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How to Call Kenya from the United States
Country code +254 — Dial 011 254 71X XXXXXX from a US landline or +254 71X XXXXXX from a mobile phone.
What to Dial
- 1Dial 011 from a US landline, or + from a mobile (hold the 0 key).
- 2Dial 254, the country code of Kenya.
- 3Dial the number: 9 digits for mobiles and 7 to 9 for landlines, without the leading 0 used for calls inside Kenya.
| Calling a… | Written in Kenya | From a US landline | From a cell phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | 071X XXXXXX |
011 254 71X XXXXXX |
+254 71X XXXXXX |
| Landline (Nairobi) | 020 XXXXXXX |
011 254 20 XXXXXXX |
+254 20 XXXXXXX |
X stands for any digit. Mobile numbers start with 010–014, 018 or 07. More number types: Kenya phone number format.
Mobile or Landline?
Kenya had 126 mobile subscriptions and 0.1 landlines per 100 people in 2024. Most people you call will be on a mobile, so ask for their mobile number and check what your plan charges for calls to Kenya mobiles.
Source: World Bank (ITU).
Calling Tips for Kenya
Best Time to Call
To reach someone between 9 AM and 8 PM in Nairobi, call between 1:00 AM–12:00 PM EST (10:00 PM–9:00 AM PST). Kenya doesn’t change its clocks, so the gap moves by an hour when the US does.
Kenya is on UTC+3, 8 hours ahead of US Eastern Time right now.
Cost Saving Tips
- VoIP services such as Google Voice or Vonage usually charge less per minute than a carrier's standard international rate.
- WiFi calling apps (WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime) are free when both parties have the app.
- Check your carrier's international plan — many offer add-on packages.