There is a lot of misinformation floating around about buying Faiba airtime online. Here are five common myths, and the reality behind each one.

Myth 1: Online top-ups are slower than agents. In practice, Faiba airtime bought through Paybill 4142145 usually lands within seconds to a minute, often faster than walking to and queuing at a kiosk.

Myth 2: There are hidden charges. The only cost beyond the airtime amount is the standard M-Pesa Paybill transaction fee, the same fee charged for any other Paybill payment.

Myth 3: It only works for your own number. You can top up any Faiba number, including a friend's or family member's line, as long as you enter it correctly.

Myth 4: You need to download an app. No app is required. The entire process runs through the standard M-Pesa menu already on your phone.

Myth 5: It is only for small amounts. The paybill handles both small top-ups and large bulk purchases for businesses just as easily.

Step 1: Open your M-Pesa menu and select Lipa na M-Pesa, then Pay Bill.

Step 2: Key in 4142145, TeelPay's official paybill for buying airtime for all networks including Faiba.

Step 3: Enter the Faiba number you want to top up as the account number.

Step 4: Type the amount you want to buy, then enter your M-Pesa PIN to confirm.

Step 5: You will get an M-Pesa confirmation SMS almost immediately, followed by a top-up alert from Faiba itself.

Because the payment runs through Safaricom's official Lipa na M-Pesa Paybill system, it carries the same security as every other M-Pesa transaction you make, complete with a confirmation SMS you can refer back to at any time.

TeelPay exists so that buying airtime for all networks in Kenya, Faiba included, does not require separate apps, agents or shortcodes. One paybill number, 4142145, covers Safaricom, Airtel, Faiba and Equitel, so you only ever need to remember one number no matter whose line you are topping up.

Kenya's airtime habits have shifted fast: Faiba lines today are used for far more than calls, they power mobile money, data bundles, USSD banking and countless small daily transactions. Keeping a line active is rarely optional, which is why having more than one reliable way to top up matters, especially one that does not depend on an agent's opening hours or available float.

Save Paybill 4142145 in your M-Pesa favourites, and the next time your Faiba line runs low on airtime, you will be back online in under a minute, no matter where you are or what time it is.