I recently wrote how to get a post Office Box in Kenya, and in that post I promised you that I will be showing you how to register for Mpost services in Kenya.
I have decided to show you today how to do exactly that and much more.
Why? Because I followed the same process and obtained my Mpost address, it is just important that I show you how I did it.
How to Register Mpost Via USSD
All you need is your phone, then follow these steps
Dial *890*90#
Enter your ID or passport number (press send)
Enter your postal code (enter the one nearest where you stay)
Enter agent’s mobile number, if not applicable enter zero (o)
You will be asked to pay Ksh. 300 (enter your proffered service pin)via the a pay bill.
You done, you have you address, you should be able to get a message to that effect.
How to Register Mpost online
This is the method is used to get my
phone as my address.
I went to the Mpost website here, clicked the get Mpost link and that took me to a page that required that I fill in some information.
I filled in the required information.
The required information is
First Name
Last Name
Phone
Gender
National ID
Date of Birth
E-mail Address
Region
Select Post office.
As you can see, the required
information is straight forward. ‘Selecting a Post Office’ means choosing a
Post Office that you will be picking your letters from. It only makes sense
that you choose a Post Office that is closest to you.
Once done, I hit the ‘Register Button’.
You now be prompted to pay Ksh. 300 via Paybill number number. Please pay that amount.
As soon as the amount is paid, you
will get a message, confirming that you now are a Mpost user.
That is how simple it is.
Mpost Paybill Number
As I have said earlier, you will
need to pay via Mpesa through a paybill Number. Whether you are using the first
or the second method, you will need the paybill number.
The Paybill number is 506500. During payment please input the phone number you wish to use as your Mpost address.
Conclusion
Your Postal Address will be in the format +25471052XX52-00100, where the 00100 is the post office you chose during registration.Note that the Ksh. 300 you pay will take you for a year.
You can now receive letters without worries.
As soon as local or international mail arrives at you post office, a message will be sent to you to collect them.
How you registered for Mpost? If so share with us your experience.
I began getting interest in Post Office Box charges in Kenya when I could not get my verification pin from Google for my ad sense account.
You see my ad sense account was bringing in some good money, and after 2 months of implementing ad sense on my sites, this one and another, my account had several hundred pounds which needed to be withdrawn. It was time to finally get reward for my labor.
In this age and era not everyone fancies having those post office boxes anymore. Emails, chats, social media have taken over as the preferred means of communication.
So when Google asked that I verify my account using a PIN sent to me via a post office box, I was a bit worried. Besides, most boxes I have been using belong to my either employer or church.
And you know as I do that getting a letter from such community boxes can be hard work. You are even lucky if your letter is actually sent to you.
I used one to get my pin, and after a month and a half
without getting my letter, I gave up and began getting interest in post office
charges in Kenya and how I would own a box of my own.
Below is what I found out.
Post Office Box charges in Kenya
Here are the charges.
Entity
Cost(Ksh)
1
Individual
2000
2
Co-operate
9450
3
Special Co-operate
6225
4
Sub-Post Office
1,320
5
Stand Alone
12500
6
Learning and religious institutions
7,725/-
Here is the rates straight from Posta. Have a look.
Post Office Boxes Rates
How to Get a Post Office Box
Even as you try to get to know Post Office Box Charges in
Kenya, you may also want to know how to get the box.
Here are some the requirements you may need to obtain a box
at your local Post Office.
Title
Names -First, Second and last name
Company Name
Physical address
Registration Number
Gender.
Physical address –location
Identification details
Specific area of trade or profession
Finally you will append your signature to agree to the
terms and conditions.
It is important to note that,
depending with the entity seeking the box, different requirements may be
required.
Once you meet all this conditions
and your application looks good, you should be issued with a key to your box.
Conclusion
Having a Post Office Box is a
requirement when registering for a company. In my case, needed something that
can help me get my mails at the cheapest cost possible.
Co-operative bank is one of the oldest and biggest bank in Nairobi Kenya with several branches. In the recent past I have been writing a lot about banks.
I have compiled a list of all co-operative banks branches in Nairobi which includes the location, addresses and operating hours. Co-operative bank has 50 branches in Nairobi.
There are over 50 co-operative bank branches in Nairobi. These banks offer loans, mortgage and other financial services you would expect from a typical Kenyan Bank.
How has been you experience being a Co-operative bank customer? Share with us.
Equity Bank is one of the largest banks in Kenya with several branches in Nairobi. It is a bank the embraced the ‘mama mbogas’, and as result, grew to what we know it today.
It is common to see Equity agents at the most unlikely neighborhoods
that ‘traditional’ banks such a KCB
and Barclays dared not venture. In Nairobi alone, there are 38 Equity bank branches.
But before we move on, you may be asking yourself, what is a bank Code?
A
“bank code” is a series of numbers that help identify banks across
the world. Each bank has its own specific and unique code that differentiates
it from all those on its country as well as those in different parts of the
world.
What this means
is that all banks in Kenya have different bank branch codes. The Equity Bank
code is 68. Note that each of the codes below begins with 68.
Bank codes
are up to 5 digits. While Equity Bank’s code is 68, the other 3 digits are
known as “branch codes”. It is these three digits that identify a
particular bank.
Here all Equity banks in Nairobi and their codes.
Equity Bank Branches in Nairobi
Branch
Code
Location
Contact
Upper Hill- Head Office
68000
Hospital Road, Equity Building 9th Floor.
+254763026000
Equity Bank Corporate
68001
Fourway Towers-4th Floor.
0202262023
Equity Bank Fourways
68002
Muindi Mbingu Street.
0763063000
Tom Mboya
68012
Tom Mboya Street
0202744000
Mama Ngina Branch
68015
Mama Ngina Branch
020-317624
Community Supreme Center
68017
Ragati Road- NHIF Building 1st
floor.
0202744000
Community Corporate
68018
Madison Insurance House, Ground
Floor
020 2744000
Harambee Avenue
68024
Harambee Avenue
020318122
Kimathi Street
68026
Kimathi Street, Nairobi
0202744000
Kariobangi
68032
Outer-Ring Road
Kariobangi North
0723786724
KNUT House Branch
68035
Mfangano Street
020 2744000
Gikomba
68043
Business Arcade
020 6764202
Moi Avenue
68047
Shankardass House
0202550058
Moi Avenue Corporate
68054
Moi Avenue, Nairobi
0203105852
Westlands
68055
Woodvale Grove, Nairobi
0763068055
Kawangware
68063
Dagoreti Road, Kawangware
0202744000
Kayole
68065
Pinnacle Center Building
0202114147
Githurai
68071
Githurai, Nairobi
020 2357603/4
Enterprise Road
68080
Industrial Area
0718540133/ 0737152165
Equity Center
68081
Upper Hill, Equity Center,
0717751414/6
Donholm
68082
Donholm, Nairobi
+254202369430
Eastleigh
68084
Eastleigh 2nd Ave
0745545343
OTC
68088
OTC, Nairobi
020 2400524/5
Ngara
68091
Ring Road Ngara Roundabout
0716336710
Tea room
68094
Tea room
0729361796
Buruburu
68095
Buruburu, Nairobi
0763068095
Mombasa Road Branch
68108
Mombasa Road Nairobi
0763068108
Kenyatta University
Branch
68113
Kenyatta University Nairobi
0202322432/33
Kibera
68117
Kibera, Nairobi
020 2744000
Conclusion
At one time or another, you may be asked to input your bank code details into some document. Luckily for you, here you have a complete list of Equity bank branches in Nairobi and their codes.
Did this list come in handy for you? If so, let me know how
it did.
It is the largest bank in Kenya, with branches in neighboring counties such as South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. As of 2019 it over 220 branches.
Its headquarters are in Upper hill Nairobi, a suburb that is home to the tallest buildings in East Africa.
Kenya Commercial Bank Codes
Here is a complete list of all bank branches and codes.
BANK CODE
BRANCH
STATUS
DATE OPENED
0
Moi Avenue Branch
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
89
Operations Processing Center
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
91
Eastleigh
92
KCB CPC
Open
1-Jan-2001
93
Mtwapa
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
94
Head Office
Open
1-Jan-2001
95
Wote
Open
1-Jan-2001
96
Head Office Finance
Open
30-Aug-2011
97
Swift Center
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
98
Payroll Center
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
100
Moi Avenue Nairobi
Open
1-Jan-2001
101
Kipande House
Open
1-Jan-2001
102
Treasury Sq Mombasa
Open
1-Jan-2001
103
Nakuru
Open
1-Jan-2001
104
Kicc
Open
1-Jan-2001
105
Kisumu
Open
1-Jan-2001
106
Kericho
Open
1-Jan-2001
107
Tom Mboya
Open
1-Jan-2001
108
Thika
Open
1-Jan-2001
109
Eldoret
Open
1-Jan-2001
110
Kakamega
Open
1-Jan-2001
111
Kilindini Mombasa
Open
1-Jan-2001
112
Nyeri
Open
1-Jan-2001
113
Industrial Area Nairobi
Open
1-Jan-2001
114
River Road
Open
1-Jan-2001
115
Muranga
Open
1-Jan-2001
116
Embu
Open
1-Jan-2001
117
Kangema
Open
1-Jan-2001
118
City Centre
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
119
Kiambu
Open
1-Jan-2001
120
Karatina
Open
1-Jan-2001
121
Siaya
Open
1-Jan-2001
122
Nyahururu
Open
1-Jan-2001
123
Meru
Open
1-Jan-2001
124
Mumias
Open
1-Jan-2001
125
Nanyuki
Open
1-Jan-2001
126
Muindi Mbingu Street Branch
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
127
Moyale
Open
1-Jan-2001
128
Kenyatta Avenue
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
129
Kikuyu
Open
1-Jan-2001
130
Tala
Open
1-Jan-2001
131
Kajiado
Open
1-Jan-2001
132
Town Centre Mombasa
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
133
KCB Custody services
Open
1-Jan-2001
134
Matuu
Open
1-Jan-2001
135
Kitui
Open
1-Jan-2001
136
Mvita
Open
1-Jan-2001
137
Jogoo Rd Nairobi
Open
1-Jan-2001
139
Card Centre
Open
1-Jan-2001
140
Marsabit
Open
1-Jan-2001
141
Sarit Centre
Open
1-Jan-2001
142
Loitokitok
Open
1-Jan-2001
143
Nandi Hills
Open
1-Jan-2001
144
Lodwar
Open
1-Jan-2001
145
Un Gigiri
Open
1-Jan-2001
146
Hola
Open
1-Jan-2001
147
Ruiru
Open
1-Jan-2001
148
Mwingi
Open
1-Jan-2001
149
Kitale
Open
1-Jan-2001
150
Mandera
Open
1-Jan-2001
151
Kapenguria
Open
1-Jan-2001
152
Kabarnet
Open
1-Jan-2001
153
Wajir
Open
1-Jan-2001
154
Maralal
Open
1-Jan-2001
155
Limuru
Open
1-Jan-2001
156
Harambee Plaza Branch
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
157
Ukunda
Open
1-Jan-2001
158
Iten
Open
1-Jan-2001
159
Gilgil
Open
1-Jan-2001
160
Menengai Crater Branch
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
161
Ongata Rongai
Open
1-Jan-2001
162
Kitengela
Open
1-Jan-2001
163
Eldama Ravine
Open
1-Jan-2001
164
Kibwezi
Open
1-Jan-2001
166
Kapsabet
Open
1-Jan-2001
167
University Way
Open
1-Jan-2001
168
KCB Eldoret West
Open
1-Jan-2001
169
Garissa
Open
1-Jan-2001
170
Homa Bay Branch
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
171
Cannon House Branch
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
173
Lamu
Open
1-Jan-2001
174
Kilifi
Open
1-Jan-2001
175
Milimani
Open
1-Jan-2001
176
Nyamira
Open
1-Jan-2001
177
Mukuruweini
Open
1-Jan-2001
178
Kehancha
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
179
Ol Kalou Branch
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
180
Village Market
Open
1-Jan-2001
181
Bomet
Open
1-Jan-2001
182
Kapsokwony Branch
Closed – 01-JAN-99
1-Jan-2001
183
Mbale
Open
1-Jan-2001
184
Narok
Open
1-Jan-2001
185
Othaya
Open
1-Jan-2001
186
Voi
Open
1-Jan-2001
188
Webuye
Open
1-Jan-2001
189
Sotik
Open
1-Jan-2001
190
Naivasha
Open
1-Jan-2001
191
Kisii
Open
1-Jan-2001
192
Migori
Open
1-Jan-2001
193
Githunguri
Open
1-Jan-2001
194
Machakos
Open
1-Jan-2001
195
Kerugoya
Open
1-Jan-2001
196
Chuka
Open
1-Jan-2001
197
Bungoma
Open
1-Jan-2001
198
Wundanyi
Open
1-Jan-2001
199
Malindi
Open
1-Jan-2001
201
Capital Hill
Open
1-Jan-2001
202
Karen
Open
1-Jan-2001
203
Lokichogio
Open
1-Jan-2001
204
Gateway Msa Road
Open
1-Jan-2001
205
Buruburu
Open
1-Jan-2001
206
Chogoria
Open
1-Jan-2001
207
Kangare
Open
1-Jan-2001
208
Kianyaga
Open
1-Jan-2001
209
Nkubu
Open
1-Jan-2001
210
Ol Kalou
Open
1-Jan-2001
211
Makuyu
Open
1-Jan-2001
212
Mwea
Open
1-Jan-2001
213
Njambini
Open
1-Jan-2001
214
Gatundu
Open
1-Jan-2001
215
Emali
Open
1-Jan-2001
216
Isiolo
Open
1-Jan-2001
217
KCB Flamingo
Open
1-Jan-2001
218
Njoro
Open
1-Jan-2001
219
Mutomo
Open
1-Jan-2001
220
Mariakani
Open
1-Jan-2001
221
Mpeketoni
Open
1-Jan-2001
222
Mtitu Andei
Open
1-Jan-2001
223
Mtwapa
Open
1-Jan-2001
224
Taveta
Open
1-Jan-2001
225
Kengeleni
Open
1-Jan-2001
226
Garsen
Open
1-Jan-2001
227
Watamu
Open
1-Jan-2001
228
Bondo
Open
1-Jan-2001
229
Busia
Open
1-Jan-2001
230
Homa Bay
Open
1-Jan-2001
231
Kapsowar
Open
1-Jan-2001
232
Kehancha
Open
1-Jan-2001
233
Keroka
Open
1-Jan-2001
234
Kilgoris
Open
1-Jan-2001
235
Kimilili
Open
1-Jan-2001
236
Litein
Open
1-Jan-2001
237
Londiani Branch
Open
1-Jan-2001
238
Luanda
Open
1-Jan-2001
239
Malaba
Open
1-Jan-2001
240
Muhoroni
Open
1-Jan-2001
241
Oyugis
Open
1-Jan-2001
242
Ugunja
Open
1-Jan-2001
243
United Mall
Open
1-Jan-2001
244
Serem
Open
1-Jan-2001
245
Sondu
Open
1-Jan-2001
246
Kisumu West
Open
1-Jan-2001
247
Marigat
Open
1-Jan-2001
248
Mois Bridge
Open
1-Jan-2001
249
Mashariki
Open
1-Jan-2001
250
Naro Moro
Open
1-Jan-2001
251
Kiriaini
Open
1-Jan-2001
252
Egerton University
Open
1-Jan-2001
253
Maua
Open
1-Jan-2001
254
Kawangare
Open
1-Jan-2001
255
Kimathi
Open
1-Jan-2001
256
Namanga
Open
1-Jan-2001
257
Gikomba
Open
1-Jan-2001
258
Kwale
Open
1-Jan-2001
259
Prestige Plaza
Open
1-Jan-2001
260
Kariobangi
Open
1-Jan-2001
263
Biashara Street
Open
1-Jan-2001
266
Ngara
Open
1-Jan-2001
267
Kyuso
Open
1-Jan-2001
270
Masii
Open
1-Jan-2001
271
Menengai Crater
Open
1-Jan-2001
272
Town Centre
Open
1-Jan-2001
278
Makindu
Open
1-Jan-2001
283
Rongo
Open
1-Jan-2001
284
Isibania
Open
1-Jan-2001
285
Kiserian
Open
1-Jan-2001
286
Mwembe Tayari
Open
1-Jan-2001
287
Kisauni
Open
1-Jan-2001
288
Haile Selassie
Open
1-Jan-2001
289
Salama House Mortgage Centre
Open
1-Jan-2001
290
Garden Plaza
Open
1-Jan-2001
291
Sarit Centre Mortgage Centre
Open
19-Aug-2011
292
Cpc Bulk Corporate Cheques
Open
1-Jan-2001
293
Trade Services
Open
19-Aug-2011
295
Nairobi High Court
Open
4-Feb-2012
296
Mombasa High Court
Open
14-May-2012
297
Kisumu Airport
Open
14-May-2012
298
Port Victoria
Open
5-Jul-2012
299
Moi International Airport
Open
24-Sep-2012
300
Nyali
Open
26-Nov-2012
301
Westgate Advantage
Open
26-Nov-2012
302
Diaspora
Open
13-Feb-2013
303
Kisii West
Open
18-Jul-2013
304
Mbita
Open
18-Jul-2013
305
Sori
Open
4-Jul-2013
306
Hurlingham
Open
4-Jul-2013
307
Kibera
Open
4-Jul-2013
308
Thika Road Mall Branch
Open
19-Aug-2013
309
Kasarani Branch
Open
19-Aug-2013
310
KCB Maasai Mara
Open
25-Sep-2013
311
KCB Kabartonjo
Open
29-Oct-2013
312
KCB Eldoret East
Open
12-Feb-2014
313
Kikim
Open
22-Apr-2014
314
KCB JKUAT
Open
25-Aug-2014
315
KCB Changamwe
Open
5-Dec-2014
316
KCB Makongeni
Open
24-Feb-2015
317
KCB Syokimau
Open
1-Apr-2015
318
KCB Moi Referral Hospital
Open
1-Apr-2015
319
KCB Kitale Advantage
Open
7-Apr-2015
320
KCB Lavington
Open
1-Apr-2015
321
KCB ICD Kibarani
Open
15-Apr-2015
322
KCB Riverside Advantage
Open
15-Apr-2015
323
KCB Gigiri Square
Open
15-Apr-2015
Conclusion
Kenya Commercial bank provides all the services you would expect from a typical bank. They offer mortgage, loans and savings. With this list of Kenya commercial bank codes, you can seek your services fast.
There are thousands of ATM located in most neighborhoods
making your banking with KCB as smooth as it can be.
1. Initiate the process by calling the Madaraka express through 0709388888
within the official working hours.
2. Give out your details with includes but not limited to the type of coach,
travel date, destination and phone number.
3. You will be notified the amount payable. In case you need to know the amount in advance, see the fare chart here.
4. You will be prompted with a short message on your phone containing your
ID number, pay bill number and amount due.
5. Pay the due amount through the pay bill number provided above.
6. You will receive a message containing your ticket details after payment.
This is a simple guide that you can follow and make your booking within
minutes.
Here is an infograph that illustrates just that.
Have a look.
Conclusion
With a phone you do not need to go the station to book. Again, Mpesa makes
payments easy and very convenient.
You can also book via USSD. Initiate the process by dialing * 639# on your
phone. Then follow the prompts and respond accordingly.
So, at the comfort of your house or office, you can easily make your SGR Mpesa booking through your phone.
Have you ever made a trip on SGR? If so, tell us your experience and keep
the discussion on. If you followed this guide to make your first SGR booking,
leave a comment below.
Huawei Y5 2019 is set to launch in Kenya soon and here is the price we expect it to sell in Kenya. It is expected to set you back for Ksh.9999.00. We are used to the Prime phones such as the Huawei Y6 Prime 2016, however, with this phone; the Prime name seems to have been dropped.
Here are a few things to expect from this phone;
It come with a 5.71’’ inch screen.
It will have a resolution of 1520×720
pixels.
It runs on Android Pie on top of EMUI 9.0
Has a screen to body ratio of 84.6 %
Just to make you get every information, below are tabulated
full specifications.
Huawei Y5 2019 full specifications and price in Kenya.
Network
Technology
GSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced
2019, April
Status
Coming soon. Exp. release 2019, May
Body
Dimensions
147.1 x 70.8 x 8.5 mm (5.79 x 2.79 x 0.33 in)
Weight
146 g (5.15 oz)
SIM
Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
To pay for you DSTV you need the Dstv paybill number. The number is 444900. If you have reached that day of the month when you want to pay you DSTV bill, this a number you will need to remember.
You can book mark this page and refer to if whenever you want to pay your bill. Better still, write somewhere and refer to it when the need arises.
If you have mySafaricom App installed on your phone, you can make your life sweet by using it to settle your DSTV bills via Mpesa.
This how it works;
Go to mySafaricom App and fire it up.
Select B
laze Mpesa.
Then select Bill Manager.
Select DSTV.
From here, you can easily pay your DSTV bill. All you need
to do is fill in the required information and follow the prompts. The thing I
love about this method is that you do not have to remember DSTV paybill number.
How to Pay DSTV Bill using Mpesa.
If you have been using paybill, then this should be very
easy for you. There are two options.
Using your phone Toolkit
Go to your phone toolkit and let it fire up.
Select Safaricom if your phone has two sim cards
from different networks. If you have two Safaricom simcards, select your
default Mpesa simcard.
Select Mpesa them ‘Lipa na Mpesa’
Select Paybill.
Enter Dstv Mpesa paybill number, which is
444900.
Key in your account number.
Input the amount you wish to pay.
Key in you Pin
If everything looks good, confirm the
transaction.
Wait for the confirmation message.
If you get the message, you are sorted and your transaction
should reflect on your Dstv account.
Using mySafaricom App
Again, if you have the app installed on your phone, this makes things simple. This is what you need to do.
Go to mySafaricom App and start it up.
Select blaze Mpesa.
Then select Bill Manager.
Select DSTV.
Enter your account number.
Next enter the amount you wish to pay
Lastly, confirm the transaction and wait for the confirmation message.
Dstv Packages
In Kenya, DSTV offers five packages that is Premium, Compact
Plus, Compact, Family and Access. Here is a summary of these packages.
Premium
Compact Plus
Compact
Family
Access
Number Channels
115
104
92
75
60
Cost per Month
7900
5200
3200
1900
950
Dstv premium has a total of 115 which gives you some of the best entertainment on the globe. With this package you will be able to take your entertainment to the next level. If you are in Kenya, you will agree with me that this is the only package that allows you to watch all the premier league games and other major sporting activities around the globe. As the name suggests, it does come at a premium.
Compact Plus package offers entertainment for those of us who cannot afford the 7.9K. With this package some premium channels have been removed. It has a total of 92 channels in all. If you are a sport lover, Supersport 3 and Supersport 7 are available on this package.
The Compact package offers channels almost similar to those
of Compact plus except a few that have been removed for this package. At a cost
of Ksh. 3200, the entertainment is worth the price.
Family package as the name suggests offers entertainment
woven for the family. With a total of 75
channels both local and international, your family entertainment will never be
the same again.
Lastly we have the Access package with offers basic
entertainment with most of the channels being the local ones.
How to reset your decoder after payment is made.
Sometimes you may need to reset your decoder. Should you
find yourself in this situation, follow these steps.
Make Payment to DSTV via Mpesa Paybill No.444900 using your Account Number.
Send an SMS to 3788 by typing ‘Reset‘leave a space and type your DSTV Account Number.
Make sure your DSTV decoder is on when doing this.
Contacts
Should you have any challenges, you
can use these contacts to get in touch with Dstv.
Address: Multichoice Head Office
First Floor, Sarit Centre, Westlands, Nairobi
DSTV Multichoice Kenya Ltd –
Head Office Branch
Multichoice Hse, Karuna Rd, Westlands, Nairobi
P.O.Box 60406-00200 City Square. Tel: +254-204236000 More Lines: +254-204236444
Conclusion
In a nutshell, to pay your Dstv bill all you need is the paybill number 444900. In most cases once you pay and as long as your decoder is on, it should be activated automatically.
In case it does not, you activate your decoder after payment as explained
above.
I have been writing a lot about how to book various bus companies in the recent past. However today, I want to take a detour and show how to book the SGR train.
Please note that the abbreviation SGR stands for Standard Gauge Railway. In the recent past, a new railway line has been built to replace the old ‘Lunatic Express’ line.
Trains that run on the SGR line are called the Madaraka
Express.
If you are a frequent traveler between Nairobi and Mombasa, you will appreciate that traveling by train is by far the safest way to travel.
So how to book the SGR train? You may be asking.
There several way you can do this. Here is a summary.
I always love doing things online because it saves you time
and money. I have travelled several times between Nairobi and Mombasa using the
SGR train. For this reason, I have firsthand experience how it feels like to be
onboard.
If you wish to book your ticket online, please follow these simple
steps.
Step I
Go to metickets.krc.co.ke, if the link does not work, copy
and paste it in your browser. This takes you to a page that looks this way.
Step II
From the screenshot in step I, choose the type of train,
either InterCounty or Express. Note that the Inter Countrytrain makes
several stopovers at designated train stations along the way. While the Express train does not stop until
the final destination.
Step III
Select the origin terminus, which is either Nairobi or Mombasa for the Express Train. For the Intercounty train, you have several other origin terminus to select from.
Step IV
Select your final destination.
Step V
Choose your date of travel.
Once you have done this, all that you need to do now is hit
the ‘Book Train Button’
Step VI
If you do this, you will be taken a page that looks this
way.
As you can see, you have two options to choose from. There are
two coach types, either the FirstClass or the Second Class. Choose accordingly, what suits you.
You will also need to select the number of people traveling and select whether they are adults or children (between 3- 11 years).
As you do this, the total fare will be populated for you.
Children under 3 years travel free. If you are happy and everything looks good,
hit the ‘Book a Train’ Button.
Step VII
Once you hit the ‘Book
a Train’ Button, you get to this page.
Now, you need to enter your ‘Full Name’, ID or Passport and finally choose your nationality.
Once done, enter your payment details, which include the M-Pesa Mobile Number
and your email address.
At the bottom of the page, you have two options, either ‘Pay Now’ or ‘Pay Later’. Your booking is then complete when you pay the amount via Mpesa. An E-ticket should be sent to your email address.
This process should take you less than 10 minutes. That how to book SGR online in style.
2.How to book SGR via USSD
Phones have become a necessity and booking SGR Via USSD is
another option you could use to book for your first ride.
To do so, follow the following steps.
Go to your phone and enter the USSD Code * 639#
and hit the call button.
Select desired steps.
Follow all the prompts and enter the information
that is required. You notice that the process is similar to booking online only
that you doing it via phone.
Make payment and wait for Mpesa Confirmation.
Get your Account Number from the confirmation
message.
Use the confirmation number and phone to print
your ticket at the train station.
Here is a summary of how to do all this. Have a look.
Book you ride via Mpesa.
3. Call Kenya Railways
Calling Kenya Railways is another option that you can
explore. All you need to do is call and a representative of Kenya Railway will
ask you a series of questions to help you get your ticket.
You will receive a prompt message requiring that you pay (see
under paying via Mpesa below).
Here the Contacts you may want to use, but I would recommend
calling.
Kenya Railways Contacts
Postal Address:
P.O BOX 30121- 00100, GPO Nairobi Kenya.
Mobile number:
0728603580/0728603581/0708572574/0708571587
For all Madaraka
Express enquiries Call 0709388888
4. Go to the station
Nairobi Terminus at Syokimau
If you like doing things the traditional way, you can get to
the SGR stations and book. If you are in Mombasa, you need to go to Miritini Station and if you are in Nairobi,
you have to go to Syokimau Station.
5. How to book SGR Via MPesa
This how to do it.
1. Initiate the process by calling the Madaraka express through
0709388888 within the official working hours.
2. Give out your details which includes but not limited to the type of coach, travel date, destination and phone number.
3. You will be notified the amount payable. In case you need
to know the amount in advance, see the fare chart below.
4. You will be prompted with a short message on your phone containing
your ID number, pay bill number and amount due.
5. Pay the due amount through the pay bill number provided
above.
6. You will receive a message containing your ticket details
after payment.
Answers common questions about the SGR booking
Here are answers to common questions that I have been asked previously but which could be of help to you.
Can book in advance?
The answer to this is yes, you can book in advance. All the five
methods listed above allows you to book in advance.
However, this what you need to know need. As an individual, you can book a ticket 30 days in advance. If you are traveling as a group of 20 people or more, advance booking of 30 days or more is required.
How long does it take between Mombasa and Nairobi.
The rain takes 6 hours to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa.
However, if you are on the Inter county train, this might take you more time.
The distance between Nairobi and Mombasa is 490KM. This
means that the train travels at an average speed of 82km/h. However, the trains
have a top speed of 120km/h.
What are the Charges?
The charges depend on the destination and the type of Coach
you take.
Have a look.
Express Trains (Nairobi to Mombasa)
Class
Adults
Children (3-11Years)
Children( Below 3 Years)
First Class
3000
3000
Free
Second Class
1000
1000
Free
Inter County Trains
Nairobi To
Class
Adults
Children (3-11Years)
Children( Below 3 Years)
Athi River
First
120
60
Free
Second
60
30
Free
Mtito Andei
First
1490
750
Free
Second
490
250
Free
Voi
First
2130
1070
Free
Second
700
350
Free
Emali
First
790
400
Free
Second
260
130
Free
Kibwezi
First
1210
610
Free
Second
400
200
Free
Miaseny
First
2450
1230
Free
Second
900
450
Free
Mariakani
First
2870
1440
Free
Second
940
470
Free
Mombasa
First
3000
1500
Free
Second
1000
500
Free
Can I get a refund?
The answer is yes. In case something
happens and you miss you train, you can request for a refund.
However, note that you can only get 80% of
the price of the ticket. However to get a refund, you will need to notify the
train attendants before the train leaves.
If the train leaves due to you arriving late for
whatever reason, you may not get a refund.
How does traveling on SGR feel like?
Traveling on the SGR is a wonderful experience. That said; do not expect anything out of the ordinary. However you will notice a bit of comfort compared to the old trains we were used to in the past.
What if I lose my ticket?
In case your ticket is lost or defaced, getting a ride may
be difficult. Nevertheless, should that happen, you can contact Kenya Railways
and see whether you will be assisted.
Conclusion
Booking the SGR is very easy. You have five ways to do this.
1. Book
online
2. Book via USSD
3. Call
Kenya Railways.
4. Get
yourself to a station a get your ticket.
5. Book via
Mpesa
Within minutes, you will have your SGR ticket and begin a trip of your lifetime .
Gotv is one of the best alternative to premium TV (Dstv, Zuku) in Kenya. Off course, we have the Startimes but honestly speaking, whether you are a lover of sport or some movies, Gotv beats startimes easily.
I once owned a startimes decoder and I had to replace it
with Gotv.
I know you are likely using this decoder, so how is this
post going to be of any benefit to you?
I am going to take you through all the little things you
need to know about Gotv so that you can make your experience more enjoyable.
Little things you need to know about Gotv
1. Packages
There are SIX packages to choose from. Some of which you pay monthly while others have a yearly payment schedule.
The table below compares all these packages.
Package
Number
of Channels
Payment
Frequency
Price
in Ksh.
Lite (Annual)
15
Annually
1500
Plus
40
Monthly
749
Max
48
Monthly
999
Lite (Quarterly)
16
Quarterly
590
Lite ( Monthly)
17
Monthly
260
Value
26
Monthly
499
2. Channels
So what channels are on the packages? You can easily compare them here to make an informed decision.
Lite(
Annual)
Value
Plus
Max
–
–
B4U Movies
B4U Movies
–
–
–
TVC Entertainment
–
–
–
Iroko Plus
–
–
Zee World
Zee World
–
–
Maisha Magic Bongo
Maisha Magic Bongo
–
Maisha Magic East
Maisha Magic East
Maisha Magic East
–
African Magic Family
African Magic Family
African Magic Family
–
Africa Magic Epic Movies
Africa Magic Epic Movies
Africa Magic Epic Movies
–
Eva+
Eva+
Eva+
–
–
M-Net Movies Zone
M-Net Movies Zone
–
–
–
CBS Reality
–
–
–
BET International
–
Fox Life
Fox Life
Fox Life
–
–
–
Fox
–
E! Entertainment TV
E! Entertainment TV
E! Entertainment TV
–
–
Telemundo
Telemundo
–
–
Iroko Music
Iroko Music
–
–
–
Star life
–
–
ROK 3
ROK 3
–
–
–
ROK 2
–
–
Go Channel
Go Channel
SuperSport Blitz
SuperSport Blitz
SuperSport Blitz
SuperSport Blitz
–
SuperSport Select 1
SuperSport Select 1
–
–
–
SuperSport Select 2
SuperSport Select 2
–
–
SuperSport Select 3
SuperSport Select 3
–
–
–
SuperSport Select 4
–
–
–
SuperSport Select 5
Aljazeera
Aljazeera
Aljazeera
Aljazeera
–
BBC International
BBC International
BBC International
–
–
CCN
CCN
Jimjam
Jimjam
Jimjam
Jimjam
–
Disney Junior
Disney Junior
Disney Junior
–
Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon
–
–
Nat Geo Wild
Nat Geo Wild
–
–
Discovery Family
Discovery Family
Emmanuel TV
Emmanuel TV
Emmanuel TV
Emmanuel TV
Islam Channel
Islam Channel
Islam Channel
Islam Channel
Faith Broadcast Network
Faith Broadcast Network
Faith Broadcast Network
Faith Broadcast Network
Afro Music English
Afro Music English
Afro Music English
Afro Music English
–
–
MTV Base
MTV Base
K24
K24
K24
K24
KTN NEWS
KTN NEWS
KTN NEWS
KTN NEWS
Citizen TV
Citizen TV
Citizen TV
Citizen TV
KTN
KTN
KTN
KTN
NTV
NTV
NTV
NTV
KBC
KBC
KBC
KBC
Inooro TV
Inooro TV
Inooro TV
Inooro TV
eTV Africa
eTV Africa
eTV Africa
eTV Africa
Classic FM
Classic FM
Classic FM
Classic FM
Please note that the Lite Quarterly has an addition of ONE audio channel (Classic FM). The Lite Monthly has two more channels, Classic FM and Maisha Magic.
It is also important to note that when scanning, the decoder
will pick up so many other channels from Startimes, PANG and BAMBA. While in
most cases these channels will work (if they are on the FTA platform), Gotv
does not take responsibility for such.
In addition, in their T&Cs, the package may change at any time with channels removed or added.
3. Activation
For your Gotv decoder to work, you need to activate it. This is especially
true if you have just bought the decoder.
At the website, you will see, ‘Enter your details and activate your
subscription.’
You will need to fill the following.
Your city
Surname
IUC Number
Mobile Telephone
You can easily find
the IUC number on the red sticker at the back of your decoder. Once you have
activated, you can comfortable enjoy watching your favorite programs.
Sometime you may need to activate your decoder if you have been using Gotv and your subscription expired. In this case, if you make your payment, the decoder will automatically be activated. You however need to remember that your decoder must be on to receive the activation signal.
Enter ICU number (ICU number is found on a red sticker at the bottom of your decoder).
Enter the amount to pay.
Key in your MPESA PIN
Confirm that you have entered the correct details, and then send to complete the transaction.
Wait for the confirmation SMS
For other countries, the process is
the same, only that you have to use your paybill number and the local mobile
money transfer network.
One more thing, you can also make
online payments on Gotv website.
6. How to change Gotv package
Sometimes it may be necessary to change the package you are on. This is either by downgrading or up grading.
This is how to do it.
Via SMS
This is the simplest and fastest way to do it. All you have
to do is send the message ‘UPGRADE
(DOWNGRADE) IUC NUMBER’ to 22688.
Call customer Care
You
can call the customer care and request for an upgrade or downgrade. Again, this
should work fast for you.
In
case you missed the Contacts, see them above.
Do it online
This
is my favorite method doing this. You can do it at the ‘Easy Self Service.’ All you need to do is login at the Gotv
website. Off course, you will need you phone number and IUC number.
Once
you logged in, you can easily change your package. However, it is recommended
that you let the current package expire before changing to your preferred one.
7. SMS Short Codes
Country
SMS Short Code
Kenya
6088
Uganda
6688
Malawi
4688
Ghana
4688
Mozambique
4688
Nigeria
4688
Tanzania
16688
Zambia
4688
Zimbabwe
6088
Conclusion
There are small about GOtv that you need to know, especially
if you use their decoder. This will make your life easy and ensure you enjoy your
subscription and get the most out of your decoder.
