With the widespread use of mobile money services in Kenya, paying for services like DStv through M-Pesa has become a convenient and fast way to manage your subscriptions. Whether you’re renewing your existing subscription or activating a new one, this guide will take you through the process of paying for your DStv subscription via M-Pesa.
Why Pay for DStv via M-Pesa?
M-Pesa has revolutionized how Kenyans handle their daily financial transactions, including bill payments. By paying for your DStv subscription through M-Pesa, you enjoy several advantages:
- Convenience: You can pay from anywhere and at any time without the need to visit a physical outlet.
- Speed: Transactions are processed almost instantly, allowing for uninterrupted access to your favorite shows and channels.
- Security: M-Pesa’s secure platform ensures that your payment is handled safely, protecting you from fraud.
Step 1: Ensure You Have the Right Information
Before proceeding with the payment process, gather all the necessary details. You will need the following:
- Your DStv account number: This is the customer number associated with your DStv account, which is essential for ensuring the payment is correctly credited.
- The DStv Paybill number: MultiChoice Kenya has a designated M-Pesa Paybill number that is used for DStv payments (which is 444900).
- The amount to pay: Depending on the package you are subscribing to, ensure you know the correct amount to input for your subscription.
Step 2: Access the M-Pesa Menu
To begin the payment process, you need to open the M-Pesa menu on your mobile phone. This can be done using the following steps:
- Go to your phone’s menu and open the M-Pesa application or select it from the services menu.
- Once the M-Pesa menu is open, select Lipa na M-Pesa (Pay with M-Pesa).
Step 3: Choose the Paybill Option
After accessing the Lipa na M-Pesa menu, you will be presented with different payment options. Select Paybill, which allows you to pay for services and products using the recipient’s business number.
Step 4: Enter the DStv Paybill Number
The next step is to input the official DStv Paybill number. Enter 444900 as the business number and proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Input Your DStv Account Number
In this section, you will need to enter your unique DStv account number as the reference. Make sure the account number is accurate to avoid any delays or errors in processing your payment.
Step 6: Enter the Amount
Once you’ve entered your DStv account number, you will be prompted to specify the amount you wish to pay. The amount depends on the DStv package you have subscribed to, so be sure to confirm the correct payment amount.
Here’s a breakdown of some popular DStv packages and their monthly costs:
- DStv Premium: Ksh 8,900
- DStv Compact Plus: Ksh 5,500
- DStv Compact: Ksh 3,000
- DStv Family: Ksh 1,600
- DStv Access: Ksh 1,150
Step 7: Input Your M-Pesa PIN
After entering the amount, M-Pesa will ask for your PIN to authorize the transaction. Input your four-digit M-Pesa PIN carefully and confirm the payment.
Step 8: Confirm Payment Details
Before completing the payment, M-Pesa will display a confirmation screen with the details of your transaction. Double-check the DStv Paybill number, account number, and the amount you are paying to ensure they are correct. If everything is accurate, proceed with the payment.
Step 9: Receive Payment Confirmation
Once the payment is completed, you will receive two confirmation messages. The first one will come from M-Pesa, confirming that the payment has been successfully processed. The second message will come from DStv (MultiChoice Kenya), acknowledging the payment and updating your subscription. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes.
Step 10: Troubleshooting Common Issues
While paying for DStv via M-Pesa is generally seamless, you might encounter a few issues. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:
- Incorrect Account Number: If you mistakenly enter the wrong DStv account number, contact DStv’s customer care immediately. They can assist in rectifying the error and crediting the correct account.
- Delayed Service Activation: If your DStv services are not restored after payment, restart your decoder or refresh your account online. Alternatively, you can reach out to DStv support for help.
- Insufficient Funds: Always ensure you have enough balance in your M-Pesa account before initiating the payment to avoid failed transactions.
Other Payment Methods for DStv
In addition to M-Pesa, there are other ways you can pay for your DStv subscription:
- Online banking: Several Kenyan banks offer DStv payment services through their mobile banking apps.
- Airtel Money: Similar to M-Pesa, Airtel Money users can also pay for their DStv subscriptions.
- Bank deposits: You can also pay for DStv through direct bank deposits at partner banks like Equity and KCB.
