Key takeaways
- Keep a small airtime reserve before heavy rain arrives.
- Top up from home with *831# instead of walking out to a shop.
- Tell family and colleagues your plans, so they know when to expect you.
- Keep your phone charged and dry, and check your balance before you leave.
When the long rains arrive, plans change fast: a road floods, a matatu is delayed, a meeting moves online. Knowing how to stay connected in the rainy season means a few small habits, and most of them cost nothing. Here is a simple checklist.
Keep a small reserve before the rain starts
Nobody wants to look for a shop in a downpour. Before a storm, or before the rainy weeks begin, set aside a small airtime reserve so you are never caught empty.
- Keep enough for a few calls, not for weeks. Something like KSh 50 to 100 is a sensible cushion, depending on how much you call.
- Top up again when the reserve is used, so the cushion is always there.
- Read why a small airtime reserve is a smart habit for more on this idea.
If you look after children or older relatives, think about who might need to reach you in an emergency, such as a school, a clinic or a neighbour. Make sure they have your number, and that yours is topped up.
Top up from home to stay connected in the rainy season
Waiting for a shop to open, or walking in the mud to find one, is the worst way to buy credit. With TekeTeke Airtime you can dial *831# from anywhere you have a signal, and it works 24/7.
It works on Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom and Faiba, so it does not matter which line you need to fill. Buying through *831# is free of charge, and you receive 2% bonus airtime and instant confirmation of the transaction.
Tell people your plans
In bad weather, being reachable also means being predictable. If people know where you are and when you expect to arrive, they worry less, even if a call drops.
- Tell your family when you are leaving and where you are going.
- Message when you arrive, or when you are delayed.
- Agree on a backup plan, such as a neighbour's number, in case your phone dies.
- Let work know if you might be late or working from home.
Protect your phone and your charge
A topped-up phone is useless if the battery is flat or the screen is wet. Small habits help:
- Charge your phone fully whenever you can, especially before travel.
- Carry a plastic bag or waterproof pouch for your phone in the rain.
- Lower your screen brightness and close apps you are not using.
- Save important numbers on paper too.
Rain can also bring power cuts. Charge your devices whenever electricity is available, and keep a small torch nearby so you are not searching for it in the dark.
Travelling in the rain?
If your journey takes you out of town, read Travelling Upcountry? Keep Your Phone Topped Up on the Road for a full travel checklist.
Rain or shine, a top-up is only a dial away. Dial *831# whenever you need credit, and remember our team is available by phone or WhatsApp on +254 713735116, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Frequently asked questions
How can I top up airtime when it is raining and shops are far?
Dial *831# from your phone. It works on any phone with a signal and is available 24/7, so you do not need to leave the house.
How much airtime should I keep as a reserve?
It depends on how much you call. A small cushion that covers a few important calls is enough, and you can top up from KSh 10 with Teke Basic.
Does *831# work on all networks?
Yes. TekeTeke works on 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.
