Do you want to know how to pay electricity bill via M-Pesa? It is really simple in Kenya because Kenya Power (KPLC) supports several official payment options that work on any Safaricom line. You can pay your postpaid bill using PayBill 888888, buy prepaid tokens using PayBill 888880, or use the short USSD code *977# if you prefer a menu option on your phone.
These methods work on both basic phones and smartphones, and payments reflect almost instantly on your KPLC account. Many people use M-Pesa because it is fast, reliable, and available at any hour, even when you do not have internet access.
Quick Glance: Pay Your Electricity Bill via M-Pesa
These are the official Kenya Power options for paying a postpaid bill or buying prepaid tokens directly from your phone.
Table of Contents
Methods to Pay Electricity Bill via M-Pesa
Here are all the methods that can be used to pay electricity bill in Kenya via M-Pesa:
1. How to Pay Electricity Bill via M-Pesa (Postpaid Bills)
If you receive a monthly KPLC bill, this is the method that applies to you.
Steps:
- Open M-PESA on your phone
- Go to Lipa na M-PESA
- Select Pay Bill
- Enter Business Number: 888888
- Enter Account Number (the one on your bill)
- Enter the amount you want to pay
- Confirm the details
- Enter your M-PESA PIN
- Wait for the confirmation SMS
Your bill is paid immediately. Kenya Power updates the account within a few minutes.
2. How to Buy Electricity Tokens via M-Pesa (Prepaid)
This method is for customers using token meters.
Steps:
- Open M-PESA
- Go to Lipa na M-PESA
- Tap Pay Bill
- Enter Business Number: 888880
- Use your meter number as the account number
- Enter the amount
- Confirm and enter your PIN
- You receive two messages — M-PESA and a 20-digit token from KPLC
- Key the token into your meter
The token arrives almost instantly unless the system is congested.
3. How to Pay KPLC Using *977# (USSD Method)
Most people asking how to pay electricity bill want a method that works without internet, which is why the *977# USSD menu is so popular across Kenya.
Steps:
- Dial *977#
- Choose Prepaid Services or Postpaid Services
- Select Buy Token or Pay Bill
- Enter meter number or KPLC account number
- Enter amount and confirm
- Complete the payment using your M-PESA PIN
The USSD menu is simple and works on basic phones as well.
Ways to Pay Your Electricity Bill
You can pay with PayBill, USSD, or the M-Pesa app. This table shows how these options compare.
| Payment Method | How It Works | Typical Limit | Approximate Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill | Use PayBill 888888 for postpaid or 888880 for prepaid, then enter your account or meter number. | Up to the normal M-Pesa send limit (for most users this is around KSh 70,000). | Often treated as a bill payment at no extra cost from KPLC. |
| USSD menu (*977#) | Dial *977#, select prepaid or postpaid, then follow the prompts to pay from your M-Pesa balance. | Lower than the app and toolkit limit for some users, often around KSh 35,000. | Small service charge may apply on some lines. Check your M-Pesa tariff for the exact fee. |
| M-Pesa app or toolkit shortcut | Open the M-Pesa app or SIM toolkit, go to Lipa na M-Pesa, then PayBill, and use the KPLC PayBill numbers. | Up to the normal M-Pesa daily limit (often around KSh 70,000). | Usually no extra charge beyond the standard M-Pesa tariff. |
4. Other Official Ways to Pay if M-Pesa Fails
When M-Pesa has a delay or you prefer another option, Kenya Power still provides several official ways to complete your payment. These alternatives are useful when the PayBill route is slow or you want to confirm a bill before paying.
Other reliable payment options include:
- *USSD 977# – lets you check your postpaid balance, buy tokens, confirm a bill, or report issues directly from your line.
- MyPower app – the official Kenya Power app on Android and iOS for checking bills, buying tokens, tracking usage, and submitting complaints.
- KPLC Self-Service Portal – allows online bill checking and card payments for postpaid customers.
- Bank branches and agency banking – most major banks accept KPLC payments inside halls or through their mobile banking apps.
- T-Kash, Airtel Money, and other mobile wallets – these support KPLC transactions using the same PayBill numbers.
These options ensure you are never stuck during M-Pesa downtime.
If you also use Airtel Money for payments, you can follow our guide on how to link NIN to Airtel officially to avoid service interruptions.
Important Notes About PayBill Numbers (Avoid Wrong Codes)
The official PayBills from Kenya Power are:
- 888880 → Prepaid Tokens
- 888888 → Postpaid Bills
People often ask about numbers like 501200 or 888899. These are not listed by KPLC as official PayBills and should not be used unless directly confirmed by the company. If you are unsure how to pay electricity bill on your phone, the quickest option is using M-Pesa PayBill 888888 for postpaid or 888880 for prepaid tokens.
KPLC PayBill Numbers at a Glance
These are the main PayBill numbers you will see when paying Kenya Power bills or buying tokens with M-Pesa.
| Service or Type | PayBill Number | How It Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| KPLC postpaid electricity bill | 888888 | Used to pay a monthly Kenya Power bill for postpaid accounts. |
| KPLC prepaid token purchase | 888880 | Used to buy prepaid electricity tokens using your meter number. |
| Other KPLC related PayBills you may see | 888899 | Appears in some guides for rural or legacy services. Always confirm with KPLC before using it. |
| Legacy bill and bank linked PayBill | 501200 | Shows up in older instructions and some bank apps. Treat it as a legacy option and confirm inside your bank app before using it. |
What Your KPLC Token SMS Actually Means
For prepaid customers, the message you receive after buying tokens through M-Pesa contains details that help you track your electricity use. Understanding the SMS makes it easier to confirm your purchase and enter the right code.
A typical KPLC token SMS includes:
- 20-digit token code – this is the number you key in on your meter to load the units you bought.
- Units (kWh) – shows how much electricity you received from the amount you paid.
- Amount paid – the exact payment that was processed through M-Pesa.
- Reference details – transaction codes and meter information used to match the payment to your account.
Units may change from month to month due to taxes, levies, and fuel cost adjustments.
How to Confirm Your Payment
You can confirm your electricity bill or token payment through:
- The M-PESA SMS
- The token SMS from KPLC (for prepaid)
- Your online account on the KPLC self-service portal
- The M-PESA statement in the app
If the token delays, it usually appears within a short time once congestion clears.
If your M-Pesa or KPLC statements download in an unknown format, here is a quick guide on how to open an unknown format on any device.
Security Tips When Paying Through M-Pesa
Small mistakes or unsafe practices can lead to payment issues, especially when using PayBill numbers. A few simple checks help keep your payment safe.
Keep these points in mind:
- Never share your M-Pesa PIN or verification codes with anyone.
- Always confirm the PayBill number (888880 for tokens, 888888 for postpaid bills) before sending money.
- Confirm the meter or account number to avoid paying the wrong account.
- Keep your M-Pesa confirmation SMS until the token arrives or the postpaid bill shows as updated.
- Ignore calls or messages asking for payment “updates” or PINs. Only use official contacts listed by Kenya Power.
These steps help you avoid the most common payment issues.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your token or payment does not reflect:
- Check that the meter or account number was typed correctly
- Confirm that your M-PESA balance was enough
- Wait a few minutes during peak hours
- Dial *977# → Prepaid → Token → Resend Token
- Call Kenya Power with your M-PESA code for a manual update
When to Contact Kenya Power and How
You only need to contact Kenya Power when something does not update correctly after payment. Most transactions go through instantly, but delays can happen during network congestion or system maintenance.
Reach out to Kenya Power if:
- A token does not arrive within 30–60 minutes.
- You used the wrong meter or account number and need the payment redirected.
- Your postpaid bill still shows unpaid after 24 hours.
- You received a token but it fails to load on the meter.
Official Kenya Power Support Channels:
- USSD: *977#
- Call (short code): 97771
- Phone: 0703 070 707
- Email: customercare@kplc.co.ke
- KPLC Offices: Visit the nearest branch for account corrections or refund requests.
Having your M-Pesa transaction ID, meter/account number, and payment amount ready will make the process faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I pay my KPLC bill with 977#?
Dial *977#, choose Postpaid Services, select Bill, then Pay Bill, enter your KPLC account number and confirm the amount.
2. Is 501200 a KPLC PayBill number?
No. The official PayBills are 888888 for postpaid bills and 888880 for prepaid tokens.
3. How to pay an electric bill using a phone?
You can pay using M-PESA PayBill, the Safaricom app, or the *977# USSD option. Each requires your KPLC account or meter number.
4. Which other PayBill numbers for KPLC tokens?
There is only one official token PayBill: 888880.
5. Which PayBill is 888899?
It is not an official Kenya Power PayBill. It should not be used for buying tokens or paying bills.
Final Notes
Many first-time customers search for how to pay electricity bill because the process feels confusing at first, but it becomes simple once you know the official PayBill numbers. Paying your electricity bill through M-PESA is fast and reliable. The most important part is using the correct PayBill number and confirming that your account or meter number is accurate. Whether you prefer the PayBill menu, the Safaricom app, or the *977# USSD option, all methods process payments instantly and work anywhere in Kenya.
Tarun Asrani is the founder and editor-in-chief of SmartAfricaGuide. With extensive experience in digital publishing and content strategy, he leads the platform’s focus on finance, scholarships, e-learning, and career opportunities shaping Africa today. Tarun visits Africa twice a year, gaining first-hand exposure to local education systems, job markets, and emerging technologies. He also closely follows African news, university updates, and government initiatives to ensure SmartAfricaGuide delivers timely, accurate, and practical insights grounded in real regional experience.
