What is Bulk SMS?

Bulk SMS is a bulk messaging service that enables businesses to send text messages to thousands of recipients simultaneously through a single platform. Unlike traditional one-to-one messaging, Celcom Bulk SMS allows you to reach large audiences instantly with personalized, targeted messages.

Instant Delivery

Messages delivered in 2-5 seconds via direct network connections to Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom. Perfect for time-sensitive alerts and notifications.

98% Open Rate

98% of SMS messages are read within 3 minutes, far surpassing email's 20-30% open rate. This ensures your messages reach customers when they matter most.

99%+ Delivery

CAK-compliant messaging with built-in DND filtering and opt-out management. Enterprise-grade infrastructure ensures reliable delivery for mission-critical apps.

How to Send Bulk SMS

Learning how to send bulk SMS is straightforward. Whether you're a bulk message sender using our web dashboard or integrating via bulk SMS API, sending messages takes just minutes.

1

Sign Up Free

Create your account in 30 seconds. Get 50 free SMS credits to test our platform. No credit card required.

2

Upload Contacts

Import contacts via CSV or Excel files, or add manually. Our platform supports bulk import and contact segmentation.

3

Compose & Send

Write your message, choose your SMS sender ID, and select route type (promotional or transactional). Send instantly or schedule for later.

4

Track Results

Monitor delivery status in real-time through our dashboard. Access comprehensive analytics showing delivery rates, engagement metrics, and campaign performance.

Why Choose Bulk SMS?

Discover why 10,000+ businesses in Kenya trust our bulk SMS service as their primary communication channel. From cost savings to instant reach, bulk messaging delivers measurable results.

Instant Delivery

Bulk SMS messages are delivered within 2-5 seconds through our direct SMS gateway connections. 98% of SMS messages are read within 3 minutes, ensuring your time-sensitive alerts and promotions reach customers immediately.

Affordable

With bulk SMS pricing starting from KES 0.25 per SMS, businesses can reduce communication costs by up to 60% compared to traditional methods. No setup fees, monthly subscriptions, or hidden charges—you only pay for SMS credits you use.

Reliable

99%+ delivery guarantee with direct network connections ensures your messages reach recipients reliably. CAK-compliant bulk SMS services include built-in security features, DND filtering, and opt-out management.

Scalable

Send messages to 10 recipients or 10 million—our bulk messaging service scales effortlessly. Whether you're a bulk message sender using the dashboard or integrating via bulk SMS API, flexible options include scheduled campaigns and real-time messaging.

Personalized

Personalize each message with recipient names, account numbers, or custom variables using dynamic field insertion. Personalized bulk SMS increases engagement rates by up to 40% and creates a more professional customer experience.

Analytics

Track delivery rates, open rates, engagement metrics, and campaign performance with comprehensive analytics. Our bulk SMS service provider platform exports reports in CSV or PDF formats and provides real-time dashboards to optimize your bulk messaging campaigns.

Bulk SMS Pricing

As Kenya's leading bulk SMS service provider, Celcom Africa offer transparent bulk SMS pricing with no hidden fees. Whether you're a bulk message sender using our bulk messaging service or integrating via bulk SMS API, pricing starts from KES 0.25 per SMS with volume discounts. View detailed pricing plans.

Bulk SMS pricing in Kenya typically depends on volume, route type (promotional vs transactional), and SMS sender ID requirements. Higher messaging volumes qualify for better rates. Custom SMS sender ID registration costs KES 6,500 per network operator (one-time fee) but increases open rates by up to 40%. Learn more about SMS branding.

CALCULATOR
Calculate Your Cost
<5K 10,000 2M+
PULSE
Rate: KES 0.50

Total: KES 5,000
PING
Below 5,000
KES 0.60

KES 500 - 2,999

All Networks

  • 99%+ delivery
  • Real-time reports
  • 24/7 support
Popular
PULSE
5,000 – 50,000
KES 0.50

KES 2,500 - 25,000

All Networks

  • All PING features
  • API access
  • Custom sender ID
ECHO
50,000 – 300,000
KES 0.40

KES 20,000 - 120,000

All Networks

  • All PULSE features
  • Priority support
  • Advanced analytics
WAVE
300,000 – 1,000,000
KES 0.30

KES 90,000 - 300,000

All Networks

  • All ECHO features
  • Dedicated account manager
  • Custom integrations
BEST VALUE
BLAST
Above 1,000,000
KES 0.25

From KES 250,000

All Networks

  • All WAVE features
  • Dedicated manager
  • SLA guarantee

Types of Bulk SMS in Kenya Transactional, Promotional, and Alert Messages

Celcom Africa Bulk SMS enables large-scale communication by delivering SMS messages to many recipients instantly. The main categories of bulk SMS include transactional, promotional, and alert messages. The right choice depends on your intended communication—whether providing updates, marketing, or urgent notifications.

Bulk SMS service types in Kenya - promotional SMS, transactional SMS, and OTP messaging with API integration

1. Transactional Bulk SMS

Transactional SMS are used to share essential and time-sensitive information with recipients. These messages are typically triggered by user actions or system events, such as purchase confirmations, password resets, or appointment reminders.

  • Payment updates and receipts
  • Order confirmations and delivery notifications
  • One-Time Passwords (OTP) and verification codes

Example:
“Dear John, your payment of KES 2,500 has been received. Order #12345 will be delivered tomorrow.”

2. Promotional Bulk SMS

Promotional SMS are intended for marketing and advertising. They are used to inform recipients about new products, special offers, discounts, and events, helping organizations reach a wider audience and drive engagement or sales.

  • Announcing sales and limited-time promotions
  • Sharing event invitations or product launches
  • Re-engaging inactive customers

Example:
“Get 20% off your next purchase! Visit our store or shop online. Offer valid until Sunday.”

3. Bulk SMS Alerts & Notifications

Alert messages are used to quickly notify users of urgent or important information such as emergency updates, system maintenance, weather warnings, or critical service changes. These messages are prioritized for immediate delivery.

  • Emergency alerts and safety notifications
  • Service interruptions or scheduled maintenance info
  • Regulatory or important policy updates

Example:
“Notice: Our services will be offline for scheduled maintenance between 9 PM and 11 PM tonight.”

Use Cases

Marketing

Promotions & campaigns

Transactional

OTPs & alerts

Reminders

Appointments & deadlines

Security

OTP & verification

Marketing & Promotions

Send promotional offers, flash sales, product launches, and discount alerts directly to customers' phones. Perfect for SMS marketing Kenya campaigns. A Nairobi retail chain increased sales by 35% using our bulk messaging service for weekend promotions.

Common Examples:

  • Flash sale announcements
  • New product launches
  • Loyalty program updates
  • Seasonal promotions
  • Event invitations

Proven Results:

35% sales increase

SMS Sender ID: Build Brand Trust

Your SMS sender ID is the name or number that appears when recipients receive your messages. As a bulk SMS sender, using a custom SMS sender ID (your company name) instead of a generic phone number increases trust, recognition, and open rates by up to 40%.

Why Use Custom SMS Sender ID?

Messages appear with your company name (e.g., "CELCOMAFRICA" instead of "254712345678"), building brand recognition and trust.

  • Increases message open rates by up to 40%
  • Builds brand recognition and trust
  • Professional appearance for SMS marketing Kenya campaigns
How to Register SMS Sender ID

Registering your SMS sender ID is simple. As a bulk SMS service provider, Celcom Africa handles the entire CAK registration process for you.

  • One-time fee of KES 6,500 per network operator
  • Covers Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom registration
  • CAK-compliant and approved for branded messaging

Once approved, your SMS sender ID works across all your bulk SMS campaigns. Use it with our dashboard or bulk SMS API for consistent branded messaging.

Register Your SMS Sender ID
For Developers

Bulk SMS API & SMS Gateway Integration

Integrate bulk SMS API with our RESTful SMS gateway for programmatic bulk messaging. Send transactional SMS, OTPs, alerts, and notifications via JSON payloads. Learn how bulk SMS works with webhooks and real-time delivery reports. Code samples in PHP, Python, Node.js, Java, Ruby, and .NET. Deploy in <30 minutes.

PHP Python Node.js Java Ruby .NET

Bulk SMS API Documentation

Complete bulk SMS API reference with RESTful endpoints, authentication, and code samples. Learn how to send bulk messages, track delivery status, schedule campaigns, and receive webhooks. Includes integration guides for PHP, Python, Node.js, Java, Ruby, and .NET. Understand SMS gateway architecture and best practices.

POPULAR

Bulk SMS API SDKs & Tools

Pre-built bulk SMS API SDKs for PHP, Python, Node.js, Java, Ruby, and .NET. Accelerate bulk messaging integration with helper methods, sandbox testing, Postman collections, and webhook simulators. Learn error handling patterns, sync/async strategies, and automatic retry mechanisms for reliable SMS service delivery.

Enterprise SMS Gateway Infrastructure

Enterprise A2P SMS gateway architecture with 99.9% uptime SLA, 2-5s delivery, and real-time webhooks. Understand how bulk SMS service scales with failover, load balancing, DDoS protection, and HTTPS/TLS encryption. Learn why 10,000+ businesses trust our SMS gateway for mission-critical messaging.

Bulk SMS Use Cases & Integration Patterns

Learn how bulk messaging powers fintech (OTP/2FA, transaction alerts), e-commerce (order confirmations, shipping updates), CRM (automated communications), healthcare (appointment reminders), and enterprise apps (system alerts, authentication). Discover bulk SMS service integration patterns and best practices.


Bulk SMS Features: Why Choose Celcom Africa

Enterprise-grade bulk SMS gateway with real-time analytics, direct network connections, and instant bulk SMS API integration. Our bulk SMS platform is built for Kenyan businesses that demand reliability, compliance, and scalability for their bulk SMS campaigns. For automated messaging, explore our SMS Gateway API or A2P SMS Gateway for enterprise solutions. View transparent pricing plans starting from KES 0.25/SMS.

Real-Time Delivery Reports

Track every SMS with instant delivery confirmations, detailed analytics, and exportable reports. Monitor campaign performance, delivery rates, and optimize messaging strategies with actionable insights.

CAK-Compliant Messaging

Fully compliant with Communications Authority of Kenya regulations. Built-in DND filtering, opt-out management, and sender ID registration ensure your campaigns meet all legal requirements.

Secure API Integration

Developer-friendly A2P SMS Gateway API with comprehensive documentation, SDKs in multiple languages, and webhook support. Integrate SMS functionality into your CRM, ERP, or mobile app seamlessly. View pricing plans starting from KES 0.25/SMS.

SMS Sender ID & Branding

Build brand trust with custom SMS sender ID registration. Your SMS sender ID appears as your company name instead of a phone number, increasing open rates by up to 40%. Learn how to register your SMS sender ID for branded messaging.

Scheduled & Automated Messaging

Schedule campaigns in advance or set up automated triggers. Perfect for appointment reminders, promotional campaigns, and time-sensitive alerts without manual intervention.

Personalized Content & Dynamic Fields

Personalize each message with recipient names, account numbers, or custom variables. Dynamic field insertion increases engagement rates and creates a more professional customer experience.

What you get when you use our platform.

Our portal is packed with attractive features and functionalities, to enhance your communication strategy.

Bulk SMS contact management - organize and group contacts for targeted bulk SMS campaigns in Kenya
Contact Management

Our platform provides an address book feature that allows you to keep your contacts organized and easily accessible whenever you need them. You can create groups for friends, clients, staff, and more!

Bulk SMS message scheduling - plan and schedule SMS campaigns in advance for optimal delivery times
Message Scheduling

With our message scheduling feature, you can plan your communications ahead of time. Just set the date and time, and your messages will be delivered exactly when you want them to be.

Bulk SMS delivery reports - real-time tracking and analytics for SMS campaign performance in Kenya
Delivery Reports

Our platform provides detailed delivery reports, giving you insights into the success of your messaging campaigns. You can use these insights to refine your communication strategy and improve your results.

Bulk SMS multiple user mode - team collaboration features for managing SMS campaigns across departments
Multiple User Mode

Our multiple user mode feature allows several users to access the platform at the same time. This promotes teamwork and ensures efficient utilization of the platform.

Bulk SMS Pricing: Celcom Africa vs Standard Providers

See why 10,000+ Kenyan businesses choose Celcom Africa as their bulk SMS service provider. Compare bulk SMS prices and features. Our bulk messaging service offers the best value for bulk SMS Kenya needs.

Feature Celcom Africa
Best Bulk SMS Provider
Standard Providers
Typical Competitors
Price per SMS KES 0.25
Starting price (volume discounts available)
KES 0.50 - KES 1.50
Delivery Speed 2-5 seconds
Direct network connections (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom)
10-30 seconds (indirect routing)
Delivery Rate 99%+
Guaranteed delivery with real-time reports
85-95% (no guarantee)
API Integration Instant
REST API with comprehensive documentation & SDKs
Limited or complex setup
Support 24/7 Kenyan Support
Phone, email, WhatsApp, live chat
Business hours only
CAK Compliance ✓ Fully Compliant
Built-in DND filtering & opt-out management
Manual compliance
Free Trial 50 Free SMS
No credit card required
Limited or no free trial
happy client
Empower Your Business & Grow with Bulk SMS Marketing

Experience the power and convenience of Celcom Africa Bulk SMS and Bulk Email platform and revolutionize your messaging strategy. Contact Our Team to learn more.

Related Services & Solutions

Explore our comprehensive communication services to build a complete messaging strategy for your business. From SMS Gateway API integration for developers to A2P SMS Gateway for enterprises, we provide scalable solutions for every use case.

SMS Gateway API

Integrate SMS into your applications with our RESTful SMS Gateway API. Perfect for developers building fintech apps, CRMs, ERP systems, and custom solutions. Features include:

  • RESTful API with JSON responses
  • Real-time delivery status webhooks
  • SDKs for PHP, Python, Node.js, Java, Ruby, .NET
  • 99%+ delivery guarantee
  • Comprehensive API documentation

Bulk Email Marketing

Combine bulk SMS and bulk email for powerful multi-channel marketing campaigns. Our professional email platform includes:

  • Email automation and drip campaigns
  • Advanced analytics and A/B testing
  • SPF, DKIM, and DMARC compliance
  • Responsive email templates
  • Integration with SMS for unified messaging
Enterprise

A2P SMS Gateway

Enterprise-grade Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS Gateway for mission-critical messaging. Ideal for high-volume transactional SMS including:

  • OTP and two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Transaction alerts and payment confirmations
  • 99.9% uptime SLA guarantee
  • Dedicated account management
  • Priority routing and delivery optimization

Developer Resources & Integration Guides

Whether you're integrating bulk SMS API into a fintech application, e-commerce platform, or CRM system, our comprehensive developer resources help you get started quickly.

<30 min
Average Integration Time

Bulk SMS | SMS Gateway API | A2P SMS Gateway | Bulk Messaging Service | Trusted by 10,000+ businesses in Kenya. CAK-compliant messaging with 99%+ delivery guarantee. Starting from KES 0.25 per SMS with volume discounts. Contact us for enterprise solutions.

Ready to Transform Your Communication?

Join 10,000+ businesses across Africa and the world using Bulk SMS from Celcom Africa to reach customers instantly, reduce costs, and drive engagement. Start with free test credits - no credit card required.

99% Delivery Guarantee | CAK Compliant | 24/7 Support | KES 0.25/SMS Starting Price

Get Started Free - 50 Free SMS

Customer Testimonials

See Why Clients Trust Our Bulk SMS Services

We have worked with Celcom for the last 6 years. I find their service affordable; they deliver within the promised timelines and with precision. I have particularly liked their customer experience which I can only describe as first class. They are also keen and professional. System availability is also impressive and reliable. I would recommend 100%.

Username Investment
Reuben Kimani

Username Investment

Celcom is the best SMS service provider I have to work with. It has supported our growth as SafeBoda through there fair prices, great delivery rate and above all the best and fast Customer Support. Great Job Celcom!!

Safe Boda
Chebet Millicent

Safe Boda

Amazing company - your SMS rates, customer service and support are super good. Your systems are always super, rare or no downtimes. As a result, our business has enjoyed immense growth since we partnered with you. We are proud to do business with you. Keep up the good work. I recommend you to the world.

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Joseph Gitonga

Username Investment

Celcom Bulk SMS is a very reliable and affordable solution well aligned to the current customer experience needs. I have worked with them on several client's projects and the feedback is always positive; happy with the customer experience feedback. The kicker solution in my view is the SMS integration with billing and collection system which has enhanced collection. HIGHLY recommend the services to any customer. Thank you, Celcom, and keep up the good work!

Acemil Consultant
John Gakunyi

Acemil Consultant