Kenya Phone Number Format for Local & International Calls

The Kenyan phone number format starts with the country code (254), followed by the trunk code (0), the area code or the mobile prefix, and the local subscriber number. You must dial these unique prefixes in the right order to ensure a successful connection.

The international country code for Kenya is 254. This code identifies Kenyan numbers in global telephone networks and is required when calling from outside the country.

Kenya uses 0 as its trunk prefix for domestic calls. When calling from within the country, Kenyan numbers always start with this prefix. However, when making an international call, the trunk prefix is not required.

Kenyan landline numbers use area codes to represent a specific geographic region within the country, where the number is registered. In Kenya, area codes are typically 2 digits long and required for both local and international calls.

Mobile prefixes in Kenya identify mobile phone numbers and their original network providers. Most numbers traditionally begin with 07XX, but as demand grew, new prefixes like 01X were introduced. The first digit "0" is a trunk prefix, used only for local dialing within Kenya. The following digits, 7XX or 1X, represent the mobile operator.

The subscriber number is the unique local number assigned to an individual or business. It comes after the area code for landlines or the mobile prefix for mobile numbers and completes the phone number.

The Kenya phone number for domestic calls begins with the trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code (for landlines) or the mobile prefix (for cell phone numbers), and the subscriber number.

Here’s how to dial a Kenyan phone number for local calls:

• Step 1: Dial the area code or mobile prefix, including the leading 0.
• Step 2: Enter the subscriber number.

Local Landline Number: 020 765 43XX

• 0 – Trunk code
• 20 – Nairobi area code
• 765 43XX – Subscriber number

Mobile Phone Number: 0718 654 32XX

• 0 – Trunk code
• 718 – Mobile prefix
• 654 32XX – Subscriber number

Toll-Free Number: 0800 22 45XX

• 0 – Trunk code
• 800 – Toll-free prefix
• 22 45XX – Subscriber number

Kenya’s international phone number format starts with your country’s exit code, Kenya’s country code (254), and the area code or mobile prefix, followed by the subscriber number.

Here’s how to dial a Kenyan phone number from overseas:

• Step 1: Dial your country’s international exit code. You can use the “+” symbol as an exit code when calling from a mobile phone.
• Step 2: Enter Kenya’s country code, 254.
• Step 3: Add the area code or mobile prefix, without the trunk prefix ‘0’.
• Step 4: Dial the subscriber number.

Landline Number: 011 254 20 456 78XX or +254 20 456 78XX (Calling Kenya from the US)

• 011 or + – US exit code
• 254 – Kenya country code
• 20 – Nairobi area code
• 456 78XX – Subscriber’s landline number

Mobile Number: 011 254 718 234 6XX or +254 718 234 6XX

• 011 or + – US exit code
• 254 – Kenya country code
• 718 – Mobile prefix
• 234 6XX – Subscriber’s mobile number

Toll-Free Number: 011 254 800 34 9XX or +254 800 34 9XX

• 011 or + – US exit code
• 254 – Kenya country code
• 800 – Toll-free prefix
• 34 9XX – Subscriber’s number

Kenya's emergency phone numbers use 3 to 4-digit short codes that connect callers directly to the emergency services like police, ambulance, fire, and specialized support services during urgent situations. These numbers can be dialed nationwide from both mobile phones and landlines for free.

Before placing a call to Kenya, consider the time differences between your country and Kenya, international calling costs, and the landline vs. mobile phone number format. It ensures your call reaches the right person at an appropriate time, while keeping the calling cost predictable.

Kenya follows East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC +3. Depending on where you are calling from, Kenya may be several hours ahead or behind your local time. For example, when it is morning in North America, it is already evening in Kenya. So, it’s ideal to check the local time before calling, so you can call at a convenient time for your recipient.

International calling rates to Kenya vary based on your country and service provider. Traditional carriers often charge higher per-minute fees for overseas calls. To manage costs, consider using virtual phone numbers, which typically offer lower international calling rates compared to traditional carriers.

Before dialing, it is important to confirm whether the Kenyan number is a landline or a mobile phone. Kenyan mobile numbers do not use city-based area codes. After the country code, they begin with a mobile prefix, typically starting with 07XX or 01XX. Landline numbers, on the other hand, require a specific city or regional area code, such as 020 for Nairobi or 041 for Mombasa.

Kenya follows a clear and structured phone number format for both landline and mobile calls. While landlines use area codes tied to specific regions, mobile numbers use mobile prefixes that identify the original network provider. For international calls, the format is: exit code + 254 + area code or mobile prefix + subscriber number. For local calls, simply dial 0, followed by the area code or mobile prefix and subscriber number.

Beyond dialing accuracy, calling cost is another important factor to consider when calling Kenya. Traditional carriers often charge high international rates, which can add up quickly for frequent calls. This is why many callers look for other cost-efficient alternatives.

Using a virtual phone number is one such option. A VoIP provider like Calilio offers affordable virtual phone numbers from over 100 countries, with low-cost international calling rates. Plus, they come along with additional call management features such as call routing, call recording, AI-powered call insights, and more. These tools help manage international calls better, while keeping the calling cost low.