Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) is a protocol used by GSM cellular telephones to communicate with the service provider's computers. This is more like messaging short codes but with a session. It is faster to reply than the normal messaging short codes. Customers are able to receive desired information and / or content by dialing a simple 3-digit access number. USSD codes can be dedicated or shared depending on the investment of a client. USSD codes are commonly used for financial services such as mobile banking, credit services and data collection. An example of a popular USSD channel is Nairobi County Government’s *217# that provides Nairobi County services.