What is the USSD Service Platform?

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a communication protocol used by GSM phones to interact with a service provider’s computer systems in real-time. A USSD service platform is the backend infrastructure that allows businesses to build, manage, and deliver USSD-based services such as checking account balances, buying airtime, or registering for services without the need for internet access.

Which Service Application is Associated with USSD?

USSD is commonly associated with mobile-based applications including mobile banking, mobile money (like M-PESA, Airtel Money), customer self-service, telecom services (like checking airtime and buying data), government services (e.g., NHIF, NSSF), and content subscriptions such as news and promotions. These applications run on a telecom provider’s USSD gateway and often integrate with APIs or core systems.

What is the Difference Between SMS and USSD?

USSD is real-time and session-based, ideal for interactive menus and two-way services like mobile banking. SMS is a store-and-forward technology used for alerts and notifications. USSD is generally faster, doesn’t require internet, and is often free or low-cost for users, whereas SMS may incur a per-message cost and is less interactive.

How Much Does USSD Cost?

For users in Kenya, USSD is often free or charged a minimal fee (Ksh 1–5 per session). For businesses, the cost of setting up a USSD code ranges between Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000+ depending on whether it’s shared or dedicated. Additional costs may include monthly hosting fees and per-session or per-minute charges from aggregators or telcos.

Who is the Best USSD Code Service Provider in Kenya?

Celcom Africa is considered the best USSD code service provider in Kenya. It offers both shared and dedicated USSD codes, integrates with major networks like Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom, and provides flexible, affordable packages for SMEs and large enterprises. Celcom also delivers full-service support from USSD setup and menu development to deployment and analytics, making it a top choice across banking, real estate, government, and NGO sectors.

enquiries@celcomafrica.com +(254) 701 727 272

USSDs and Short Codes

Enhance Your Business Communication with Our Short Codes and USSD Services!

Are you tired of struggling with traditional communication methods that are time-consuming and costly? Do you want to engage with your customers in a more interactive and efficient way? We are here for you! We offer affordable Short Codes and USSD services that are designed to enhance your business communication and help you achieve your marketing and customer engagement goals.

Whether you need to send important updates, run promotional campaigns, or gather feedback from your customers, Our Short Codes and USSD services are the perfect tools to help you achieve your goals. Our affordable and customizable solutions empower you to connect with your customers in a seamless and interactive manner, allowing you to drive engagement, increase customer satisfaction, and boost your business.

Explore Our Categories Designed to Drive Results

The above-mentioned service uses a technology known as 2-way messaging, whereby a client sends an SMS and then receives an SMS with a response. Enhance customer engagement with our dedicated USSD and shortcode solutions. Whether you're running surveys, promotions, or enabling two-way communication, our platform offers seamless integration and real-time interaction.

Dedicated Short code

This code is independently owned by a client and can be linked to a database to provide responses on request or queries for particular information. It gives room for up to 1000 key words and can therefore be used for multiple activities based on a client’s needs.

Shared Short Code

These short codes enable sending and receiving of premium SMS messages and are provisioned with a billing tariff where a consumer pays each time they send or receive an SMS to and from the short code. This revenue is then shared between the company and Celcom Africa Limited after the network has deducted its share.

Premium Short Code

Applications of Shortcodes and USSDs.

Explore the transformative power of shortcodes and USSDs in various industries. From banking to healthcare, to institutions and organisations, discover how these simple yet powerful technologies streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive innovation.

TV program voting

Engage your audience in real-time with interactive voting options for TV shows, competitions, and polls.

Charity donations

Enable your customers to make donations to charitable organizations by sending a text message or dialing a Short Code.

Ringtones & downloads

Allow customers to order ringtones, wallpapers, and other digital content with a simple Short Code or USSD command.

Mobile services

Provide a wide range of mobile services, such as balance inquiries, data plan activations, and account management, through Short Codes or USSD commands.

Get a Custom Short Code / USSD Now

Customer Testimonials

See Why Clients Trust Our Bulk SMS Services

We have worked with Celcom for the last 6 years. I find their service affordable; they deliver within the promised timelines and with precision. I have particularly liked their customer experience which I can only describe as first class. They are also keen and professional. System availability is also impressive and reliable. I would recommend 100%.

Reuben Kimani

Username Investment

Celcom is the best SMS service provider I have to work with. It has supported our growth as SafeBoda through there fair prices, great delivery rate and above all the best and fast Customer Support. Great Job Celcom!!

Chebet Millicent

Safe Boda

Amazing company - your SMS rates, customer service and support are super good. Your systems are always super, rare or no downtimes. As a result, our business has enjoyed immense growth since we partnered with you. We are proud to do business with you. Keep up the good work. I recommend you to the world.

Joseph Gitonga

Username Investment

Celcom Bulk SMS is a very reliable and affordable solution well aligned to the current customer experience needs. I have worked with them on several client's projects and the feedback is always positive; happy with the customer experience feedback. The kicker solution in my view is the SMS integration with billing and collection system which has enhanced collection. HIGHLY recommend the services to any customer. Thank you, Celcom, and keep up the good work!

John Gakunyi

Acemil Consultant

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a communication protocol used by GSM cellular phones to communicate with a service provider’s computers. It allows real-time, session-based interaction between the user and the application.

A USSD service platform is the backend system or software infrastructure that allows businesses and organizations to develop, manage, and deliver USSD-based services (like checking account balances, registering for services, buying airtime, etc.).

USSD is commonly associated with mobile-based service applications like:

Banking services (e.g., balance inquiry, fund transfer)
Mobile money services (e.g., M-PESA, Airtel Money)
Customer self-service portals
Subscription services (e.g., news, promotions)
Government services (e.g., SHIF, NSSF)
Telecom services (e.g., buying bundles, checking airtime)

These applications usually run on a telco's USSD gateway and are integrated with APIs or core systems like CRMs, banking cores, etc.

Feature	USSD	SMS
Communication Type	Real-time, session-based	Store and forward (delayed possible)
Interactivity	High – supports interactive menus	Low – usually one-way or delayed two-way
Cost to User	Often free or low cost	May cost per message
Use Cases	Banking, mobile money, and self-service menus	Notifications, alerts, marketing messages
Internet Needed?	No	No

To End Users: In Kenya, many USSD services are free to the user, especially when the organization (like a bank or NGO) covers the cost. However, some charge a small fee per session (e.g., Ksh 1–5).
To Businesses:
1. Setting up a USSD code can cost between Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000+, depending on the telco and complexity.
2. Monthly maintenance or usage fees may apply.
3. Aggregators might charge per session or per minute.

Celcom Africa is widely regarded as the best USSD code service provider in Kenya. With a strong track record of powering USSD solutions across sectors like real estate, banking, SACCOs, insurance, and government services, Celcom stands out for its reliability, speed, and customer-focused support.

They offer both shared and dedicated USSD codes, integrate seamlessly with major mobile network operators (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom and Equitel), and provide flexible pricing models tailored to startups, SMEs, and large enterprises.

Whether you're launching a fintech product, a real estate service, or a government outreach program, Celcom Africa provides the expertise and infrastructure to make your USSD service a success.

Steps:

Choose a Telco or Aggregator: Decide whether to go through Safaricom, Airtel,Telkom, Equitel or use a USSD aggregator like Celcom Africa
Define Your Service: Prepare a business use case or proposal showing how the USSD code will be used.
Apply for a Shortcode:
- Safaricom/Airtel require you to submit an official request and go through approval.
- Aggregators can provision shared shortcodes more quickly (e.g., 384 or 483).
Develop Your Application: Build the USSD menus and logic (can be done in PHP, Python, Node.js, etc.).
Integration & Testing: Integrate with your backend (banking system, CRM, etc.) and test with the provider.
Go Live: After approvals and testing, your USSD service goes live.