Landing at JKIA? The 2025 Essential Guide to Getting a Safaricom SIM & M-PESA
Stepping off a long flight into the vibrant energy of Nairobi is exciting, but being disconnected can make those first few hours stressful. Whether you are heading to a luxury stay at Apartments on Demand or rushing to a business meeting in Westlands, you need data and mobile money (M-PESA) immediately.
Here is the definitive, step-by-step guide to getting set up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) like a local.
1. Where is the Safaricom Shop?
You don't need to hunt for a shop in the city. Safaricom has a dedicated, 24/7 retail booth located right in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1A.
Expert Tip: Look for the bright green branding just before you exit the building to the taxi/pick-up zone. If you miss it, there is another smaller kiosk near the parking garage, but the main Arrivals booth is the fastest for registration.
2. The Checklist: What You Need
Kenya has strict SIM registration laws (biometrics are required). Ensure you have these three things ready:
Original Passport: Scans or photos are not accepted.
Unlocked Device: Ensure your phone is not "region-locked" to a carrier like Verizon or Vodafone.
Physical Presence: They will take a digital photo of you and a thumbprint scan for government records.
3. Activating M-PESA (Crucial!)
In Kenya, cash is secondary; M-PESA is king. You can use it to pay for your Uber, buy groceries at Carrefour, or settle your bill at your apartment.
The Request: Ask the agent, "Please register me for M-PESA and activate the menu."
The Deposit: Give the agent some cash (USD, Euros, or KES) to "Top Up" your account immediately. This gives you instant spending power.
4. Recommended Data Bundles for 2025
Don't browse on "pay-as-you-go" rates; your credit will vanish. Ask for these "Power Bundles":
The Weekly Traveler: 5GB + Free WhatsApp for ~Ksh 500 ($4).
The Monthly Pro: 15GB + 400 Mins for ~Ksh 2,000 ($15).
Arriving in Style
Once your data is active, you’re ready to go. Open your Uber or Bolt app and set your destination to your Apartments on Demand residence. Our properties in Kilimani, Westlands, and Kileleshwa are all within 30 minutes via the Nairobi Expressway.