Sometimes you need to buy airtime, data, or minutes for a friend, family member, or employee. In Kenya, there are several ways to do this – using official M‑PESA services, carrier USSD codes, or reseller platforms. This guide compares the methods, shows you how to avoid Okoa issues, and gives you the cheapest options.

📑 In this guide

Method 1: M‑PESA Sambaza (Safaricom to Safaricom)

Sambaza allows you to send airtime from your Safaricom line to another Safaricom number. It works even if you have Okoa debt (you send from your available airtime balance).

  1. Dial *544# → Select “Sambaza Airtime”.
  2. Enter the recipient’s Safaricom number.
  3. Enter the amount (e.g., 50).
  4. Confirm with your PIN.

Limitations: Only works Safaricom to Safaricom. The sender must have enough airtime balance. No data bundles – only plain airtime.

Method 2: M‑PESA Send Money (Any Network)

You can send money directly to the recipient’s M‑PESA account. They can then buy their own airtime or bundles. This is the most flexible method but the recipient must have a registered M‑PESA line.

  1. M‑PESA → Send Money → Enter recipient’s phone number → Amount → PIN.
  2. The recipient withdraws or uses the cash as they wish.

Note: No Okoa restrictions, but the recipient may not have M‑PESA or may use the cash elsewhere.

Method 3: Reseller Till (Buy Goods) – Best for Bundles

Reseller platforms (e.g., BingwaSokoni, Till 509947) allow you to buy data, minutes, or SMS for any Safaricom or Airtel number. You pay from your M‑PESA, and the bundle is delivered instantly to the recipient’s line – even if they have Okoa debt.

  1. Visit the reseller’s website or use their direct till number (e.g., 509947).
  2. Select the bundle (e.g., 1GB for Ksh 19).
  3. When prompted, enter the recipient’s phone number (the person you are buying for).
  4. Pay using M‑PESA Lipa na M‑PESA → Buy Goods → Enter till number → Exact amount → PIN.
  5. The recipient gets the bundle instantly, and you get a confirmation SMS.

This is the only method that allows you to gift data or minutes directly without the recipient needing to take any action.

⚠️ Important: When using a reseller till, always double‑check the recipient’s number before confirming payment. Airtime/bundle sent to the wrong number is usually non‑refundable.

Comparison of Methods

MethodRecipient NetworkCan send data?Okoa friendly?Fees
M‑PESA SambazaSafaricom only❌ No✅ YesFree
Send MoneyAny (M‑PESA user)❌ No✅ YesFree
Reseller Till (509947)Safaricom or Airtel✅ Data, minutes, SMS✅ YesFree
Official PaybillSafaricom (263263) or Airtel (888777)✅ Data possible❌ No (fails with debt)Free

How to Buy Bundles for Another Number Using a Reseller Till (Step‑by‑Step)

Using Till 509947 (BingwaSokoni) as an example:

  1. Open the reseller’s website or WhatsApp price list.
  2. Choose the bundle (e.g., 1.25GB for Ksh 55 for a friend).
  3. Open M‑PESA → Lipa na M‑PESA → Buy Goods.
  4. Enter till number 509947.
  5. Enter the exact amount (e.g., 55).
  6. After payment, you will be asked (via the website or an SMS) to provide the recipient’s number. Some platforms automate this by asking you to enter the number before payment on their site.
  7. The recipient receives the bundle instantly.

This process works for Safaricom and Airtel numbers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Buying Airtime & Bundles for Another Number

❓ Can I gift a bundle to someone who has Okoa Jahazi debt?

Yes – reseller tills (like 509947) do not check the recipient’s debt status. The bundle will be delivered even if they owe airtime. Official Paybill methods will fail if the recipient has Okoa.

❓ What if I enter the wrong recipient number when buying?

Contact the reseller’s support immediately with your transaction code. Some platforms can reverse the bundle if the recipient hasn’t used it, but it’s not guaranteed. Always double-check the number before confirming.

❓ Is there a limit to how much airtime I can send to another number?

M-PESA daily transaction limits apply to your payments (usually Ksh 70,000 to 150,000 depending on your tier). Reseller tills have no additional limits beyond the maximum bundle size available.

❓ Can I buy airtime or bundles for a Telkom or Equitel number?

Some reseller tills support Telkom and Equitel bundles. Check the platform’s price list before paying. M-PESA Sambaza only works Safaricom to Safaricom.

❓ Which method is cheapest for buying bundles for another number?

Using a reseller till like 509947 is cheapest – up to 60% off official prices. For example, 1GB bundle costs Ksh 19 instead of Ksh 50. M-PESA Sambaza and Send Money give no discount.

💡 Pro tip: To avoid mistakes, save the recipient’s number in your phone’s contacts. When using a reseller website, copy‑paste the number instead of typing it manually.