How to Call Kenya in 5 Simple Steps (Plus Tips on How to Utilize Your Call)

Get in touch with family and friends in Kenya with this helpful guide

Dialing the Number

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Utilizing Your Call

If you want to talk to a friend, relative, or colleague in Kenya, don’t be intimidated: it’s an easy process when you have the information you need. You need to dial the exit code of the country you’re calling from, followed by Kenya’s country code (254) and a 7 if you’re calling a mobile phone. Then, enter the 2-digit area code followed by the 5-to-7-digit phone number. If you’re worried about the cost, there are several options for making affordable international calls.

Things You Should Know

First, determine whether the number you're calling is a mobile number or landline.
Second, identify your country's exit code; in the United States, the exit code is 011.
Dial the exit code, followed by Kenya's country code, a 7 if it's a mobile number, the 2-digit area code, and the 5- to 7-digit phone number.

Section 1 of 2:

Dialing the Number

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Dial exit code 011. The exit code, or international dialing prefix, must be entered when making an international call. This code is between two and five digits and will vary depending on where you are calling from. 011 is the exit code for the United States.^{[1]XResearch source} Exit codes are not unique to individual countries; see the list below for more codes:
- If you are calling from Australia, the exit code is 0011.
- If you are calling from most places in western Europe or Africa, the exit code is 00.
- For other countries’ exit codes, search the internet or ask your phone carrier.
While the exit code signals that you are dialing a number outside of your country, the country code specifies the destination of your call.^{[2]XResearch source} Unlike the exit code, the country code is unique to each country.
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In Kenya, mobile phone numbers require this additional digit before the area code and phone number.^{[3]XResearch source} Know whether you are calling a mobile phone and will need to add this 7.
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Enter the 2-digit area code. A 2-digit area code precedes Kenyan phone numbers. Below are all of the area codes for Kenya:^{[4]XResearch source}
- Nairobi: 20
- Kwale: 40
- Mombasa: 41
- Malindi: 42
- Voi: 43
- Machakos: 44
- Kajiado: 45
- Garissa: 46
- Naivasha: 50
- Nakuru: 51
- Kericho: 52
- Eldoret: 53
- Kitale: 54
- Bungoma: 55
- Kakamega: 56
- Kisumu: 57
- Kisii: 58
- Homa Bay: 59
- Murang'a: 60
- Nyeri: 61
- Nanyuki: 62
- Meru: 64
- Nyahururu: 65
- Karuri: 66
- Thika: 67
- Embu: 68
- Marsabit: 69
- Wajir: 46
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Dial the 5-to-7-digit phone number. Make sure you know the number of the person you’re calling, and enter their number after entering all of the preceding codes.
- If you are calling from the United States to a mobile phone in Nairobi, the full number should look something like this: 011-254-7-20-###-###.
- You may hear a different dial tone than you’re used to. Don’t be alarmed: different countries vary in the type of dial tone they use.

Section 2 of 2:

Utilizing Your Call

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1
Keep track of the time difference. Kenya is located in Eastern Africa Time Zone (GMT+3).^{[5]XResearch source} Be sure to calculate the time difference before you call so you don’t wake someone up in the middle of the night!
- An online time zone converter can help you determine the time difference between Kenya and wherever you’re calling from.
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Know how much the call will cost. International calls cost more than local ones do. Most phone carriers have information on their websites specifying how much it costs to call different countries/regions, but they won’t always tell you up front that you are making a more expensive call. Don’t forget to check with your carrier to avoid an unexpectedly high phone bill.
- Some phone carriers offer special plans to make international calls. If you’re going to make many calls to Kenya, ask your carrier if there are any such options.
- Several people benefit from buying prepaid cards for international calls. These cards come with a set amount of money loaded, so you know how much you’re paying and how long you have to call. Per-minute rates are often considerably cheaper on prepaid cards.
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Save money by calling over a broadband internet connection. With today’s technology, several people opt to ditch phone companies altogether and make international calls on the internet using voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP). With apps like Skype and Google Voice, you can call numbers from your computer without signing up for a phone plan.
- You will need to purchase credit on your account to use VOIP. Check your app for rates.
- If you can’t access reliable internet at home, you can try a local library, restaurant, or cafe that offers public wireless. Just be careful not to share sensitive information on a public network.
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Try a video messaging app. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, Skype, and Google Voice allow account users to video chat for free, as long as they have signed up for the app and are connected to the internet. Download the app onto your device, set up a new account, and add the person you’re calling to your contact list. You’re ready to video chat with someone in Kenya!
- Before calling, make sure that your microphone, camera, and speakers are working. Most video chatting apps have places to test your hardware in their settings section.