Imagine this scenario: You’re in the middle of an important conversation, and suddenly, your airtime runs out. Or perhaps you need to send an urgent message, but you’ve exhausted your balance. These situations can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially when you have no immediate access to a recharge outlet.
Fear not! Telkom’s PEWA allows you to borrow emergency airtime by just dialing *133#. The PEWA service is similar to Safaricom’s Okoa Jahazi and Airtel’s Kopa and is available to Telkom prepaid subscribers.
One stand-out thing is that you can borrow airtime in the middle of a call. No matter the situation, PEWA enables you to remain connected to the people you care about.
About PEWA emergency airtime
Telkom Kenya’s PEWA Emergency Credit service is designed to provide a lifeline when you run out of airtime, similar to Kopa Kredo and Okoa Jahazi from other carriers.
Eligible Telkom prepaid customers can access PEWA by dialing the simple code *133# on their phones. Depending on your needs, you can borrow PEWA 20, PEWA 50, or PEWA 100 on your Telkom line.
A 10% service fee applies to each request, meaning if you borrow PEWA 100, you’ll receive Ksh 90 worth of airtime. With PEWA, Telkom ensures you stay connected even during unexpected moments.
It’s important to note that a 10% service fee is applied to each PEWA request. This means if you borrow PEWA 100, you will receive Ksh 90 worth of airtime, with Ksh 10 being the service fee.
How to borrow airtime from Telkom
Accessing PEWA emergency airtime is an easy process. Dial *133# on a phone with a Telkom number to initiate the process. Select the amount of airtime that best suits your needs(typically Kshs. 20, 50, or 100). Follow the prompts to complete the loan and get back to calling or texting!
Eligibility for Telkom airtime
To be eligible for this service, Telkom requires the subscribers:
- To must have been an active user for the previous two months.
- To have your account airtime balance between Ksh 10 and Ksh 20.
- To have an accumulated spend of at least Ksh 50 in the previous month.
Understanding PEWA’s Terms and Conditions
Being familiar with PEWA’s terms and conditions is just as important as meeting their eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown of key points to remember:
- PEWA charges a 10% advance fee on each request. This means you’ll receive the requested airtime minus the 10% fee. For example, requesting Ksh 50 will result in Ksh 45 of usable airtime.
- PEWA airtime is valid for 30 days and cannot be used for international roaming.
- You have 7 days to settle your PEWA advance. If payment isn’t received within that timeframe, your access to the service will be suspended for 14 days.
Benefits of PEWA emergency airtime
- PEWA gives you instant airtime on loan if you are eligible
- It enhances quick airtime when there is no shop around to purchase airtime
- It is simple to master and convenient to use.
How to Check Your Telkom PEWA Balance
To check your Telkom PEWA balance, dial *131# on your phone.
How to repay airtime from Telkom Kenya
There are two main ways to repay airtime borrowed through Telkom Kenya’s PEWA service:
1. Top-up your Telkom Line:
- This is the most straightforward method. Simply recharge your Telkom phone number with enough credit to cover the borrowed amount and the 10% service fee. Once the top-up is successful, Telkom will automatically deduct the PEWA amount and fee from your main balance.
- You can top up your phone using various methods: Mobile Money services like M-Pesa, Agent shops, Telkom Self-care platforms (*160# or My Telkom App), or by purchasing a scratch card.
2. Pay Bill using T-Kash:
- If you’re a registered T-Kash user, you can use it to repay your PEWA balance directly.
- Dial *160# or access the My Telkom App and navigate to the T-Kash menu.
- Select “Pay Bill” and then choose “Popular Paybills.”
- Find “Telkom Kenya” from the list or enter the business number (220220).
- Enter your Telkom phone number as the “Account Number” and the total amount to be paid (borrowed amount + 10% fee).
- Confirm the transaction by entering your T-Kash PIN.
- You’ll receive a confirmation SMS upon successful repayment.
Conclusion
Telkom Kenya renders integrated telecommunications solutions to individuals and agencies in Kenya. They can give you instant airtime through a service called PEWA by charging a 10% fee.
You should always read the terms and conditions before you engage in any borrowing service in Kenya, since it is important to know what you are getting into.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get Okoa Jahazi on Telkom?
No, Telkom’s airtime borrowing service is called PEWA, not Okoa Jahazi. While both offer emergency airtime, PEWA is specific to Telkom.
2. What are PEWA Telkom bundles?
PEWA doesn’t function like traditional data or airtime bundles. Instead, it provides you with a set amount of emergency airtime – Kshs. 20, Kshs. 50, or Kshs. 100 – to make calls or send SMS.
3. How long do I have to repay PEWA?
You have seven days to repay the borrowed PEWA amount.
4. What happens if I don’t repay PEWA on time?
If you default on repayment, you won’t be able to access PEWA services for 14 days as a penalty.
5. Is PEWA free to use?
No, PEWA is not free. Telkom charges a 10% advance fee on every PEWA request you make.