You do this often: send money from the bank to mobile money, then from mobile money to KPLC, just to keep the lights on — paying a little fee at each step. Bank to mobile money to stima doesn't make common cents. Here's how to buy KPLC tokens on the KCB App — or dial *522# — and lipa stima directly from your account, in well under a minute.

What you need

•     The KCB Mobile App (or any phone for *522#).

•     Your KPLC prepaid meter number.

•     Enough money in your KCB account to cover the purchase.

How to buy KPLC tokens on the KCB App

1.     Open the KCB Mobile App and log in.

2.     Tap Pay Your Bills (or the Pay option on the home screen).

3.     Select KPLC / Buy Tokens.

4.     Enter your prepaid meter number.

5.     Enter the amount you want to buy.

6.     Check the details on screen, then confirm and authorise with your PIN.

7.     Your token is sent to you by SMS (and shown in the app). Enter the 20-digit token into your meter.

How to buy KPLC tokens via *522# (no smartphone)

1.     Dial *522# on your phone.

2.     Select the Payments / Pay Bills option.

3.     Select KPLC.

4.     Enter your meter number, then the amount.

5.     Confirm with your PIN and receive your token by SMS.

Prepaid vs postpaid — a quick note

Tokens apply to prepaid meters. If you are on a postpaid (monthly bill) account, you pay your bill using your account or bill number rather than buying a token. The app caters for both; just choose the option that matches your meter.

Tips to avoid mistakes

•     Double-check the meter number before you confirm — tokens are tied to a specific meter.

•     Enter the 20-digit token into your meter exactly as received.

•     Keep the SMS as your receipt in case you need to re-enter the token.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy tokens for someone else's meter?

Yes. Simply enter their prepaid meter number instead of your own.

Where do I find my meter number?

It is printed on your meter and appears on previous token receipts or SMS messages.

I didn't receive my token — what should I do?

First check your SMS inbox. If it still has not arrived, contact KCB and/or KPLC through their official support channels with your transaction details.

Can I buy tokens without a smartphone?

Yes - dial *522# and follow the KPLC option.

Is there a charge for buying tokens on the app?

Please confirm the current fee with KCB before relying on it.

Get started

Next time the tokens run low at 11pm, it should be a 30-second job — not a three-step transfer. Set up the KCB App once, or dial *522#, and buy stima straight from your account from here on.