"How do I subscribe to a USSD product?" means two different things in Kenya. A customer might want to sign up for a service on a USSD code: a SACCO account, a loan, an insurance cover. A business might want to subscribe to a USSD service plan so it can offer its own product on a code. This guide covers both, plus how to design a subscription flow that customers actually complete.
Short answer: as a customer, dial the product's USSD code, choose Register or Subscribe, enter the details it asks for and confirm; you usually get an SMS confirming your subscription. As a business, subscribe to a USSD plan with a provider: at Brilio a shared code costs from KES 8,000 a month with free setup, paid monthly by M-Pesa from the portal.
Part 1: subscribing to a USSD product as a customer
How USSD subscription works
- Dial the code the business advertises, for example
*711*123#. - Choose the sign-up option, often called Register, Join, Subscribe or Open account.
- Enter your details when asked: usually your name, ID number and sometimes a PIN you create.
- Confirm. The last screen asks you to accept, often with 1. Accept 2. Cancel.
- Get your confirmation. Most services send an SMS confirming your subscription and how to use it.
Your phone number is taken automatically from the network, so you never type it in.
Is it free to subscribe?
It depends on how the business set up its code. On a pre-paid code your airtime is charged per session (for example KES 1 on Safaricom); on a post-paid code the business pays and you dial free. Read USSD charges in Kenya for the details.
How to unsubscribe
Look for an Unsubscribe, Opt out or My account option on the same USSD menu, or contact the business directly. For subscriptions you never signed up for, contact your network's customer care.
Part 2: subscribing to a USSD service as a business
To offer your own product on USSD, you subscribe to a USSD plan with a provider. At Brilio there are two plans:
| Plan | Code example | Setup | Monthly subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared code | *711*XXXX# to *711*X# |
Free | KES 8,000 – 35,000, shorter extensions cost more |
| Dedicated code (Safaricom) | *123# |
KES 270,000 | KES 70,000 |
| Dedicated code (Airtel) | *123# |
KES 210,000 | KES 70,400 |
Sessions are charged on top: pre-paid (your customer pays from airtime) or post-paid (you pay so customers dial free). Full prices: how much a USSD code costs in Kenya.
How to subscribe to a USSD plan
- Create a free account in the Brilio portal.
- Apply for a shared or dedicated code and upload your signed application form, business registration document and KRA PIN.
- When the code is confirmed available, pay the first month by M-Pesa from the portal (setup plus first month for a dedicated code).
- After network approval the code goes Active. Your subscription then renews monthly.
Every step, document and cost: how to apply for a USSD code in Kenya.
Part 3: design a subscription flow customers finish
If people will subscribe to your product on USSD, the sign-up menu is the most important screen you'll build. Most drop-off happens there.
- Ask for as little as possible. Name and ID number are often enough; collect the rest later.
- One question per screen. Short prompts, numbered choices.
- Show what they're agreeing to. Price, terms in one line, then 1. Accept 2. Cancel.
- Get consent. Record that the customer agreed, as the Data Protection Act requires for personal data.
- Confirm by SMS. A USSD session leaves no record; an SMS confirmation does, and it reassures the customer it worked.
- Offer a way out. Include Unsubscribe in the menu from day one.
A typical subscription flow looks like this:
*711*123#
Welcome to KAMAU SACCO
1. Register
2. Check balance
3. Apply for loan
> 1
Enter your full name:
> Jane Wanjiru
Enter your ID number:
> 12345678
Join KAMAU SACCO? Fee KES 500.
1. Accept 2. Cancel
> 1
Thank you Jane. An SMS with your member number is on its way.
Developers can build and test a flow like this without a SIM card in our USSD simulator, then follow how to build a USSD menu.
Related guides: What is a USSD code? · USSD for SACCOs · USSD codes in Kenya
Frequently asked questions
How do I subscribe to a USSD product in Kenya?
Dial the product's USSD code, choose the register or subscribe option, enter the details it asks for and confirm. Most services then send an SMS confirming your subscription.
How does a business subscribe to a USSD service?
Apply for a shared or dedicated USSD code with a provider and pay the monthly subscription. At Brilio a shared code costs from KES 8,000 a month with free setup, paid by M-Pesa from the portal.
Do I pay to subscribe to a USSD service?
On a pre-paid code your airtime is charged per session, for example KES 1 on Safaricom. On a post-paid code the business pays and you dial free. Some products also charge their own subscription or membership fee, which is shown before you accept.
How do I unsubscribe from a USSD service?
Use the unsubscribe or opt-out option on the same USSD menu, or contact the business. For subscriptions you didn't sign up for, contact your network's customer care.
How much is a USSD subscription for a business?
A shared code costs KES 8,000 to KES 35,000 a month depending on the extension length, with free setup. A dedicated code costs KES 70,000 a month on Safaricom plus a KES 270,000 setup fee.
Want to offer your product on USSD? See USSD codes in Kenya or talk to us as your USSD provider in Kenya.
