Archbishop Arthur Kitonga of Redeemed Gospel Church officially unveils the USSD code in a colorful ceremony

Bible Society of Kenya launched the USSD *288# platform that will enable Christians to purchase Bibles in instalments and support countrywide programmes. The launch took place on Sunday, September 9^th 2018, at Redeemed Gospel Church in Huruma a low income suburb of Nairobi.

The USSD Code *288# will enable Christians to buy Bibles, donate to support different programmes and pay for Membership.

This platform will allow low income earners who cannot afford to buy a Bible once to pay in instalments. It will also help the people who live in rural areas and cannot access digital Bibles or a bookshop to access the Bible conveniently at the click of a button.

The launch of the platform was held at the Redeemed Gospel Church Huruma headed by Archbishop Arthur Kitonga. Archbishop Kitonga is a respected clergy in Kenya having founded and led his Church for more than 40 years. He has also planted several Churches and contributed greatly to the spiritual growth of many believers in Kenya and beyond. The Redeemed Gospel Church which hosts more than 3,000 faithful every Sunday has seen many people’s lives being transformed as a result of the spiritual nourishment received from the Church ministers and various programmes being run at the Church.

Bible Society of Kenya had a chance to interact with the congregants as well as youth and children in the different Church services. There was a lot of excitement about the platform which was going to make it easy for them to own Bibles.

By introducing the innovation, the Society seeks to improve on Bible availability and accessibility of God’s Word to all irrespective of the geographical location or economic ability of individuals. The code can be used by all mobile phone users regardless of the type of device they own as it is SMS – based with no internet requirements.

Congregants of the Redeemed Gospel Church curious to know about Bible Society of Kenya products as well as the launched USSD code

Speaking during the launch, Mrs. Elizabeth Muriuki, General Secretary & CEO Bible Society of Kenya, said the move was guided by the high penetration of mobile phone use and the high demand of Bibles across the country.’ With the increased mobile phone penetration of about 85% and with the increased usage of the world famous mobile money services including MPESA with over 25 million people, we hope to increase the level of Bible ownership and purchase across. ’She said.

I have always desired to own a Bible but due to the small income I have and various needs I have not managed to do so. I am very grateful to Bible Society of Kenya for making it easier for me to buy a Bible in installments. Says Moses Kioko.

The event received live coverage from local media houses from Hope fm,Ghetto radio, Family radio, radio Waumini and a live stream on Nation TV which included interviews from Archbishop Arthur Kitonga of Redeemed Gospel Church, Huruma and The Bible Society of Kenya General Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth Muriuki.