Key takeaways
- A short airtime year in review shows where your money and minutes really went.
- Look for patterns: busy months, panic top-ups and unused credit.
- Turn what you learned into a simple 2026 monthly budget.
- If your top-ups have grown, a different TekeTeke plan may suit you better.
The last days of the year are a good time to pause. A quick airtime year in review does not need spreadsheets or special apps. It just needs a few honest minutes with your phone, your purchase messages and a pen. What you learn can save you money and stress in 2026.
Step 1: Look back at how you spent airtime
Scroll through your confirmation messages and try to answer a few simple questions. You do not need exact figures, rough numbers are enough.
- About how much did you spend in a typical month?
- Which months cost the most, and why? School fees season, travel, festive season?
- How many times did you top up in a hurry because you ran out?
- Did you often have credit left over at the end of the month?
If you cannot find your messages, do not worry. From now on, keep your confirmations so next year's review is easy. Our guide to confirming your airtime purchase explains what to look for.
Step 2: Spot your habits
Patterns are more useful than totals. You may notice that you top up small amounts several times a week, which can be convenient but easy to lose track of. Or you may see one big top-up that ran out within days.
Ask yourself which habits helped and which did not:
| Habit you noticed | What it might mean | Idea for 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Many tiny top-ups | Hard to see the real total | Set a weekly or monthly amount |
| Frequent emergency top-ups | No reserve | Keep a small buffer |
| Leftover credit every month | You may be buying too much | Reduce the amount slightly |
| Spikes at certain times | Seasonal or work pressures | Plan those months in advance |
For ideas on stretching what you buy, read 10 simple ways to make your airtime last longer.
Step 3: Set your 2026 airtime budget
Now turn your review into a plan. Take your typical monthly spend, adjust it for what you learned, and choose a number you can stick to. Then add a little extra for the busy months you spotted.
Our monthly airtime budget guide walks you through it. You can also try the top-up calculator to see how much 2% bonus airtime your planned amount would earn.
Step 4: Check whether your plan still fits
If your purchases grew during the year, or if you now buy for a family, shop or team, it may be time to look again at your plan:
- Teke Basic: KSh 10 to KSh 1,999, ideal for everyday personal top-ups.
- Teke Pro: KSh 2,000 to KSh 5,999, adds automated top-ups and bulk discounts.
- Teke Elite: KSh 6,000 to KSh 11,000, adds airtime gifting, the highest bulk discounts and a dedicated account manager.
The plan comparison can help you decide, or you can look at our plans. There is no pressure to change. Simply choose what matches how you actually use airtime.
Start 2026 prepared
Take ten minutes, write down three things you want to do differently next year and put your budget somewhere you can see it. Then, when you next need credit, dial *831#. It is free of charge to buy, works on all major networks and gives you 2% bonus airtime on every top-up. Here is to a well-connected year ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What is an airtime year in review?
It is a short check of how much airtime you bought and how you used it during the year, so you can set a smarter budget for the next one.
How do I find out how much airtime I bought this year?
Go through your purchase confirmation messages. Rough monthly amounts are enough to spot patterns.
Should I change my TekeTeke plan for 2026?
Only if your top-ups have moved into a different range. Basic is KSh 10 to KSh 1,999, Pro is KSh 2,000 to KSh 5,999 and Elite is KSh 6,000 to KSh 11,000.
Ready to top up?
Dial *831# to buy airtime on any major network, free of charge, with 2% bonus airtime.
