Kenya +254
To call Kenya from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 254, then the local number without its leading 0. In full: +254 712 123456.
The country calling code for Kenya is +254. A number starting +254 or 00254 is a call to or from Kenya. From abroad: +254 712 123456.
To call Kenya from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 254, then the local number without its leading 0. The +254 code identifies the country; the following digits identify the line (landline or mobile).
How to call Kenya from abroad
011 254 712 12345600 254 712 1234560011 254 712 123456+254 712 123456712 123456 is a real-format Kenya mobile number (example from the ITU-T numbering plan): replace it with the number you were given, without its leading 0.
Kenya area codes
In Kenya, landlines usually include an area code after +254 (without its leading 0). Mobiles have no area code.
Number format
020 2012345from abroad+254 20 20123450712 123456from abroad+254 712 123456Landline numbers in Kenya have 7 to 9 digits after the country code; mobile numbers have 9 digits. The national prefix 0 is only dialled inside the country — drop it after +254.
Calling abroad from Kenya
To call another country from Kenya, dial the exit code 000 (or + on a mobile), then the country code, then the number. From Kenya to the United States, for example: 000 1 201 555 0123.
A Kenya number in international format is written +254 …. The + stands for the exit prefix (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America). Switching to international format, drop the leading 0.
Cheapest ways to call Kenya
With internet on both ends, apps like WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call Kenya for free. To reach a number without an app, VoIP services are usually cheaper than your operator’s international rate.
Frequently asked questions
What country has the code +254?
Kenya has the country calling code +254.
How do I call Kenya from the United States?
Dial 011, then 254, then the local number without its leading 0 — for example 011 712 123456.
What does +254 mean?
It is the international dialing code for Kenya. The + stands for your exit code (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America).
Is +254 mobile or landline?
The +254 code identifies the country, not the line type; Kenya landlines and mobiles share it.
A country code covers a whole nation; the full number depends on the city and operator.
Mobile networks in Kenya
4 mobile network operators run their own networks in Kenya. The largest is Safaricom, with about 57.0 million subscribers (May 2025). Pick the one with the best coverage where you will spend most of your time.
Owned by Vodacom (55%)Government of Kenya (20%)Public Float (25%)
formerly Zain
Owned by Bharti Airtel (80%)
formerly Orange
Owned by Government of Kenya
Faiba 4G
Owned by Jamii Telecommunications Limited
- 4G/5G frequency bands used in Kenya: 5G 2500, LTE 1800, LTE 700, LTE 800. Most recent smartphones cover them; older or regional models may miss some.
- Moving there? Mobile number portability has existed since 2011-04-01 and costs free.
Operators, subscriber counts, network codes and switch-off dates: Wikipedia (lists of mobile network operators, mobile network codes, 2G/3G phase-out, mobile number portability), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Figures come from each operator or regulator at the date shown.
Getting a SIM card in Kenya
What visitors and new residents need to know before buying a local SIM or eSIM in Kenya, with a source for each point.
No restriction on WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype calls known. Telegram has been restricted temporarily: during the 25 June 2025 protests (NetBlocks) and during national KCSE exams (November 2023, 2024 and 2025), despite a May 2025 High Court order against internet shutdowns. OONI WhatsApp reachability tests between 1 June and 27 September 2026: 12,789 of 13,199 measurements OK, 0 confirmed blocks.
Source: tech-ish.com · pulse.co.ke · api.ooni.io
Buying a SIM as a visitor
Mandatory under the Kenya Information and Communications (Registration of Telecommunications Service Subscribers) Regulations, 2025 (Legal Notice No. 90, in force 30 May 2025): operators register subscribers with original identification documents and must verify them against government databases; foreigners register with a passport or alien card. Service may be suspended, after prior notice, for false information or repeated failure to register. The Communications Authority stated in November 2025 that the rules do not require collection of biometric data.
Source: capitalfm.africa · repository.ca.go.ke
Where to buy it
Safaricom and Airtel official shops, including a Safaricom shop just outside baggage claim at Nairobi JKIA; passport required for registration. Avoid buying SIMs from informal roadside kiosks.
Source: toomanyadapters.com
Getting a monthly contract as a resident
Safaricom PostPay application: copy of national ID or passport and KRA PIN certificate, physical address, employer or other reference details; Safaricom may make credit enquiries with the applicant's bankers and trade references. Payment by M-PESA, cash, card, cheque or direct debit.
Source: safaricom.co.ke
Scam calls and texts
Forward fake or suspicious SMS to 333 (free, Safaricom). Complaints to the Communications Authority of Kenya: chukuahatua@ca.go.ke or 0703 042000.
Source: safaricom.co.ke · repository.ca.go.ke
Checked on 28 September 2026 against the sources linked on each card (regulators, government portals and operators first). SIM and ID rules change often: confirm with the operator before you travel.
Staying connected in Kenya
With 127 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, almost everyone in Kenya has a mobile — a WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call is usually the easiest way in. Only 35 % of people use the internet, so a plain phone call may reach more people than an app.
Source: World Bank / ITU World Telecommunication indicators (IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.USER.ZS, IT.MLT.MAIN.P2), latest available year.
Free and premium numbers in Kenya
+254 800 223 456Free from inside Kenya (numbers starting with 8000 / 8002 / 8008). From abroad these numbers are often unreachable or charged at the international rate.
+254 900 223 456Surcharged services — ranges starting with 9000 / 9002 / 9009. Do not call back an unknown missed call from such a range: the cost is far above a normal call.
Number ranges: ITU-T national numbering plan for Kenya via Google libphonenumber.
Ethiopia +251
Tanzania +255
South Sudan +211
Somalia +252
Uganda +256