USSD provider in Kenya
Your USSD provider in Kenya: the code, the app and the hosting
Most USSD providers sell you a code and leave the rest to you. Brilio Technologies gets you the code on Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom, designs the menu, builds and hosts the application, connects it to your systems and M-Pesa, and sends SMS receipts. One team, one integration.
Three kinds of USSD provider in Kenya
When businesses look for a USSD provider they usually find three options. The difference is how much of the work is left for you to do.
| Option | What you get | What you still do yourself | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Going to each network directly | A code on that one network | Apply to every network separately, build, host and integrate the app | Large banks and telco partners |
| USSD aggregator | A code on several networks through one API | Design, build, host and support the application | Companies with an in-house dev team |
| Full-service provider (Brilio) | The code, the menu, the app, hosting, integrations and SMS | Decide what customers should be able to do | SACCOs, lenders, SMEs, NGOs, and teams who want it done |
What we provide
Shared USSD codes
An extension of our code with free setup, live within days. The fastest way to launch or test demand.
Dedicated codes
Your own short code. We prepare and follow up the application with each network.
Menu design
Short, clear menus designed around what customers actually do, so sessions finish before they time out.
Development & integrations
Connected to your database, core banking or loan system, and M-Pesa for payments and disbursements.
Hosting & support
We host and monitor the application and fix issues with the networks directly.
Analytics & SMS
Session logs and analytics in your portal, and SMS receipts from the same account.
How a USSD project runs
- DiscoveryWe agree what customers should be able to do, who pays for sessions and which systems the app must talk to.
- Menu design and sign-offYou approve every screen and path before we write code.
- Code and buildWe set up a shared code or apply for your dedicated code while we build and integrate the application.
- Testing on every networkEvery path is tested on real phones on each network before launch.
- LaunchYour code goes live. We help you announce it with a bulk SMS to your customers.
- Support and improvementWe monitor the service and use session analytics to simplify steps where customers drop off.
How to choose a USSD provider in Kenya
Whoever you work with, ask these questions before you sign:
- Which networks? A code that only works on Safaricom leaves out Airtel and Telkom customers.
- Who builds and hosts the application? A code alone does nothing until something answers the session.
- Who pays for sessions? Check both pre-paid (customer pays from airtime) and post-paid (you pay) options and their costs.
- How fast is the backend? USSD sessions time out, so every screen must come back quickly.
- Can it connect to M-Pesa and your core system? Balances must be live, and payments confirmed.
- Can it send SMS? A USSD session leaves no record; an SMS receipt does.
- What reporting do you get? Session counts and drop-off points show you what to improve.
Codes, networks and current prices are compared on our USSD codes in Kenya page. For lending, our LendPoint platform already works over USSD.
USSD provider: frequently asked questions
What does a USSD provider in Kenya do?
A USSD provider gives you a USSD code on the mobile networks and connects it to an application that answers each step of the session. A full-service provider such as Brilio also designs the menu, builds and hosts the application and connects it to your systems and M-Pesa.
Should I go to Safaricom directly or use a USSD provider?
Going to each network directly means separate applications, contracts and integrations for Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom, plus building and hosting the application yourself. A provider handles the network applications and gives you one integration and one team.
Can you build the USSD application as well as provide the code?
Yes. We design the menu with you, build the application, connect it to your database, core system or M-Pesa, host it and monitor it. If you have developers, they can build on our USSD API instead.
How long does a USSD project take?
A focused service on a shared code can launch within days of the menu being signed off. Complex integrations and dedicated codes take longer, because each network must approve and set up a dedicated code.
Which networks do you support?
Shared codes run on Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom. Dedicated codes are set up on Safaricom and Airtel.
Can a USSD session send an SMS?
Yes. Because we provide bulk SMS as well, a USSD action such as a loan application or payment can send the customer an SMS confirmation automatically.
USSD guides
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USSD
How Much Does a USSD Code Cost in Kenya? (2026 Price Guide)
USSD code prices in Kenya for 2026: shared and dedicated code fees, per-session charges and who pays them, plus real budgets for a SACCO and a digital lender.
5 min readRead guide → -
USSD
USSD and Bulk SMS in Kenya: How to Use Them Together
USSD lets customers act, SMS confirms it and brings them back. How Kenyan lenders, SACCOs, schools and retailers combine the two, with five flows you can copy.
4 min readRead guide → -
USSD
USSD for Fintech in Kenya: Why It Still Matters in 2026
Apps get the spotlight, USSD gets the transactions. Why Kenyan lenders, SACCOs and insurers still run on USSD in 2026, and how to build a USSD service customers finish.
3 min readRead guide →
Talk to a USSD provider that builds it with you
Tell us what your customers need to do. We will recommend a shared or dedicated code, scope the application and give you a timeline.
