Technology

Safaricom SIM, eSIM and Lines: Costs, Lines on Your ID and SIM Upgrades

Barber shop offering mobile phone charging in Kenya – safaricom esim cost
Barber shop offering mobile phone charging in Kenya. Photo: CaptChandra / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Line questions: costs, registration checks and old SIM cards.

Young Kenyan woman talking on her mobile phone – illustrating safaricom esim cost
Young Kenyan woman talking on her mobile phone. Photo: Queen Asali / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Based on questions people sent to Safaricom’s official X account (@Safaricom_Care) and Safaricom’s own replies, checked on 14 October 2026. Questions are paraphrased.

eSIM costs

Safaricom said a new line activation costs KES 250 and a replacement KES 150.

Which numbers are on my ID?

Dial *106# > Number Query Service > Check Registration Status.

Old SIM and Lipa na M-PESA menu

Safaricom said some long-used SIM cards fail on the SIM toolkit’s Lipa na M-PESA option and advised a SIM replacement to upgrade the line.

Not getting M-PESA SMS

Check blocked, screened or spam folders and apps like Truecaller.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a Safaricom eSIM?

KES 250 for a new line, KES 150 for a replacement, per Safaricom.

How do I see lines registered to my ID?

Dial *106# and choose Number Query Service.

Related: Safaricom help hub

Sources: Safaricom on X, Safaricom on X, 30 Sep 2026, Safaricom on X, 5 Oct 2026. Last updated October 2026.

Norah Waceke

About Author

Norah Waceke is a business journalist and editor at Business Radar with more than eight years of experience covering Kenya's economy, companies and markets. She previously worked at Kenyans.co.ke, one of the country's leading digital news platforms, where she reported on business, finance and current affairs. A graduate of Multimedia University of Kenya, Norah focuses on clear, accurate reporting that helps readers understand the money stories shaping their lives and businesses.

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