Bulk messaging means reaching many people at once. In Kenya that usually starts with SMS, but it can also mean automated voice calls, USSD menus and two-way conversations. Picking the right channel for each message improves results and lowers cost.
Bulk SMS
Best for short, time-sensitive information that must reach everyone: alerts, receipts, reminders, offers. Works on every phone, no data needed. See Bulk SMS.
Automated voice calls (IVR)
Best for audiences who prefer listening, including elderly and low-literacy customers, and for messages in Swahili or local languages. Also useful for collections and surveys where people respond by pressing keys. See IVR and IVR for customer support.
USSD
Best when customers need to look something up or do something: check a balance, register, vote, pay. Instead of you pushing many messages, customers dial a code and pull what they need. See USSD and USSD vs mobile app.
Two-way SMS
Best for confirmations, feedback and simple conversations: “Reply 1 to confirm”. Replies land in your dashboard inbox or your own system. See two-way SMS.
Choosing the channel
| Goal | Best channel |
|---|---|
| Payment receipt or OTP | SMS |
| Appointment confirmation | Two-way SMS |
| Reminder for elderly customers | Voice call |
| Balance or statement lookup | USSD |
| Promotion to an opted-in list | SMS |
| Survey or poll | USSD, SMS or voice |
One platform, one API
Connect Media runs bulk SMS, voice, USSD and two-way messaging from one dashboard and one API, so your contact lists, reports and billing stay in one place.
Start sending with Connect Media
Create an account — no minimum top-up, credit that never expires, and SMS from KES 1.0 to Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom numbers. Questions? Call +254 707 339 945 or email info@connectmedia.co.ke.
Frequently asked questions
What is bulk messaging?
Bulk messaging is sending the same or personalised messages to many people at once, usually by SMS, automated voice calls or messaging apps.
Is bulk SMS or voice better in Kenya?
SMS is cheaper and faster for short information. Voice suits customers who prefer listening or need messages in local languages.
Can I run SMS, USSD and voice from one account?
Yes. Connect Media provides bulk SMS, USSD, IVR voice and two-way SMS from one dashboard and API.