.jpg)
Top SMS Platforms (Gateways) in Kenya
- Ntende Kenneth
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
In Kenya, SMS continues to be a vital channel for communication, especially for businesses looking to send real-time alerts, promotions, verifications, and reminders.
Despite the growth of WhatsApp and other digital platforms, SMS remains unmatched in reach, simplicity, and delivery rates particularly in regions with limited internet access.
This guide explores the most reliable and feature-rich SMS platforms in Kenya. We compared them based on reliability, pricing, local support, API access, ease of use, and use-case flexibility.
Whether you’re running a SACCO, school, ecommerce store, fintech, government agency, or NGO there’s a platform that fits your needs.
List of SMS Platforms in Kenya
1. Trembi Campaigns
Overview:Â
Trembi Campaigns is a full-stack customer communication platform built for African businesses. With SMS, WhatsApp, Email, and CRM tools in one dashboard, Trembi helps you manage leads, nurture customers, and send automated messages with ease.
How to send SMS using Trembi Campaigns
Key Features:
Bulk SMS with local Kenyan delivery routes
WhatsApp, Email, and SMS automation flows
Lead scoring, contact segmentation, and campaign scheduling
Custom templates for schools, insurance, ecommerce, and more
Integrations with CRMs and websites
Lead qualification: The system automatically Gauges who may be more interested in your communications and may convert into a customer
Why Choose Trembi?
Trembi isn’t just an SMS platform it’s a full sales and marketing automation system. You can set up SMS reminders, promotional campaigns, or drip sequences triggered by customer actions.
Pricing:Â Pay-as-you-go or custom monthly bundles based on volume
Support:Â 24/7 customer service, with onboarding support for teams
Best for:Â SMEs, schools, SACCOs, ecommerce, fintech
Send Bulk SMS to all networks in Kenya
2. Africa’s Talking
Overview:Â
Africa’s Talking is a developer-focused platform offering APIs for SMS, USSD, voice, and payments. It’s ideal for businesses that need to integrate messaging into apps or platforms.
Key Features:
RESTful SMS API for sending and receiving messages
USSD and Airtime integration
Sandbox testing environment for developers
Pricing:Â Volume-based pricing with free developer tier
Best for:Â Tech startups, software developers, banks, fintechs
Drawback:Â Not suitable for non-technical teams without IT support
3. Twilio
Overview:Â
Twilio is a global messaging infrastructure provider offering APIs for SMS, WhatsApp, and more. Twilio supports Kenya but is based in the US. This is ideal for companies in Kenya that need to send SMS' to USA.
Key Features:
Scalable, programmable messaging workflows
SMS fallback for WhatsApp and email
Built-in analytics and error tracking
Pricing:Â Higher than local platforms due to international routing (5 times higher than usual bulk SMS pricing in Kenya)
Best for:Â Enterprises, global apps, developers with large-scale needs
Drawback:Â No local presence, complex billing and quite costly
4. Elige Communications
Overview:Â
Elige Communications is a local Kenyan company providing bulk SMS and enterprise messaging services for over a decade.
Key Features:
Web-based SMS dashboard for easy sending
Affordable SMS bundles
Short codes and sender ID registration support
Pricing:Â Budget-friendly packages for SMEs
Best for:Â Local schools, churches, political campaigns, SMEs
Drawback:Â Basic interface with limited reporting
5. TextMe Kenya
Overview:Â
A Kenyan messaging provider combining SMS, USSD, and IVR services, with a focus on financial institutions.
Key Features:
Real-time SMS alerts
Two-way messaging support
Seamless integration with SACCO and bank systems
Pricing:Â Tailored based on service level and volume
Best for:Â SACCOs, MFIs, banks, micro-lenders
6. Safaricom Bulk SMS
Overview:Â
Safaricom offers direct bulk messaging to its subscriber base through its enterprise communication division.
Key Features:
Delivery via the Safaricom network
Secure and stable infrastructure
Pricing:Â Based on enterprise agreements
Best for:Â Government, banks, telcos with high volume needs
Drawback:Â Complicated onboarding, not ideal for small businesses and limited to their telecom
7. MobiTech Solutions
Overview:Â
MobiTech provides bulk SMS, short codes, and IVR solutions in Kenya with a focus on NGOs and institutional messaging.
Key Features:
Short code and keyword leasing
IVR and missed call alert integration
Mass messaging dashboard with delivery reports
Pricing:Â Custom pricing based on volume and features
Best for:Â NGOs, religious orgs, hospitals, political parties
8. Bongolive
Overview:Â A regional messaging platform serving East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Key Features:
Bulk SMS + airtime top-ups
Multilingual support and customizable templates
Pricing:Â Competitive and startup-friendly
Best for:Â Cross-border businesses, NGOs, startups
9. Echotel SMS
Overview:Â Echotel provides messaging services with a focus on professional services and media houses.
Key Features:
Web-based bulk SMS portal
Branded sender IDs
Group messaging and scheduling
Pricing:Â Prepaid bundles or postpaid plans for corporates
Best for:Â Law firms, media, consultancies, universities
10. RapidSMS Kenya
Overview:Â
A newer entrant focusing on fast delivery and a user-friendly interface.
Key Features:
Instant message delivery
Prepaid and postpaid billing options
Simple web interface
Pricing:Â Budget options for small and medium businesses
Best for:Â Retail, real estate, clinics
Updated Comparison Table
Platform | Local Support | SMS API | Pricing | Extras |
Trembi Campaigns | Yes | Yes | Affordable | WhatsApp, Email, CRM, Automation |
Africa’s Talking | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Voice, Airtime, USSD |
Twilio | No | Yes | High | Global coverage, Developer Tools |
Elige Communications | Yes | Basic | Low | Short codes, Local Support |
TextMe Kenya | Yes | Yes | Medium | USSD Integration |
Safaricom Bulk SMS | Yes | No | Variable | Direct Network Routing |
MobiTech Solutions | Yes | Yes | Flexible | IVR, Shortcodes, NGO tools |
Bongolive | Yes | Yes | Affordable | Airtime, Regional Coverage |
Echotel SMS | Yes | No | Affordable | Group Messaging, Scheduling |
RapidSMS Kenya | Yes | No | Budget | Fast Delivery, Clean UI |
How to Choose the Best SMS Platform in Kenya
Factors to consider:
Local delivery routes:Â Platforms like Trembi and Elige offer better delivery within Kenya.
Ease of use:Â For teams with no tech support, Trembi, Elige, and RapidSMS are ideal.
Integration capabilities: Developers will prefer Africa’s Talking or Twilio.
Customer support:Â Go for platforms with live chat, local teams, or account managers.
Automation needs: If you want more than bulk SMS, Trembi’s automation is unmatched.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bulk SMS platform in Kenya?
Trembi Campaigns, Africa’s Talking, and Elige are top choices depending on your use case.
How much does bulk SMS cost in Kenya?
KES 0.3–1.2 per SMS depending on provider and volume.
Can I send SMS via API in Kenya?
Yes. Trembi, Africa’s Talking, TextMe, MobiTech, and Twilio offer APIs.
Which platform combines SMS and WhatsApp in Kenya?
Trembi Campaigns supports SMS, WhatsApp, and Email from one dashboard.
What SMS platform is best for schools?
Trembi Campaigns and Elige are commonly used by schools for parent notifications.
Conclusion
Kenya’s messaging ecosystem has matured significantly, with platforms tailored to every business size and sector. Whether you want to run school notices, financial alerts, marketing campaigns, or political outreach the right SMS platform can save you time, money, and boost engagement.
Trembi Campaigns leads the pack with its multichannel support, automation tools, and local reliability. If you want a powerful, easy-to-use platform that goes beyond bulk SMS Trembi is your best bet.
👉 Book a demo or try Trembi Campaigns for free to elevate your communication today.