You can buy Kenya Power prepaid tokens directly from your Airtel Money wallet. Dial *334#, select Pay Bill, enter paybill 888880, then your meter number, the amount, and your PIN. KPLC sends the token by SMS. Enter the token into your meter and the units load.
The process takes about a minute and works on any phone.
Step by Step
- Dial *334# on your Airtel line (or open the MyAirtel app).
- Choose Pay Bill.
- Enter 888880 as the business number. This is KPLC’s paybill for prepaid tokens.
- Enter your prepaid meter number as the account number.
- Enter the amount in shillings.
- Check that the name shown is Kenya Power, then enter your Airtel Money PIN.
- Wait for the SMS from KPLC containing the 20-digit token. Key the token into your meter.
If the menu looks slightly different, look for the Pay Bill option and use 888880. The destination remains the same.
What You Need
- Your prepaid meter number (printed on the meter, usually 11 digits)
- Your Airtel Money PIN
- Enough balance to cover the amount plus any transaction fee
Read the meter number directly from the meter. Numbers saved in your phone or taken from old receipts often cause mistakes.
The Meter Number Matters
The account field must be your prepaid meter number. Do not enter your phone number, ID number, or a postpaid account number. A token bought against the wrong meter number loads onto that other meter. Recovering it requires applying to Kenya Power for reallocation.
Check the digits twice before you enter your PIN.
Prepaid and Postpaid Use Different Paybills
- Prepaid tokens: paybill 888880, account number = your meter number
- Postpaid bills: paybill 888888, account number = the number on your bill
Use 888880 for a token meter.
What It Costs
Airtel previously ran a zero-fee promotion on KPLC payments, but that offer ended. Current fees for paybill payments on Airtel Money typically follow the standard paybill tariff and can range from roughly KSh 7 to KSh 108 depending on the amount. The exact fee appears on your confirmation screen before you enter your PIN. Always check that screen.
Airtel has also run cashback offers on paybill fees from time to time. These are temporary, so treat any cashback as a bonus rather than a fixed feature.
If the Token Does Not Arrive
Give it a few minutes first. Then:
- Dial *977# (KPLC’s USSD) and check your recent tokens, or open the myPower app.
- Note the transaction ID from your Airtel Money confirmation SMS and call Airtel on 100.
- If Airtel confirms the payment went through, contact Kenya Power with the same transaction ID.
Keep the confirmation SMS until the units are loaded on your meter.
Buy Only from Official Channels
Kenya Power only authorises specific channels for prepaid tokens: paybill 888880, paybill 888888, the *977# code, the myPower app, and approved bank halls. Do not buy tokens from unofficial agents or third parties, even if they offer a discount.
It is also practical to keep a small reserve of units so you are not caught out if the vending system has a temporary outage.
Other Ways to Buy the Same Token
You can also buy KPLC prepaid tokens through M-Pesa (paybill 888880), *977#, the myPower app, or a bank. The token itself is identical regardless of the payment method.
Common Questions
What is the Airtel Money paybill for KPLC prepaid tokens?
888880. Use your prepaid meter number as the account number.
Do I need an M-Pesa account?
No. You can buy directly from your Airtel Money wallet.
Does it work on a basic phone?
Yes. *334# works on any handset.
Which number do I enter as the account?
The meter number printed on your prepaid meter (usually 11 digits). Not your phone number.
That covers buying KPLC prepaid tokens with Airtel Money. Double-check the meter number, confirm the fee on the screen, and keep the confirmation SMS until the units appear on your meter.
