Okoa Jahazi is Safaricom's emergency airtime loan service, and Airtel has a similar service called Pewa (Airtel Okoa). Whether you need to check your balance, borrow credit, or understand repayment, USSD codes are the fastest way to manage your Okoa account – no internet required. This guide compiles all the essential USSD codes for Safaricom Okoa Jahazi and Airtel Okoa, plus a clever workaround to buy bundles even when you have active debt.

📌 What is Okoa Jahazi?

Okoa Jahazi is Safaricom's credit facility that allows you to borrow airtime when you run out of credit. Eligible subscribers can borrow Ksh 10, 20, 50, or 100, which is automatically deducted from your next airtime top‑up. It is a helpful service for emergencies, but it is important to track your balance to avoid service restrictions.

📌 Quick fact: You must repay Okoa within 7 days. If you don't, your line may be barred from making outgoing calls or using data until the debt is cleared.

📱 USSD to Check Okoa Balance (Safaricom)

There are two main USSD methods to check your Okoa Jahazi balance:

Both methods will show your outstanding loan amount and the repayment deadline.

⚠️ Note: If you have no active Okoa loan, you will see a message confirming that you have no outstanding balance.

💰 USSD to Borrow Okoa Airtime

To borrow airtime via USSD:

  1. Dial *100#.
  2. Select Okoa Jahazi or Borrow Airtime.
  3. Choose the amount you wish to borrow (Ksh 10, 20, 50, or 100 – depending on your eligibility).
  4. Confirm the loan – the airtime is added to your line immediately.

You will receive an SMS confirming the loan amount and repayment terms.

💡 Eligibility tip: Borrowing limits increase with consistent usage and timely repayment.

🔄 How to Repay Okoa via USSD

Repayment is automatic – when you top up airtime (via M‑PESA, scratch card, or bank transfer), the system deducts the outstanding Okoa amount first, and the remaining balance is added to your line. There is no separate USSD code for repayment, but you can check your outstanding balance using the methods above to know how much will be deducted.

If you want to repay early, simply top up any amount – the system will deduct the loan instantly.

📡 Airtel Okoa (Pewa) USSD Codes

Airtel Kenya's version of Okoa is called Pewa or Airtel Okoa. Here are the USSD codes:

You can also use the MyAirtel app for the same functions.

📊 Okoa USSD Codes Quick Reference Table

ActionSafaricom Okoa (USSD)Airtel Okoa / Pewa (USSD)
Check Balance*100# → My Account → Okoa*544# → My Account → Airtel Okoa
Borrow Airtime*100# → Okoa Jahazi → Select amount*544# → Airtel Okoa → Select amount
RepayAutomatic on next top‑upAutomatic on next top‑up
Alternative Check*544# → My Account → OkoaMyAirtel app

🔥 How to Buy Bundles Even with Active Okoa Debt

If you have an outstanding Okoa Jahazi balance, buying bundles directly from Safaricom via USSD (*544#) will either fail or your payment will be used to repay the loan instead of giving you data. This is where reseller tills come to the rescue.

Using a reseller till like 509947 (BingwaSoko), you can purchase data bundles, minutes, and SMS packages instantly – even if you owe Okoa. The system bypasses the Okoa check because it is a "Buy Goods" transaction, not a direct airtime top‑up. Your bundle is credited to your line, and your Okoa balance remains unchanged (you still need to repay it later).

Here is how to do it:

  1. Open M‑PESA → Lipa na M‑PESA → Buy Goods and Services.
  2. Enter till number 509947.
  3. Enter the discounted amount for your chosen bundle (e.g., 19 for 1GB 1‑hour, 55 for 1.25GB Midnight).
  4. Enter your M‑PESA PIN and confirm.
  5. The bundle is delivered instantly – Okoa debt is ignored.
💡 Example: With Ksh 55, you can get a 1.25GB Midnight bundle via Till 509947 – that is 45% cheaper than the official Ksh 100 USSD price, and it works even when you have Okoa debt.
MethodWorks with Okoa?Price for 1.25GB (Midnight)Delivery Speed
Official USSD (*544#)❌ No (fails or repays loan)Ksh 100Instant (if successful)
Reseller Till 509947✅ Yes (bypasses Okoa)Ksh 55Instant

Using a reseller till not only saves you money but also keeps you connected even when you are paying off your Okoa loan.

🚀 Ready to buy? Use Till 509947 now and get your bundle instantly – no Okoa worries. Shop all bundles →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Okoa USSD Codes

❓ What is the USSD code to check Okoa Jahazi balance?

Dial *100# on your Safaricom line, select 'My Account' then 'Okoa Jahazi' to see your balance. Alternatively, dial *544# and navigate to 'Okoa Jahazi'.

❓ How do I borrow Okoa airtime using USSD?

Dial *100# and select 'Okoa Jahazi' or 'Borrow Airtime'. If eligible, you will see options for Ksh 10, 20, 50, or 100. You can also use *544# and follow the menu.

❓ What USSD code do I use to repay Okoa Jahazi?

Repayment is automatic when you top up airtime. There is no specific USSD code for repayment – the system deducts the outstanding amount from your next recharge.

❓ Are there USSD codes for Airtel Okoa (Pewa)?

Yes. Dial *544# on your Airtel line, navigate to 'Airtel Okoa' or 'Pewa' to check balance, borrow, or manage your loan. You can also use the MyAirtel app.

❓ Can I buy bundles with Okoa debt using a USSD code?

No – official USSD purchases will fail if you have Okoa debt. However, you can buy bundles using a reseller till like 509947, which bypasses the Okoa check.