Shortcodes
SMS Shortcodes & Sender IDs for Kenyan Businesses
SMS Shortcodes & Sender IDs for Kenyan Businesses
Deploy shared or dedicated SMS shortcodes and register CAK-aligned alphanumeric sender IDs with MobiWave. Run two-way campaigns, voting, lead capture and subscriptions on memorable codes, while your branded sender ID is registered across Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom — all handled during onboarding at no extra cost.
Get StartedKey Features
Practical capabilities built for delivery, control, and measurable growth.
Shared and dedicated SMS shortcodes
Alphanumeric sender ID registration on all 3 networks
CAK-aligned registration handled for you
Two-way SMS for replies and interaction
Keyword routing and auto-responders
Campaign and voting flows
Lead capture and subscription management
Opt-in / opt-out ledger for compliance
Webhook delivery of every inbound message
Bundled with bulk SMS, USSD and WhatsApp
Why Choose Our Shortcodes Service?
- Memorable codes that lift response and recall
- Branded sender IDs build trust on every phone
- CAK registration done for you — no admin fee
- Two-way interaction drives real engagement
- Compliance-ready opt-in and opt-out tracking
- 24/7 local Nairobi support via phone and WhatsApp
Get Started Today
Ready to transform your business communication? Contact us today to learn more about our Shortcodes service.
Use Cases
See how businesses like yours are using our Shortcodes service.
Two-way campaigns
Run reply-to-win, polls and interactive promotions on a memorable shortcode.
Voting & competitions
Collect votes via SMS keywords with live tallying and duplicate suppression.
Lead generation
Capture leads from adverts with a keyword-to-shortcode call to action.
Subscriptions
Manage opt-in content subscriptions (tips, alerts, updates) with auto-renew.
Customer support lines
Give customers a short number to text for help, with webhook routing to your desk.
Surveys
Power SMS surveys and NPS over a branded sender ID and two-way channel.
Alerts & notifications
Send service alerts, statements and reminders from a recognized sender ID.
Loyalty programs
Let members check points and redeem rewards by texting your shortcode.
How Shortcodes works in Kenya
From registration to live delivery, here is what working with MobiWave looks like.
Choose shared or dedicated
Shared shortcodes are live fast on a sub-keyword of MobiWave’s allocated code. Dedicated codes are yours alone for full branding and unrestricted keyword control.
Register your sender ID (CAK)
We handle alphanumeric sender ID registration with Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom under the CAK-aligned framework during onboarding — at no extra admin fee. Most are approved in 1–3 business days.
Configure keywords & auto-replies
Set up keyword routing, auto-responders and subscription logic in the dashboard or via API. Inbound messages post to your webhook in real time.
Launch your campaign
Publish the shortcode and sender ID across your marketing. Track inbound volume, opt-ins and replies from one console.
Stay compliant
We maintain the opt-in / opt-out ledger and enforce STOP-to-unsubscribe so every two-way flow stays within ODPC and CAK rules.
Bundle with SMS, USSD & WhatsApp
Add bulk SMS, USSD menus and WhatsApp to the same MobiWave account — one billing line, one support contact.
MobiWave vs other providers in Kenya
A side-by-side look at how MobiWave compares on the things that matter for Kenyan organisations.
| Capability | MobiWave | Africa's Talking | Celcom Africa | Twilio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared + dedicated shortcodes | Both | Shared only | Both | Not supported |
| Sender ID registration | Free, handled for you | KES 7,000 / network | KES 7,000 / network | Via aggregator |
| Two-way SMS + keywords | Included | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on |
| Opt-in / opt-out ledger | Built-in | DIY | DIY | DIY |
| Bundle with USSD & WhatsApp | One account | Add-ons | Add-ons | Separate |
| Local 24/7 support | Phone + WhatsApp | Developer-only | Business hours | No local team |
MobiWave handles CAK sender-ID registration for you at no admin fee. Competitor shortcode and sender-ID models are typically quote-based — confirm before contract.
Pricing
Choose the plan that best fits your business needs.
Shared Shortcode
- Sub-keyword on shared code
- Two-way SMS + keywords
- Fast go-live
- Standard support
Dedicated Shortcode
- Your own shortcode
- Full keyword control
- Branded sender ID included
- 24/7 support
Enterprise
- Multiple codes & IDs
- Custom SLAs
- CRM / helpdesk integrations
- Dedicated account manager
Shortcodes questions, answered.
The practical questions Kenyan organisations ask about shortcodes, with straight answers and KES pricing where it applies.
Still have a question? Talk to us →Alphanumeric sender IDs in Kenya are registered with the mobile networks under the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) framework. MobiWave handles registration with Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom during onboarding at no extra admin fee. You will need a signed, stamped authorisation letter on company letterhead; most sender IDs are approved within 1–3 business days.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss how MobiWave can help your business communicate more effectively.