Area Code 42 – Malindi/Lamu/Garsen

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The area code 42 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the coastal region of Kenya, specifically serving the towns of Malindi, Lamu, and Garsen. This code falls under the administrative jurisdiction of Kilifi County (Malindi), Lamu County (Lamu), and Tana River County (Garsen). The region is a key economic hub for tourism and agriculture, with Malindi being a major coastal city and a popular tourist destination.

Dialing Formats

When dialing a landline number within the 42 area code, the local format is typically 0-42-XXXXXX, where the leading '0' is the trunk prefix used for domestic calls within Kenya. The subscriber number is usually six digits long, making the total length of a domestic call 10 digits (including the trunk prefix). For international callers, the format is +254-42-XXXXXX, where +254 is the country calling code for Kenya, and the leading '0' is dropped. For example, a landline number in Malindi might be dialed as +254 42 123456 from abroad.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest numbering plan updates, there is no overlay code for the 42 area; the code remains exclusive to this geographic region. However, due to the growth of mobile telephony, landline usage has declined, but the code is still active for fixed-line services. Callers within Kenya should always include the trunk prefix '0' when dialing from a different area code. For instance, a caller in Nairobi would dial 042-XXXXXX to reach a number in Malindi.

Caller Instructions

For local callers (within Kenya): Dial the trunk prefix '0', followed by the area code '42', and then the six-digit subscriber number. For example, 042-123456.

For international callers: Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00 or +), then Kenya's country code 254, then the area code 42 (without the leading '0'), and then the six-digit subscriber number. For example, +254 42 123456.

This area code is used exclusively for fixed-line (PSTN) services. Mobile numbers in Kenya use separate non-geographic prefixes (e.g., 07xx, 01xx) and are not affected by this code. If you are unsure whether a number is geographic or mobile, note that geographic numbers are typically associated with physical locations and are often used by businesses and government offices in the region.