Key takeaways
- Agree a simple call routine before the term starts.
- Top up parents and guardians in advance so they can always call back.
- Students on a budget can top up from as little as KSh 10.
- Buying through *831# is free of charge and gives 2% bonus airtime.
When a new term begins, families juggle school fees, uniforms, transport and a hundred small details. It is easy to forget one important item: staying in touch. Planning your back-to-school airtime is a small job that saves a lot of worry, for parents, guardians and students alike.
Agree a call routine first
Before the term starts, sit down and decide how you will keep in touch. A routine removes guesswork and stops airtime disappearing in random, long calls.
- Choose a day and time for a regular call, such as Sunday evening.
- Decide who calls whom, so credit is shared fairly.
- Agree what counts as urgent, and when a short text is enough.
- Make sure the student knows key numbers by heart or has them written down.
Check school rules too. Some schools limit phone use, so plan around what is allowed and use the school's official contact details when needed.
Top up the people who will be calling
Parents, guardians and grandparents often make the important calls, and they may live far from a shop. Topping them up in advance means the phone is ready when the school or the student needs to reach them.
You can buy airtime for another person by dialling *831# and following the on-screen instructions. Double-check the number before you confirm. Our guide on buying airtime for someone else walks through the details.
It also helps to keep a short list of the numbers that matter most: the parent or guardian, a relative nearby and the school office. Save them in the phone and write them in a notebook too.
Tips for students on a budget
Students often have little pocket money, so every shilling counts. TekeTeke top-ups start from KSh 10, so small and regular is always possible.
- Set a weekly amount and stick to it.
- Use wifi-based messaging when you are somewhere with wifi, since it does not use airtime.
- Keep calls short and save the long chats for the weekly routine.
- Keep a little reserve for emergencies.
- Ask family to top you up in advance for the term, when they can.
Our student guide to staying connected on a budget has more ideas.
Make back to school airtime easy for everyone
*831# works on any phone and on all major networks in Kenya, so it does not matter if the parent uses Safaricom and the student uses Airtel. Buying through the code is free of charge, you get 2% bonus airtime, and the confirmation is instant.
If you prefer, you can also pay via Paybill number 7777727 and follow the instructions.
Set up the term, then relax
A few minutes now saves stressful phone calls later. Dial *831# to top up before reporting day, agree your routine and let the term begin. If you need a hand, our support team is on WhatsApp at +254 713735116, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Frequently asked questions
How can I top up airtime for my child's guardian or relative?
Dial *831#, follow the on-screen instructions and enter their number carefully. Check it before you confirm and keep the confirmation message.
What is the smallest airtime top-up I can buy?
Teke Basic top-ups start from KSh 10, which suits students on a tight budget.
Does *831# work on every network?
Yes. TekeTeke supports all major networks in Kenya, including Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom and Faiba.
Ready to top up?
Dial *831# to buy airtime on any major network, free of charge, with 2% bonus airtime.
