Kenya Power has announced what is seen as backward progress that limits the purchase of tokens to the 888880 M-Pesa Paybill number. This paybill number has always been there but over the years a number of financial apps have offered alternative ways to buy Tokens.
I have been using Tingg which has really worked well for me. It is faster and more reliable to me compared to what Kenya Power is suggesting we use. There are a ton of other alternatives which most people will swear by.
Kenya Power has not given any good reason for this change and has only issued a statement saying “We wish to inform our prepaid and postpaid customers that, effective Thursday, 1st September 2022, the purchase of prepaid tokens.” it is also ridiculous that the company can issue the statement to customers two days before the changes are implemented.
The company went ahead to say, payment of postpaid bills will ONLY be made through the following authorised channels:
- M-PESA Paybill 888888
- Authorised banks
- New Connections – M-PESA Paybill 888899
Customers can also conveniently access these services through KPLC banking halls countrywide. They can also purchase tokens or pay their bills via USSD code *977#.
As for the thirds party agents and apps, the company said “Please note that other third-party agent is authorised to offer these services on behalf of KPLC. The Company will therefore not take liability for any transaction conducted through any other platform.”
Some of the apps that have made it easier to buy Kenya Power tokens have already informed they customers that they will not be able to make payments through their platforms. It is still unclear what will happen if you do so and I cannot imagine the confusion that will be there in the coming weeks.
Read: Kenya Power to start piloting electric vehicle charging stations in Nairobi and Nakuru