How to Call Kenya from the USA? Step-by-Step Guide

Before calling Kenya from the US, it's important to know the US exit code and the key telephony codes in the Kenyan phone number format, which includes the country code, area code, and subscriber number.

The US exit code is the number you dial first when making an international call from the United States to any other country. It instructs your telephone network to route the call outside the country.

The USA exit code is 011. On mobile phones, using the “+” sign works the same way as 011, making it easier to make international calls.

Kenyan numbers follow a clear structure: country code + (landline area code or mobile prefix) + subscriber digits.

• Kenya Country Code (254)

  Kenya’s country code is 254. This is the number that tells the phone network the call is connecting to Kenya. So you’ll typically dial: 011 + 254 + …

• Area Code (Landlines Only)

  Area codes are an important part of the landline numbers in Kenya, which represent the specific city or area within the country. They usually consist of 3 digits and start with ‘0’. But the initial ‘0’ is removed when calling from abroad.
  
  For instance, if the local area code is 020, you’d remove the first 0 and dial 20 when making a call from the United States or any other country.

  City/Region	Area Code (Local in Kenya)	Area Code (When Calling Internationally)
  Nairobi	020	20
  Mombasa	041	41
  Kisumu	057	57
  Nakuru	051	51
  Eldoret	053	53
  Thika	067	67

• Mobile Prefix (Mobile Numbers)

  A Kenyan mobile number starts with the mobile prefix 0712. However, for international calls, you’d remove the first ‘0’ from the mobile prefix. So, it becomes 712 when calling from the US or other countries.

• Subscriber Number

  The subscriber number is the last part of the contact number that identifies the exact person or business owning the phone line. It comes after the area code (for landlines) or after the mobile prefix (for mobiles).

To dial Kenya from the US, first enter the US exit code, followed by Kenya’s country code, the area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix (for mobile numbers), and the local subscriber number.

To call a Kenyan landline number from the US, dial 011, enter 254, add the landline area code (remove the leading 0), then dial the subscriber number.

1. Dial 011 to start an international call from the US (or use + on a smartphone).
2. Enter 254 to connect the call to Kenya.
3. Dial the area code (without the leading 0).
4. Dial the local subscriber number.
5. Wait for the call to connect. International calls may take a few seconds longer.

Dialing format for Kenyan landline numbers from the USA: 011 + 254 + Area Code (without 0) + Subscriber Number

To call a Kenyan mobile number from the USA, dial 011, enter 254, then dial the mobile number, starting with the mobile prefix ‘712’, without the starting zero.

1. Dial 011 or use + on a smartphone.
2. Enter 254, Kenya’s country code.
3. Dial the mobile prefix.
4. Dial the local number without the leading 0.

Dialing format for Kenyan mobile numbers from the USA: 011 + 254 + Mobile Prefix + Subscriber Number

To place a call to a Kenyan toll-free number from the United States, dial the US exit code, Kenya’s country code, the toll-free prefix and the remaining number.

1. Dial 011 or + to start an international call from the USA.
2. Enter 254, Kenya’s country code.
3. Dial the Kenyan toll-free prefix (commonly 800).
4. Dial the remaining subscriber number.

Dialing format of a Kenyan toll-free number from the US: 011 + 254 + Toll-Free Prefix + Subscriber Number

Note: Most Kenyan toll-free numbers are meant for domestic use only, so the call may not connect when dialed from overseas. Even if it connects, international charges may apply.

The best time to contact Kenya from America is when it’s daytime in Kenya, especially during regular working hours, 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. This window offers the best time to make a business call. For personal calls, early evening in Kenya is usually a safe option.

Kenya follows East Africa Time (EAT), while the US follows multiple time zones. In general, early morning in the USA aligns with daytime hours in Kenya.

Here’s a clear look into the best times to call Kenya from different time zones in the US:

Helpful tip: Kenya does not observe Daylight Saving Time. However, the USA does. So, the time difference shifts by one hour depending on the season.

The cost of dialing Kenya from the USA depends on how you make the call and which service you use. On average, traditional phone carriers charge a few cents to a few dollars for international calls. The cost is usually expensive; however, some providers may offer a subscription-based model for international calls at discounted rates.

Note: The above prices are the average rates. Actual rates depend on your calling plan and type of service. Always contact the carrier for the exact price.

For reduced calling costs when calling Kenya from the US, consider using VoIP phone services or messaging/calling apps that allow you to make a call over the internet. This helps you avoid expensive roaming charges imposed by traditional carriers.

If you still prefer a traditional method, another option is to subscribe to the international calling add-ons plans provided by US carriers, which offer discounted calling rates for a monthly fee.

VoIP service providers offer virtual phone numbers to let you call over the internet at lower rates from your phone, laptop, or tablet. Moreover, these numbers often come with additional features like call logs, call recording, and analytics. They are especially useful for business calls.

Messaging and calling apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger allow free or low-cost calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. However, both you and the person in Kenya must use the same app and be online. These apps are best for casual or personal calls. However, most of these apps do not support calls to regular landline or mobile numbers.

Some US mobile carriers offer international calling add-ons for a monthly fee. These plans can lower per-minute rates and give you predictable billing. While cheaper than pay-per-minute rates, they are usually still more expensive than using virtual phone numbers or internet-based calling apps.

Making a call to Kenya from the USA requires a different dialing format than local calls. You’ll need to start with the US exit code, followed by Kenya’s country code, then the area code for landlines or the mobile prefix for mobile numbers, and finally the subscriber number. Once you understand this format, placing an international call becomes simple and reliable.

However, dialing correctly is only part of the equation. Cost is often the bigger concern. Traditional carriers can charge high per-minute rates unless you’re on an international plan, while calling apps depend heavily on internet quality and limit how you can place calls.

If you call Kenya regularly, especially for business, Calilio offers a smarter and more cost-effective alternative. With Calilio, you can make international calls at lower rates while benefiting from features like call logs, call recording, voicemail, and analytics, all designed to keep your communication professional and organized.