Businesses in Kenya have two powerful mobile communication tools at their disposal—SMS and USSD. Both can reach millions of customers, but each serves different purposes. Choosing the right one can greatly impact your marketing and service delivery.
SMS (Short Message Service) is ideal for alerts, promotions, and notifications. It’s stored on the phone and can be read later.
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is an interactive, session-based communication method often used for banking services, airtime purchases, and customer service menus.
| Feature | SMS | USSD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | Usually free for the customer |
| Interactivity | Limited | High (menu-driven) |
| Storage | Yes | No |
| Reach | Wide | Wide |
Marketing campaigns
Appointment reminders
Transaction alerts
Customer self-service menus
Airtime & bill payments
Registration processes
For integrated solutions, see our all-in-one messaging guide.
Both SMS and USSD have their place in Kenyan business communication. The best choice depends on your goals—SMS for outreach and alerts, USSD for interactive services.
