Kenya's International Phone Code
To call Kenya from abroad, use the country code +254.
Format: +254 + [area/mobile code] + [number]
Example: +254 20 123 4567
Calling Kenyan Landlines
For landlines, dial +254 followed by the area code and local number.
| City | Area Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | 20 | +254 20 123 4567 |
| Mombasa | 41 | +254 41 123 4567 |
| Kisumu | 57 | +254 57 123 4567 |
| Eldoret | 53 | +254 53 123 4567 |
Calling Kenyan Mobiles
Mobile numbers also use +254, followed by a mobile prefix:
| Network | Prefix | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Safaricom | 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719 | +254 700 123 456 |
| Airtel | 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738, 739, 750, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755, 756, 757, 758, 759 | +254 730 123 456 |
| Telkom | 770, 771, 772, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777, 778, 779 | +254 770 123 456 |
| Faiba | 747 | +254 747 123 456 |
Buying a SIM Card in Kenya
Staying connected in Kenya is easy and affordable for travelers. You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, mobile shops, or convenience stores. Major providers include Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom, and Faiba.
| Provider | Where to Buy | Tourist SIM Packages | Registration Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safaricom | Airport, shops | Yes | Passport |
| Airtel | Airport, shops | Yes | Passport |
| Telkom | Shops | Yes | Passport |
| Faiba | Shops | Yes | Passport |
Tip: Bring your passport for SIM registration. Tourist SIMs often include data, local calls, and international minutes.
Mobile Network Coverage & Internet
Kenya has excellent 4G and growing 5G coverage in cities and tourist areas, with 3G/2G in remote regions. All major providers offer fast mobile internet, and eSIMs are available for some devices.
- Best for coverage: Safaricom
- Best for budget: Airtel and Telkom
- Internet speeds: 4G/LTE in most urban areas, 5G in Nairobi and select cities
- Top-up: Recharge cards are widely available at shops and kiosks
WiFi: Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in tourist areas offer free WiFi, but mobile data is more reliable for travel.
Emergency Numbers & Useful Contacts
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 999, 112 |
| Ambulance | 1199, 911 |
| Fire Brigade | 999, 112 |
| Tourist Helpline | 020 604767 |
| General Info | 100 |
Tip: Save these numbers in your phone. You do not need to dial +254 for emergency services within Kenya.
Other International Codes for Kenya
| Code Type | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO Alpha-2 | KE |
| ISO Alpha-3 | KEN |
| Numeric Code | 404 |
| Internet Domain | .ke |
| Currency Code | KES |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need +254 for calls within Kenya?
No. For local calls, just dial the number with the leading "0" (e.g., 020 123 4567).
Is +254 used for both mobile and landline numbers?
Yes, +254 is the country code for all Kenyan numbers.
Should I use +254 for emergency numbers?
No. For emergencies in Kenya, dial numbers like 999 or 112 directly, without +254.
How do I call Kenya from another country?
Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from the UK), then +254, then the number (e.g., 011 254 20 123 4567).
Can I use my foreign SIM card in Kenya?
Yes, but roaming charges may apply. For affordable calls and data, buy a local SIM card or eSIM.
Are eSIMs available for tourists?
Yes, some providers offer eSIMs for compatible phones. Check with Safaricom or Airtel at the airport.
Is mobile internet reliable for travel?
Yes, 4G/LTE is widely available in cities and tourist areas. For remote regions, coverage may drop to 3G/2G.
