# chat.or.ke

> chat.or.ke is an all-in-one customer platform for Kenyan businesses: a shared WhatsApp, email and SMS inbox with an AI assistant, CRM lead pipeline, helpdesk tickets, broadcasts and a product catalog. A one-off setup fee connects your official WhatsApp Business profile, then you pay per message in Kenyan Shillings with no monthly fee.

One shared inbox for your team, AI replies in English and Kiswahili, and a CRM, helpdesk and broadcasts built in.

Last updated: 2026-10-12

Key facts:
- What it is: a web-based (SaaS) customer messaging, CRM and helpdesk platform for small and growing businesses in Kenya.
- Channels: WhatsApp Business Platform (official API), email over IMAP/SMTP, and bulk SMS through chat.or.ke's own gateway (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom).
- Bulk SMS service: KES 0.55 per SMS on every Kenyan network, own sender ID for KES 7,500 once, no monthly fee, M-Pesa top-ups. Details: https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms
- Setup: a one-off setup fee of KES 2,500 covers the official Meta business profile, verification submission, WhatsApp number registration and onboarding. Customers never configure the Meta API themselves.
- Pricing: no monthly fee; pay per message from a prepaid M-Pesa wallet, excluding VAT, with Meta's WhatsApp fees included: Customer replies KES 0.75, Updates and reminders KES 0.90, One-time codes KES 0.90, Promotions and broadcasts KES 4.50, Click-to-WhatsApp ad chats KES 0.30, SMS KES 0.55 per part. Messages from customers are free.
- Requirements to go live: a verified Meta business profile, a phone number not active on the WhatsApp app, an own domain with a privacy policy and business email, the business registration certificate, KRA PIN, and a recent utility bill or bank statement.
- Domains and business email: customers without a domain can register a .co.ke domain and business email with HostingKE (https://hostingke.co.ke/), chat.or.ke's Kenyan hosting partner.
- Languages: the website and AI replies are available in English and Kiswahili.
- Website: https://chat.or.ke/ (English) and https://chat.or.ke/sw (Kiswahili).
- Contact: hello@chat.or.ke

## Features
- [WhatsApp Inbox](https://chat.or.ke/features/whatsapp-inbox): One shared WhatsApp Business number for your whole team. Assign chats, add notes, send media and templates, and never miss a customer.
- [Website Live Chat](https://chat.or.ke/features/live-chat): A chat bubble on your website that answers instantly, shows who is browsing right now and hands visitors to your team in the same inbox as WhatsApp.
- [Facebook & Instagram](https://chat.or.ke/features/facebook-instagram): Messenger and Instagram DMs and comments in the same inbox as WhatsApp. Reply, hide spam and turn comments into private conversations.
- [AI Assistant](https://chat.or.ke/features/ai-assistant): An AI assistant trained on your own business information that drafts or sends accurate replies in English and Kiswahili, day and night.
- [Automation & Flows](https://chat.or.ke/features/automation): Keyword auto-replies, button and list menus, and multi-step flows that capture leads and hand over to a person when needed.
- [CRM & Lead Pipeline](https://chat.or.ke/features/crm): Every chat becomes a contact and a lead. Track deals through stages, tag and segment customers, and import or export your list.
- [Multi-brand](https://chat.or.ke/features/multi-brand): Run several brands or branches from one workspace. Each brand gets its own chats, contacts, auto-replies and team, with one login for you.
- [Helpdesk & Tickets](https://chat.or.ke/features/helpdesk): Turn complaints and requests into tickets with priorities, categories, SLA alerts and a progress link customers can follow.
- [WhatsApp Broadcasts](https://chat.or.ke/features/broadcasts): Send approved WhatsApp template campaigns to opted-in contacts by tag or segment, scheduled and paced, with live delivery reports.
- [Email Inbox & Campaigns](https://chat.or.ke/features/email-marketing): Connect your business mailbox for a shared email inbox, then send tracked campaigns with templates, merge fields and unsubscribe links.
- [Bulk SMS](https://chat.or.ke/features/bulk-sms): Reach customers who are not on WhatsApp with bulk and personalised SMS under your own sender ID, with templates, delivery reports and replies in your inbox.
- [Catalog & Orders](https://chat.or.ke/features/catalog-orders): Show your products inside WhatsApp, let customers order in the chat, and manage the catalog and incoming orders from your dashboard.

## Industries
- [Retail & E-commerce](https://chat.or.ke/solutions/retail-ecommerce): Answer product questions instantly, share your catalog in WhatsApp and turn chats into orders, even after closing time.
- [Clinics & Pharmacies](https://chat.or.ke/solutions/clinics-pharmacies): Confirm appointments, send reminders, answer common questions and track patient requests without sharing a personal phone.
- [Restaurants & Hotels](https://chat.or.ke/solutions/restaurants-hotels): Take orders and reservations on WhatsApp, share your menu and bring guests back with offers.
- [Real Estate](https://chat.or.ke/solutions/real-estate): Capture property enquiries from ads, qualify buyers and tenants automatically and follow up every lead through your pipeline.
- [Schools & Colleges](https://chat.or.ke/solutions/schools-colleges): Keep parents and students informed by SMS, WhatsApp and email, with fee reminders, events and admissions enquiries in one place.
- [SACCOs & Microfinance](https://chat.or.ke/solutions/saccos-microfinance): Answer member questions, send contribution and repayment reminders, and track every member request from start to finish.

## Bulk SMS service

Send fee reminders, appointment alerts and offers to any phone in Kenya, even feature phones with no data. We register your sender ID with Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom for a one-off KES 7,500. You top up with M-Pesa and pay KES 0.55 per SMS, with no monthly fee.

- [Bulk SMS](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms): Bulk SMS in Kenya at KES 0.55 per SMS with your own sender ID (KES 7,500 once). Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom, M-Pesa top-ups, delivery reports, no monthly fee.
- [Sender ID registration](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/sender-id): Register your business name as an SMS sender ID in Kenya for a one-off KES 7,500. Rules, documents and timelines.
- [Bulk SMS prices](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/pricing): Flat KES 0.55 per SMS on every network, no monthly fee, top up with M-Pesa. How SMS is charged.
- [Bulk SMS for schools](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/schools): Fee reminders, results, closing dates and emergencies to every parent's phone.
- [Bulk SMS for churches](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/churches): Service times, events, harambee updates and contribution acknowledgements to your congregation.
- [Bulk SMS for SACCOs and chamas](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/saccos): Payment confirmations, loan reminders, AGM notices and dividends for members.
- [Bulk SMS for clinics and hospitals](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/clinics): Appointment reminders, clinic days, results-ready notices and health campaigns.
- [Bulk SMS for shops and businesses](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/retail): Offers, new stock, loyalty rewards and order updates for customers who opted in.
- [Bulk SMS for landlords and property managers](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/landlords): Rent reminders, payment confirmations, water and power notices and maintenance updates for tenants.
- [Bulk SMS for NGOs and community programmes](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/ngos): Programme reminders, community alerts, volunteer coordination and supporter updates, on any phone.
- [Bulk SMS for transport and logistics](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/transport): Parcel arrival notices, collection codes, delivery updates and route changes for matatu SACCOs, couriers and logistics firms.
- [Bulk SMS for hotels, restaurants and tours](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/hospitality): Booking confirmations, check-in details, table reminders and offers to past guests who agreed to hear from you.
- [Bulk SMS for insurers, brokers and agents](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/insurance): Premium due reminders, renewal notices and claim status updates, with policy details kept off SMS.

## Bulk SMS guides (Kenya)
- [How to send bulk SMS in Kenya](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/how-to-send-bulk-sms): A step-by-step guide: sender ID, clean contact list, consent, 160-character messages, timing and delivery reports.
- [Bulk SMS rules in Kenya](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/regulations): Consent under the Data Protection Act, CA opt-in rules, opt-outs, ODPC cases and a compliance checklist.
- [Short code vs sender ID](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/shortcode-vs-sender-id): Alphanumeric sender ID, 5-digit short code or premium-rate SMS? One-way vs two-way, compared.
- [Kenya SMS statistics 2026](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/kenya-sms-statistics): Mobile subscriptions, operator shares and SMS volumes from CA sector statistics, and what they mean for business.

## Free bulk SMS tools
- [SMS character counter](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/sms-character-counter): Free tool: count characters and SMS parts as you type, find the characters that switch a message to Unicode, and see the cost.
- [Sender ID name checker](https://chat.or.ke/bulk-sms/sender-id-checker): Free tool: check a sender ID name against the networks' rules on length, characters, generic words and protected names before you apply.

## Blog: guides, comparisons and how-tos (Kenya)

Each article opens with a quick answer; a plain Markdown copy is at the article URL plus ".md".

### Comparisons
- [AI Chatbot vs Rule-Based Chatbot: Which Fits Your Business?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/ai-chatbot-vs-rule-based-chatbot): Rule-based bots follow menus and keywords you write; AI chatbots understand free text. Compare cost, accuracy and set-up to pick the right one in Kenya.
- [Best WhatsApp Business API Providers in Kenya (2026 Guide)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/best-whatsapp-business-api-providers-kenya): A fair comparison of WhatsApp Business API provider options for Kenyan businesses: going direct to Meta, global platforms and local providers, with criteria.
- [Bulk SMS vs WhatsApp Broadcast: Which Campaign Works Better?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/bulk-sms-vs-whatsapp-broadcast): Bulk SMS reaches every phone fast; WhatsApp broadcasts carry images, buttons and replies. Compare setup, cost, limits and results before your next campaign.
- [CRM vs Excel for Leads: When a Spreadsheet Stops Working](https://chat.or.ke/blog/crm-vs-spreadsheet-for-leads): Excel and Google Sheets are fine for a few leads. Once several people sell from WhatsApp, a CRM keeps follow-ups, owners and history in one place.
- [Chatbot vs Human Customer Service: What Should You Automate?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/chatbot-vs-human-customer-service): Chatbots answer routine questions instantly, any hour; people handle complaints, judgement and selling. Here is how to split the work in a Kenyan business.
- [Click-to-WhatsApp Ads vs Website Ads: Which Sells More for You?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/click-to-whatsapp-ads-vs-website-traffic-ads): Should your Facebook and Instagram ads open a WhatsApp chat or send people to your website? Compare cost, tracking, effort and fit for Kenyan businesses.
- [Email vs WhatsApp Marketing: Which Works Better for Kenyan Businesses?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/email-vs-whatsapp-marketing): WhatsApp gets read fast but costs more per message; email is cheap, long-form and lasts. Compare costs, rules and results to pick the right channel.
- [Helpdesk vs Shared Inbox: Which Does Your Support Team Need?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/helpdesk-vs-shared-inbox): A shared inbox keeps conversations moving; a helpdesk tracks jobs to completion. Learn the difference and when a Kenyan business needs both.
- [HubSpot Alternatives for Kenyan SMEs: CRMs That Fit WhatsApp Sales](https://chat.or.ke/blog/hubspot-crm-alternatives-kenya): Weighing HubSpot against other CRMs? Compare options for Kenyan SMEs that sell on WhatsApp and pay in shillings, and see when HubSpot is still the right call.
- [Instagram vs WhatsApp for Business: Where Should Online Shops Sell?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/instagram-dms-vs-whatsapp-online-shops): Instagram brings shoppers to your products; WhatsApp closes the sale and brings them back. How Kenyan online shops can use DMs and WhatsApp together.
- [Intercom Alternatives for Growing Businesses in Kenya (2026)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/intercom-alternatives): Intercom is powerful but built for global software firms. Compare Zendesk, Freshdesk, Crisp, Help Scout, Zoho Desk and chat.or.ke for a Kenyan team.
- [Live Chat vs WhatsApp for Your Website: Which Wins More Enquiries?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/live-chat-vs-whatsapp-for-website): A WhatsApp button is quick to add; website live chat answers visitors on the page and shows who is browsing. How to choose, or use both, in Kenya.
- [Mailchimp Alternatives in Kenya: 5 Options Compared for 2026](https://chat.or.ke/blog/mailchimp-alternatives-kenya): A fair look at Mailchimp alternatives for Kenyan businesses, from Brevo and MailerLite to Zoho Campaigns and chat.or.ke, and why paying in KES matters.
- [Messenger vs WhatsApp for Business: Which Should You Use in Kenya?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/messenger-vs-whatsapp-for-business): Facebook Messenger catches people browsing your Page and ads; WhatsApp reaches them by phone number. Here is how each works for Kenyan businesses.
- [STK Push vs Paybill vs Till: Which M-Pesa Option Fits Your Business?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/mpesa-stk-push-vs-paybill-vs-till): Paybill, Till and STK Push solve different problems. Compare how each M-Pesa option works, who it suits and how to use it when you sell on WhatsApp.
- [Telegram vs WhatsApp for Business in Kenya: An Honest Comparison](https://chat.or.ke/blog/telegram-vs-whatsapp-for-business): Telegram offers free bots and huge channels; WhatsApp is where Kenyan customers already chat. Compare reach, rules, costs and tools before you choose.
- [Transactional vs Promotional SMS in Kenya: The Difference Explained](https://chat.or.ke/blog/transactional-vs-promotional-sms): Transactional SMS tells customers about their own account; promotional SMS sells. How each is treated in Kenya, with examples, grey areas and sender ID rules.
- [WATI Alternatives in 2026: WhatsApp Team Inbox Options Compared](https://chat.or.ke/blog/wati-alternatives): Comparing WATI with other WhatsApp Business API platforms? See how the main alternatives differ on channels, billing and local support for Kenyan teams.
- [WhatsApp API Pricing Model: Pay-Per-Message vs Monthly Subscription](https://chat.or.ke/blog/pay-per-message-vs-monthly-subscription): Some messaging platforms charge a monthly plan, others charge only per message sent. Compare both models and work out which costs less for your business.
- [WhatsApp Business App vs API: Which One Does Your Business Need?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-business-app-vs-api): The free WhatsApp Business app suits one phone; the API adds a team inbox, automation and broadcasts. Here is how Kenyan businesses should choose.
- [WhatsApp Catalog vs Website: Do You Need an Online Store in Kenya?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-catalog-vs-online-store): A WhatsApp catalog lets customers browse and order in the chat; an online store sells on its own. Compare cost, effort and fit before you build either.
- [WhatsApp Chatbot vs IVR: Is It Time to Retire "Press 1"?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-chatbot-vs-ivr): IVR phone menus suit callers without smartphones; WhatsApp chatbots offer tappable menus, written records and easy hand-over. Compare them for Kenya.
- [WhatsApp Cloud API vs BSP: Go Direct to Meta or Use a Provider?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-cloud-api-direct-vs-provider): Should you build on Meta's WhatsApp Cloud API yourself or go through a provider? Compare cost, effort, billing and support for Kenyan businesses.
- [WhatsApp Group vs Broadcast List vs Channel: Which Is Best for Business?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-groups-vs-broadcast-lists-vs-channels): Groups, broadcast lists and channels all reach many people on WhatsApp, but privacy, reach and replies differ. See which fits your business best.
- [WhatsApp Multiple Users on the Same Number: WhatsApp Web vs a Team Inbox](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-web-vs-team-inbox): Sharing one WhatsApp phone or WhatsApp Web works for two people. Beyond that, a team inbox on the WhatsApp API adds assignment, notes and accountability.
- [WhatsApp OTP vs SMS OTP: Which Is Better for Verification Codes?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-otp-vs-sms-otp): WhatsApp and SMS can both deliver one-time passwords. Compare reach, cost, security, speed and user experience to pick the right channel in Kenya.
- [WhatsApp vs SMS for Business in Kenya: Which Should You Use?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-vs-sms-for-business-kenya): WhatsApp suits conversations, media and selling; SMS reaches every phone with no data. Compare cost, reach and rules to choose the right channel in Kenya.
- [Zendesk Alternatives for Small Businesses in Kenya (2026)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/zendesk-alternatives-kenya): Comparing Zendesk alternatives for Kenyan SMEs: Freshdesk, Zoho Desk, Help Scout and chat.or.ke, with an honest look at when Zendesk is still the right choice.
- [respond.io Alternatives: 4 Options Compared for Kenyan Teams](https://chat.or.ke/blog/respond-io-alternatives): Looking for a respond.io alternative? Compare WATI, SleekFlow, Trengo and chat.or.ke on channels, automation, billing and fit for Kenyan businesses.
- [tawk.to Alternatives: 6 Live Chat Options for Kenyan Businesses](https://chat.or.ke/blog/tawk-to-alternatives): tawk.to is free and widely used in Kenya. Here is when it is enough, and which alternatives fit if you need WhatsApp, AI replies or one team inbox.

### How-to guides
- [Bulk SMS Templates Kenya: 31 Ready-to-Use Examples by Sector](https://chat.or.ke/blog/bulk-sms-templates-kenya): Copy-ready bulk SMS templates for Kenyan schools, clinics, shops, SACCOs, landlords and churches, each under 160 characters, with opt-out wording.
- [Canned Responses Examples: 25 Quick Replies That Sound Human](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-write-canned-responses): How to write canned responses (saved replies) that sound like a person, not a robot, with 25 ready examples for Kenyan businesses in English and Kiswahili.
- [Customer Support Team Training: Onboarding Staff to a Shared Inbox](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-train-customer-support-team-shared-inbox): A practical plan to onboard your support team onto a shared WhatsApp and email inbox: roles, house rules, tone, saved replies, practice and week one.
- [How to Accept M-Pesa Payments on WhatsApp (Without Mix-ups)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-accept-mpesa-payments-on-whatsapp): A practical guide to taking M-Pesa payments for WhatsApp orders in Kenya: choosing Till, Paybill or STK Push, payment messages, confirmation and avoiding fraud.
- [How to Add Live Chat to a WordPress Website (Step by Step)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-add-live-chat-to-wordpress): Add live chat to WordPress with a plugin or one line of code, set it up for after-hours enquiries and connect it to WhatsApp. A plain guide for Kenyan sites.
- [How to Add WhatsApp Chat to Your Website (Button, Link or Widget)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-add-whatsapp-chat-to-website): Add WhatsApp to your website with a wa.me link, a floating button or a live chat widget that hands over to WhatsApp. Step-by-step, with Kenyan examples.
- [How to Build a Sales Pipeline in a CRM (Step-by-Step for SMEs)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-build-a-sales-pipeline-in-a-crm): Set up a sales pipeline in your CRM with stages that match how Kenyan customers buy, clear owners, and a weekly review that stops leads going cold.
- [How to Build a WhatsApp Chatbot Without Code (With a Kenyan Example)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-build-whatsapp-chatbot-without-code): Build a no-code WhatsApp chatbot with a button menu, a list, name capture and hand-over to your team. A worked example for a Nairobi bakery, step by step.
- [How to Collect Customer Feedback (CSAT) on WhatsApp in Kenya](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-collect-customer-feedback-on-whatsapp): Ask for customer feedback on WhatsApp the right way: timing, one-tap rating buttons, short follow-up questions, and turning complaints into action.
- [How to Connect Your Business Email to a Shared Team Inbox (IMAP and SMTP)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-connect-business-email-to-team-inbox): Connect info@ or sales@ to a shared team inbox with IMAP and SMTP: the settings you need, the steps, common errors and how to stop two people replying.
- [How to Connect Your ERP or Hospital System (HMIS) to an SMS API in Kenya](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-connect-erp-or-hmis-to-sms-api): Connect an ERP, school or hospital system to an SMS API: choose the messages, register a sender ID, map the data, track delivery and protect patient data.
- [How to Follow Up Leads on WhatsApp Without Being Annoying](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-follow-up-leads-on-whatsapp): A practical routine for following up WhatsApp leads in Kenya: when to message, what to say, how the 24-hour window works and when you need a template.
- [How to Get the WhatsApp Business API in Kenya: Step-by-Step Guide](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-get-whatsapp-business-api-kenya): Everything a Kenyan business needs to get the WhatsApp Business API: documents, domain and email, Meta verification, a number, templates and going live.
- [How to Hand Over From a Chatbot to a Human (Without Losing the Customer)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-hand-over-from-chatbot-to-human): Set clear triggers, a visible "talk to a person" option, smart routing and full context so customers move from bot to agent smoothly on WhatsApp.
- [How to Handle Customer Complaints on Social Media (Kenya Playbook)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-handle-customer-complaints-on-social-media): A calm step-by-step way to handle customer complaints on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp: reply fast, move to private, fix it with a ticket and close the loop.
- [How to Import and Segment Contacts for WhatsApp, SMS and Email](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-import-and-segment-contacts): Clean your customer list, import it as a CSV, fix Kenyan phone numbers and build tags and segments you can message, step by step and within the law.
- [How to Manage Facebook Page Messages as a Team: A Practical Guide](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-manage-facebook-page-messages-as-a-team): Set up a Facebook Page inbox your whole team can share: tidy Page access, connect Messenger, assign chats, automate first replies and meet Meta's reply windows.
- [How to Manage Instagram DMs as a Team (Without Sharing a Password)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-manage-instagram-dms-as-a-team): A step-by-step guide for Kenyan businesses to answer Instagram DMs as a team: professional account, Page link, shared inbox, roles and reply rules.
- [How to Manage Multiple Brands in One Inbox (Without Mixing Up Customers)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-manage-multiple-brands-in-one-inbox): Run several brands or branches from one inbox: shared or separate numbers, a brand menu, team access, brand-specific replies and per-brand reports.
- [How to Migrate Your WhatsApp Business App Number to the API](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-move-number-from-whatsapp-business-app-to-api): Keep the number your customers already know. How to move a WhatsApp Business app number to the API, with coexistence, full migration and backup steps.
- [How to Recover Abandoned Carts on WhatsApp Without Annoying Buyers](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-recover-abandoned-carts-on-whatsapp): Win back customers who stopped before paying, from quiet WhatsApp chats to website carts, using the 24-hour window, approved templates and proper opt-in.
- [How to Reduce First Response Time on WhatsApp and Email: 7 Steps](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-reduce-first-response-time): Practical steps to reduce first response time for a Kenyan support team: measure it properly, staff for peaks, route chats, use saved replies, menus and AI.
- [How to Reduce WhatsApp API Costs: 9 Practical Ways to Pay Less](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-reduce-whatsapp-api-costs): Cut your WhatsApp Business API bill without sending less that matters: use the reply window, categorise templates right, segment lists and stop wasted messages.
- [How to Reply to Instagram Comments Automatically and Move Buyers to DMs](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-reply-to-instagram-comments-automatically): Answer "price?" comments on Instagram and Facebook automatically, send a private reply to the commenter, and keep your posts clean. A guide for Kenyan sellers.
- [How to Run Click-to-WhatsApp Ads That Turn Chats into Sales](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-run-click-to-whatsapp-ads): A step-by-step guide to running Click-to-WhatsApp ads on Facebook and Instagram in Kenya, from linking your number to replying fast and tracking sales.
- [How to Sell on WhatsApp in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Playbook](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-sell-on-whatsapp-kenya): Sell on WhatsApp in Kenya with a business number, a product catalog, fast replies, M-Pesa payments and follow-ups that keep customers coming back.
- [How to Send Appointment Reminders by WhatsApp and SMS (Kenya Guide)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-send-appointment-reminders): Step-by-step appointment reminders by WhatsApp and SMS: timing, wording, consent, confirmations and rescheduling, for clinics, salons and service firms.
- [How to Send School Fee Reminders by SMS and WhatsApp in Kenya](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-send-school-fee-reminders): Send polite, personalised school fee reminders by SMS and WhatsApp: export balances, write the message, time it and handle parents' replies.
- [How to Send WhatsApp Broadcasts Without Getting Blocked or Banned](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-send-whatsapp-broadcasts-without-getting-blocked): Send WhatsApp promotions and reminders to hundreds or thousands of customers without blocks, reports or a banned number. A practical step-by-step guide.
- [How to Set Business Hours and Away Messages Customers Actually Like](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-set-business-hours-and-away-messages): Set clear business hours and write away messages for WhatsApp, live chat and email that keep customers informed after hours. With ready-to-copy examples.
- [How to Set Up Customer Support SLAs (With an Example for Kenyan SMEs)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-set-up-customer-support-slas): A step-by-step guide to customer support SLAs: choosing priorities, setting first response and resolution targets, and tracking breaches on WhatsApp and email.
- [How to Set Up WhatsApp Auto Reply for Your Business (Step by Step)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-set-up-whatsapp-auto-reply): Set up WhatsApp auto replies that answer prices, hours and delivery questions instantly, in the Business app or a team inbox, without annoying customers.
- [How to Set Up a Ticketing System for a Small Business in 7 Steps](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-set-up-ticketing-small-business): Set up a simple ticketing system for your small business: what becomes a ticket, categories, priorities, statuses, owners, SLAs and customer updates.
- [How to Start Email Marketing in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide for SMEs](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-start-email-marketing-kenya): Start email marketing in Kenya the right way: a .co.ke domain, business email, SPF, DKIM and DMARC, a consented list, unsubscribe links and your first campaign.
- [How to Train an AI Chatbot on Your Business (Without Wrong Answers)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-train-ai-chatbot-on-your-business): What to put in your AI chatbot's knowledge base, how to handle prices, tone, English and Kiswahili, and how to test and guard against wrong answers.
- [Kenya Data Protection Act and Marketing Messages: A Compliance Guide](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-comply-with-kenya-data-protection-act-messaging): How Kenyan businesses can message customers within the Data Protection Act: ODPC registration, consent, purpose limitation, data subject rights and opt-outs.
- [Meta Business Verification in Kenya: Documents and Steps That Work](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-verify-business-on-meta): How to verify your business on Meta in Kenya: which documents to use, how to match your website and email, and how to avoid the common reasons for rejection.
- [WhatsApp Green Tick: How to Get a Verified Badge for Your Business](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-get-whatsapp-green-tick): The old WhatsApp green tick is now a blue verified badge. Learn the two routes to it, who qualifies in Kenya and what to do while you wait.
- [WhatsApp Opt-In: How to Build a List Customers Actually Want to Join](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-build-whatsapp-opt-in-list): Collect WhatsApp opt-ins the right way at your till, website, ads and chats, record consent properly and grow a broadcast list that stays healthy in Kenya.
- [WhatsApp Template Approval: How to Write Templates That Get Approved](https://chat.or.ke/blog/how-to-get-whatsapp-templates-approved): Write WhatsApp message templates Meta approves first time: pick the right category, format variables properly and learn from good and rejected examples.

### Learn
- [AI Customer Service Explained for Small Businesses in Kenya](https://chat.or.ke/blog/ai-customer-service-explained): What AI customer service is, how it answers WhatsApp and website chats from your own business information, where it goes wrong and how to start safely.
- [Customer Segmentation Explained: Send the Right Message to the Right People](https://chat.or.ke/blog/contact-segmentation-explained): Customer segmentation means grouping contacts by shared traits so each message fits. Learn the main types, a worked Kenyan example and how to start.
- [Customer Service Metrics Explained: FRT, Resolution Time, CSAT, NPS, CES](https://chat.or.ke/blog/customer-service-metrics-explained): The customer service metrics that matter, explained with formulas and a worked example: first response time, resolution time, CSAT, NPS, CES and SLA compliance.
- [Customer Service in Kenya: What Customers Expect on Chat in 2026](https://chat.or.ke/blog/customer-service-in-kenya-what-customers-expect): What Kenyan customers expect when they message a business on WhatsApp, live chat or Instagram: speed, a real person, M-Pesa ease, Kiswahili and follow-through.
- [Interactive WhatsApp Messages Explained: Reply Buttons and Lists](https://chat.or.ke/blog/interactive-whatsapp-messages-explained): How WhatsApp reply buttons (up to 3) and list messages (up to 10 rows) work, their character limits, when to use each, and a worked example for a clinic.
- [Multi-Brand Customer Support Explained: One Team, Several Brands](https://chat.or.ke/blog/multi-brand-customer-support-explained): Multi-brand customer support lets one business serve several brands or branches from one inbox, with separate chats, teams and replies for each.
- [Opt-In and Opt-Out Rules for SMS and WhatsApp Marketing in Kenya](https://chat.or.ke/blog/opt-in-and-opt-out-rules-kenya): What opt-in and opt-out mean for SMS, WhatsApp and email marketing in Kenya, which rules apply, and how to collect consent and honour STOP requests properly.
- [What Is Conversational Commerce? A Guide for Kenyan Businesses](https://chat.or.ke/blog/what-is-conversational-commerce): Conversational commerce means selling through chat apps like WhatsApp, Instagram and live chat. Learn how it works in Kenya, with a worked example and tools.
- [What Is Live Chat Software? A Plain Guide for Kenyan Businesses](https://chat.or.ke/blog/what-is-live-chat-software): Live chat software puts a chat window on your website so visitors get answers in real time. How it works, key features, costs and a worked Kenyan example.
- [What Is Omnichannel Customer Support? Meaning, Examples and Setup](https://chat.or.ke/blog/what-is-omnichannel-customer-support): Omnichannel customer support links WhatsApp, social, web chat, SMS and email so customers never repeat themselves. What it means and how Kenyan teams do it.
- [What Is a CRM? A Plain Guide for Kenyan Small Businesses](https://chat.or.ke/blog/what-is-a-crm-for-small-business): A CRM keeps every customer, conversation and sale in one place. Learn what it does, a worked Kenyan example, and how to tell if your business needs one.
- [What Is a Chatbot Flow Builder? A Plain-English Guide](https://chat.or.ke/blog/what-is-a-chatbot-flow-builder): A chatbot flow builder lets you design automated WhatsApp and chat conversations visually, without code. Learn the building blocks and see a worked example.
- [What Is a Helpdesk Ticketing System? A Plain-English Guide](https://chat.or.ke/blog/what-is-a-helpdesk-ticketing-system): A helpdesk ticketing system turns customer requests into tracked tickets with owners, priorities and deadlines. Here is how it works, with a Kenyan example.
- [What Is a Meta Tech Provider (and How Is It Different From a BSP)?](https://chat.or.ke/blog/what-is-a-meta-tech-provider): A Meta Tech Provider is a software company approved to build on the WhatsApp Business Platform and onboard businesses. Here is how it differs from a BSP.
- [What Is a Shared Team Inbox? A Plain-English Guide for Kenyan Businesses](https://chat.or.ke/blog/what-is-a-shared-team-inbox): A shared team inbox lets your whole team answer WhatsApp, email, SMS and social messages in one place, with assignment, notes and reports. Here is how.
- [What Is a Social Media Inbox? A Plain Guide for Kenyan Businesses](https://chat.or.ke/blog/what-is-a-social-media-inbox): A social media inbox gathers DMs and comments from Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp into one shared list. What it does, who needs one and what to look for.
- [What Is the WhatsApp Business API? A Plain-English Guide for Kenya](https://chat.or.ke/blog/what-is-whatsapp-business-api): The WhatsApp Business API lets software send and receive your business WhatsApp messages, so a team can share one number, automate replies and send broadcasts.
- [WhatsApp 24-Hour Window Explained: What You Can Send and When](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-24-hour-customer-service-window): The WhatsApp 24-hour customer service window decides when you can reply freely and when you need a template. Learn how it opens, closes and affects cost.
- [WhatsApp Business API Pricing Explained for Kenyan Businesses](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-business-api-pricing-explained): How WhatsApp Business API pricing works in Kenya: per-message charges by template category, the 24-hour window, provider fees and a worked monthly example.
- [WhatsApp Customer Service: 12 Best Practices for Kenyan Businesses](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-customer-service-best-practices): WhatsApp customer service best practices for Kenya: reply fast, use the 24-hour window well, share one number as a team, automate wisely and respect opt-outs.
- [WhatsApp Free Entry Point Window Explained for Click-to-WhatsApp Ads](https://chat.or.ke/blog/click-to-whatsapp-ads-free-entry-point-explained): Meta's free entry point window removes Meta charges after a Click-to-WhatsApp ad chat. Learn how it opens, how long it lasts and how to use it.
- [WhatsApp Messaging Limits and Quality Rating Explained (2026)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-quality-rating-and-messaging-limits): WhatsApp caps how many customers a business can message each day and watches message quality. Learn how the tiers work, how to grow them and what lowers them.
- [WhatsApp Template Categories Explained: Marketing, Utility, Authentication](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-template-categories-explained): WhatsApp templates are marketing, utility or authentication, and the category sets the rules and the price. Learn which is which, with Kenyan examples.
- [WhatsApp and SMS for SACCOs: A Member Communication Playbook](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-and-sms-for-saccos): How Kenyan SACCOs and microfinance lenders use SMS for reminders and WhatsApp for member questions, with sample messages and data protection tips.
- [WhatsApp and SMS for Schools in Kenya: A Parent Communication Playbook](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-for-schools-kenya): How Kenyan schools and colleges use SMS, WhatsApp and email for fee reminders, closing dates, admissions and emergencies, without chaotic parent groups.
- [WhatsApp for Clinics and Pharmacies in Kenya: A Practical Guide](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-for-clinics-and-pharmacies-kenya): How Kenyan clinics and pharmacies use WhatsApp and SMS for bookings, reminders, refills and patient questions, while protecting patient data under the law.
- [WhatsApp for Real Estate Agents in Kenya: A Practical Playbook](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-for-real-estate-kenya): How Kenyan estate agents and property managers use WhatsApp to capture enquiries, qualify buyers and tenants, book viewings and track tenant requests.
- [WhatsApp for Restaurants and Hotels in Kenya: Orders, Bookings, Guests](https://chat.or.ke/blog/whatsapp-for-restaurants-and-hotels-kenya): How Kenyan restaurants, cafés and hotels use WhatsApp to take orders and reservations, share menus, answer guests fast and bring them back with offers.
- [White-Label WhatsApp Platforms for Agencies: How They Work in Kenya](https://chat.or.ke/blog/white-label-messaging-platform-for-agencies): What a white-label WhatsApp and messaging platform is, how agencies resell or run one for clients, who owns the WhatsApp account, and what to check first.
- [Why WhatsApp Business Numbers Get Banned (and How to Avoid It)](https://chat.or.ke/blog/why-whatsapp-business-numbers-get-banned): The real reasons WhatsApp bans or restricts business numbers, from unsolicited bulk messages to unofficial apps, and the habits that keep a number safe.

## Pricing and help
- [Pricing, cost calculator and requirements](https://chat.or.ke/pricing): chat.or.ke pricing in Kenyan Shillings: a one-off setup fee for your official WhatsApp Business profile, then pay per message from an M-Pesa wallet. No monthly fee.
- [Frequently asked questions](https://chat.or.ke/faq): Answers to common questions about chat.or.ke: WhatsApp setup, AI replies, email and SMS, pricing in KES, data protection and getting your team started.

## Company
- [About chat.or.ke](https://chat.or.ke/about): chat.or.ke is a Kenyan customer platform that brings WhatsApp, email, SMS, AI and CRM together so small and growing businesses can sell and support customers better.
- [Contact](https://chat.or.ke/contact): Talk to the chat.or.ke team about WhatsApp, email and SMS for your business. Ask for a demo, get help choosing a plan or reach our support team.
- [HostingKE: .co.ke domains, business email and web hosting](https://hostingke.co.ke/): chat.or.ke's Kenyan hosting partner for customers who still need a domain and business email

## Kiswahili
- [chat.or.ke: CRM ya WhatsApp, Barua Pepe na SMS kwa Biashara za Kenya](https://chat.or.ke/sw): Jukwaa kamili la kuhudumia wateja Kenya: kikasha cha pamoja cha WhatsApp, barua pepe, SMS za jumla, majibu ya AI, CRM na tiketi. Bila usanidi, bei kwa KES, jaribio la bure la siku 14.
- [Vipengele: WhatsApp, Gumzo la Tovuti, Instagram, AI, CRM na SMS | chat.or.ke](https://chat.or.ke/sw/features): Gundua vipengele vya chat.or.ke: kikasha cha pamoja cha WhatsApp, gumzo la tovuti, Facebook na Instagram, msaidizi wa AI, mtiririko wa kiotomatiki, CRM, tiketi, barua pepe, SMS na zaidi.
- [chat.or.ke kwa Sekta Yako: Maduka, Kliniki, Shule na Zaidi](https://chat.or.ke/sw/solutions): Tazama jinsi maduka, kliniki, mikahawa, mawakala wa nyumba, shule na SACCO nchini Kenya zinavyotumia chat.or.ke kwa mawasiliano ya WhatsApp, barua pepe na SMS.
- [Bei: Usanidi wa Mara Moja, Kisha Lipa kwa Kila Ujumbe | chat.or.ke](https://chat.or.ke/sw/pricing): Bei za chat.or.ke kwa Shilingi za Kenya: ada ya usanidi wa mara moja kwa wasifu wako rasmi wa WhatsApp Business, kisha lipa kwa kila ujumbe kutoka pochi ya M-Pesa. Hakuna ada ya kila mwezi.
- [Maswali: CRM ya WhatsApp, AI, Bei na Usalama | chat.or.ke](https://chat.or.ke/sw/faq): Majibu ya maswali ya kawaida kuhusu chat.or.ke: usanidi wa WhatsApp, majibu ya AI, barua pepe na SMS, bei kwa KES, ulinzi wa data na kuanza na timu yako.
- [Bulk SMS Kenya: SMS za Jumla kwa KES 0.55 | chat.or.ke](https://chat.or.ke/sw/bulk-sms): Bulk SMS Kenya: SMS za jumla kwa KES 0.55 kwa SMS kwa jina lako la mtumaji (sender ID, KES 7,500 mara moja). Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom, M-Pesa, bila ada ya mwezi.

## Optional
- [Full website content](https://chat.or.ke/llms-full.txt): Every page of this website in one Markdown file
- [Privacy policy](https://chat.or.ke/privacy): How chat.or.ke collects, uses and protects personal data for businesses and their customers, in line with Kenya's Data Protection Act, 2019.
- [Terms of service](https://chat.or.ke/terms): The terms that apply when you use chat.or.ke, the WhatsApp, email and SMS customer platform for Kenyan businesses.
- [XML sitemap](https://chat.or.ke/sitemap.xml): All public pages in English and Kiswahili