

  1. Access the M-Pesa Menu on Your Smartphone: Unlock your smartphone and navigate the menu. It's typically available as a standalone app or within your mobile banking services.
  2. Select "Lipa na M-Pesa": Within the M-Pesa menu, look for "Lipa na M-Pesa" or "Pay with M-Pesa" and select it. This option is specifically designed for making payments.
  3. Click on "PayBill": After selecting "Lipa na M-Pesa," choose the "PayBill" option. This is where you'll initiate the transaction for buying KPLC tokens.
  4. Enter the Business Number as 888880: When prompted for the business number, input "888880." This number corresponds to KPLC's prepaid business number and ensures your payment goes to the proper account.
  5. Input Your KPLC Prepaid Meter Number as the Account Number: You'll be asked to provide an account number. Here, you should enter your unique KPLC prepaid meter number. 
  6. Enter the Amount You Wish to Pay for Tokens: Specify the amount you want to spend purchasing KPLC tokens. You can decide how much electricity credit you'd like to add.
  7. Input Your M-Pesa PIN and Confirm the Transaction: Enter your M-Pesa PIN when prompted to confirm your identity and authorize the payment. This ensures that your transaction is secure.
  8. Confirmation and Token Delivery: Once you've completed these steps, you'll receive a transaction confirmation message from M-Pesa. Additionally, KPLC will send the purchased token to your phone via SMS.

That's it! You've successfully purchased KPLC tokens via M-PESA Prepaid, and you're ready to recharge your prepaid electricity meter and continue enjoying an uninterrupted power supply.

Buying KPLC Tokens via M-PESA Postpaid

Above, we have taken you through buying Kenya Power (KPLC) tokens via M-PESA Prepaid, which are suitable for users with prepaid electricity meters. Let's focus on another vital aspect of managing your electricity bills—purchasing tokens for postpaid electricity accounts using M-PESA.

Understanding Postpaid Electricity Accounts

Unlike prepaid accounts, where you purchase electricity units in advance, postpaid accounts involve a different billing method. With postpaid accounts, you're billed based on your electricity consumption over a billing period, typically a month. The payment process for postpaid accounts may vary, but M-PESA offers a convenient solution.

Steps to Buy KPLC Tokens via M-PESA Postpaid

If you're using a postpaid electricity account, here's a step-by-step guide to purchasing KPLC tokens via M-PESA Postpaid:

  1. Select "Pay Bill" from the M-Pesa Menu: Start by accessing the M-Pesa menu on your mobile phone. Look for and select the "Pay Bill" option.
  2. Enter the Kenya Power Business Number 888 888: When prompted to enter the business number, input "888 888." This specific business number is associated with KPLC's postpaid services.
  3. Input Your New Kenya Power Account Number: You must provide your unique Kenya Power account number. This number ensures that your payment is correctly allocated to your specific account.
  4. Specify the Amount You Wish to Pay: Indicate the amount you want to pay for your postpaid electricity bill. This should be within the range of Shs. 100 to Shs. 35,000, following Kenya Power's billing guidelines.
  5. Enter Your M-Pesa PIN: To confirm the transaction and ensure its security, enter your M-Pesa PIN when prompted.
  6. Confirm Transaction Details: Double-check that all the details you've entered, including the business number, account number, and payment amount, are accurate.
  7. Transaction Confirmation via SMS: Following successful transaction completion, you'll receive a confirmation message from M-Pesa. This message serves as proof of the payment.

Additional Payment Option: Dial 977#

In addition to the M-Pesa method mentioned above, Kenya Power provides an alternative payment option. You can also pay your Kenya Power bill by dialling *977# on your phone. This USSD code offers an accessible and efficient way to manage your postpaid electricity bills.

Alternative Methods for Buying KPLC Tokens

While purchasing KPLC tokens via M-PESA is the most popular and widely used method, it's essential to know that alternative options are available to cater to different preferences and circumstances. Let us explore various ways beyond M-PESA for buying KPLC tokens, ensuring you comprehensively understand your choices.

1. Using Equitel Line

If you have an Equitel line, you can conveniently purchase KPLC tokens using the following steps:

  • Access Your Equitel Menu
  • Choose "Eazzy Pay"
  • Click on "Pay Bill."
  • Select the Bank Account to Pay From
  • Choose "KPLC Tokens"
  • Input Your KPLC Prepaid Meter Number
  • Specify the Amount You Wish to Pay
  • Enter Your PIN and Confirm the Transaction

After successful completion, you'll receive an SMS confirmation from Equity Bank. KPLC will also send the purchased token to your phone via SMS.

2. Using Ting USSD Code

Dialling a USSD code on your Safaricom SIM card offers another straightforward method to buy KPLC tokens. Follow these steps:

  • Dial 369# from Your Safaricom SIM
  • Select "KPLC" (Option 5)
  • Select "KPLC Tokens" (Option 2)
  • Choose Your Account
  • Specify the Amount

 After confirming the transaction, KPLC will send the purchased token to your phone via SMS.

4. Dynamo Pawa

 To purchase tokens through Dynamo Pawa, follow these steps:

    • Go to M-Pesa.
    • Select "Lipa na M-Pesa."
    • Choose "Pay Bill."
    • Enter business number 800904.
    • Input your Kenya Power meter account number.
    • Specify the amount.
    • Enter your M-Pesa PIN.

5. Jazapay

Jazapay allows you to purchase airtime and make bill payments directly from M-Pesa. To buy tokens via Jazapay:

    • Dial *415# from a Safaricom network handset.
    • Select option 2: KPLC.
    • Enter your prepaid meter number.
    • Specify the amount.
    • Confirm the transaction details.
    • Enter your M-Pesa PIN to finalize the transaction.

6. Vendit

Vendit offers an alternative payment method for buying prepaid tokens and paying postpaid bills for electricity. You can use the paybill number 501200, available across all mobile network operators.

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Conclusion

This comprehensive guide explored the various aspects of buying KPLC tokens via different methods, including M-PESA, Equitel, USSD codes, and alternative PayBill numbers. By staying informed and embracing the recommended payment methods, you can ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience when buying KPLC tokens and paying electricity bills.

Thank you for reading our guide on "How To Buy Kenya Power Tokens Via KPLC PayBill Number (M-PESA)." We hope this information has been valuable in assisting you with your utility payments.

Joseph Richard Joseph Richard, a leading contributor to sledge.co.ke, uses his decade-long expertise in finance, business, and technology to offer clear, reliable guides and analyses. His work aids Kenyans in making informed financial and business decisions, earning him a reputation as a trusted industry authority.