How to Pay Post Office Box via M-PESA in Kenya
Introduction
Paying for your Post Office Box using M-PESA helps you avoid queues and makes renewal or registration faster. Posta Kenya supports payments through Paybill or via the eCitizen platform with STK push. Below is how to complete the payment easily and correctly.
The Easiest Way
Open eCitizen → Posta Box Services and select New or Renew Box.
Follow prompts until you get MPESA payment option.
Accept STK push, enter your M-PESA PIN.
Confirm payment and wait for SMS confirmation.
Step by Step Guide
Access Posta Box Services
Go to Posta Kenya’s Online Box page via apps.posta.co.ke/boxupdate/ or through eCitizen.
Choose whether to apply for a new box or renew existing one.
Fill in required details
Enter your National ID, mobile number, email, box number if renewing, and office code.
If renewing, make sure old box number and office code are valid.
Select payment method
When asked, choose “Pay with M-PESA” or accept STK push via eCitizen portal.
Use M-PESA STK Push
A prompt appears on your phone to enter your M-PESA PIN.
Approve transaction.
Or use Paybill
From your M-PESA menu select Lipa na M-PESA → Paybill.
Use Posta Kenya Paybill number “506500” or the eCitizen Paybill “222222”.
Enter “Account Number” in format box number-office code (e.g. 34567-00100).
Enter amount and confirm with your PIN.
Confirm and activate box
After payment, box should show as active (renewed or new) in about 10 minutes.
You may receive SMS or notification from eCitizen or Posta.
Important Notes & Tips
Always include the office code after your box number (separated by dash).
Using the eCitizen portal with MPESA STK push is faster and ensures payment is linked correctly.
Paybill “506500” is for Posta’s physical boxes; “222222” for payments via eCitizen.
Keep receipt or SMS confirmation for proof of payment.
Renew early to avoid late fees or deactivation of box.
FAQs
Q: What is the Paybill number for Post Office Box payments?
You can use Paybill 506500 for Posta physical box payments, or 222222 if paying via eCitizen.
Q: Can I pay using M-PESA without going through eCitizen?
Yes. Using Paybill 506500 with correct account number format works directly from the M-PESA menu.
Q: What format must the account number be?
It’s your box number, then a dash, then the office postal code (e.g. 34567-00100).
Q: How long before the box becomes active after payment?
Usually about 10 minutes, sometimes slightly longer depending on system delays.
Q: What happens if I enter wrong office code or account number?
Payment may not be credited properly; box may not activate. Always double check the box number and office code before confirming.
