In an increasingly digitized world, access to financial services & government information has become more convenient and efficient. This new era has been made possible thanks to USSD codes.

These have transformed the way people interact with their banks and government agencies, making essential services accessible to a broader population, including those who may not have smartphones or regular internet access.

How do USSDs work

USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. These are short strings of numbers and special characters, which start with an asterisk (*) and end with a hash (#).

They are dialled directly on mobile phones and provide a quick and user-friendly way to access specific services and information.

Unlike mobile apps/internet browsing, USSD codes require no internet connectivity, making them ideal for regions with limited internet infrastructure.

For financial institutions, USSD codes have become a game-changer, offering customers the ability to check account balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and even apply for loans. This is all without the need for internet access/visiting a physical bank branch.

This level of accessibility has improved financial inclusion and enabled individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds to participate in the formal banking sector.

Not to forget, the Kenyan government has harnessed the potential that USSD codes have to extend services to citizens efficiently. USSDs have provided a great bridge between government agencies and the public, effectively empowering them.

Top 10 secret USSD codes every Android user should have on their fingertips

In this article, we shall take a look at some of the most essential USSD codes available in Kenya for both government and financial services.

A. Government Services

1. *155# – NHIF Self Service
2. *642# – HELB
3. *303# – NSSF Self Service
4. *977# – KPLC
5. *888# – Nairobi Water
6. *235# – Nairobi County Services.
7. *254# – Hustler fund
8. (SMS) NTSA DL Status Check – Send ID Number to 22846

B. Financial Services

1. *667# – Co-op Bank Kenya
2. *247# – Equity Bank
3. *522# – KCB Bank
4. *488# – NCBA bank
5. *224# – ABSA Bank
6. *325# – Family Bank
7. *625# – NBK bank
8. *458# – I&M Bank
9. *382# – Diamond Trust Bank
10. *262# – Consolidated Bank of Kenya
11. *433# – CRB (Metropol)
12. *865# – AON MinetKenya Self Service
13. *224# – Barclays Bank Kenya
14. *344# – Jamii Bora Bank
15. *231# – Housing Finance Company (HFC) Kenya
16. *654# – Commercial Bank of Africa
17. *722# – Standard Chartered Kenya
18. *987# – Bank of Africa
19. *619# – Platinum Credit
20. *241# – Premier Credit
21. *633# – Mwalimu National Sacco
22. *822# – Transnation sacco
23. *848# – Timiza loan
24. *106# – CAK Sim Registration Status
25. *131# – Okoa Jahazi
26. *361# – Unclaimed assets