Welcome to the Nairobi Postal Service – Postcode Lookup System.
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and by far the Largest and most populous City in Kenya, with an estimated Population of around 5,766,990 residents in 2025. Postal Codes continue to be important in this digital age as they aren’t just basic mailing tools; they are also critical infrastructure powering e-commerce deliveries, digital service access, and City Planning.
The Nairobi postal code system is managed by the Kenya Postal Corporation ( Posta Kenya). Since its introduction in 1977, it has generally been characterized by the 00 prefix. The Postal Corporation of Kenya divides Nairobi into four Zones, each made up of 17 sub-counties and Various wards, each with its own unique postal code.
The History and Establishment of Nairobi Postal Codes
How the Nairobi Postal Codes were formed is intertwined with Kenya’s Postal code structure and how the country itself was established, since British colonial rule started. The Early Postal History in Kenya was during the 17th-19th Centuries, when a Portuguese governor was installed in Mombasa in 1592, marking the beginning of official correspondence between the East African coast and the outside world.
By 1610, there were documented records of letters and parcels being transported by ship to Arabia and India, and then forwarded to Europe via overland routes. During this early period, there was no formal postal code system; instead, mail delivery relied on descriptive addresses and the knowledge of messengers who were familiar with local geography.
The real foundations of Kenya’s modern postal system were laid during the British colonial era. As Britain solidified its control over East Africa in the late 19th century, it brought with it administrative systems that included more organized postal services. By 1890, formal postal offices had been established in coastal towns like Mombasa and Lamu, with the regional postal headquarters situated in Zanzibar, which served the entire British East African protectorate.
A pivotal moment in the development of Kenya’s postal system—and particularly Nairobi’s central role in it—came with the construction of the Uganda Railway between the early 1900s and 1920s. In 1906, the Mombasa postal headquarters were relocated to Nairobi, where they remain to this day. Nairobi’s strategic central location to almost all regions in Kenya made it easier to move mail throughout the protectorate.
From this point until the early 1960s, an interesting administrative arrangement existed—the postal services of Kenya and Uganda operated as a unified system, though each maintained separate accounts and used its own distinctive stamps.
The True birth of the Current Nairobi postal code system was initiated by Kenya’s independence in 1963. However, it wasn’t until 1977—fourteen years after independence—that Kenya officially introduced its first comprehensive postal code system.
Later, in 1998, the Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) was established through an Act of Parliament (PCK Act 1998) with the responsibility for managing all postal services in the country, including the maintenance and development of the postal code system, including the ones in Nairobi.
What is the postcode of Nairobi?
Under the New 2010 Kenyan Constitution, Nairobi is a county formed after the 2013 General elections; however, designated as county 047, but historically the first and most important urban center, Nairobi has postal codes starting with the prefix 00. The Postal code of Nairobi, however, is 00100, uniquely tied to the General Post Office (GPO), the headquarters for Posta Kenya.
Nairobi county, like all other counties in Kenya, has Postal codes which are structured to have a five-digit number with each digit carrying a very special Purpose:
- First Two Digits (Prefix): The first two digits identify the broader geographical region or county. For Nairobi, this prefix is consistently “00,” immediately signaling to postal workers that the destination is within Kenya’s capital city.
- Last Three Digits (Suffix): The remaining three digits pinpoint the specific delivery office or area within Nairobi. These numbers are assigned based on administrative divisions, major landmarks, or institutional zones.
Does Nairobi have a zip code? It’s worth noting that Kenya, including Nairobi, does not have Zip Codes and instead relies on postal code systems. ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) codes are specific to the United States Postal Service, introduced in 1963.
Complete List Of Nairobi Postal Codes by Area
Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya, and it is made up of 17 subcounties consisting of over 80 wards and many areas, each with its own network of postal codes. The Nairobi Postal codes for all regions are divided into 6 regions with postal codes as follows:
Central Business District (CBD) Postal Codes
The Central Business District is the heart of Nairobi County, and it features some of the most recognizable and frequently used postal codes in the city:
- 00100 – General Post Office (GPO)
- 00200 – City Square
- 00300 – Ronald Ngala Street
- 00400 – Tom Mboya Street
Eastern Nairobi Postal Codes
Eastern Nairobi is made up of several densely populated residential areas and industrial zones:
- 00500 – Enterprise Road
- 00501 – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
- 00510 – Makongeni
- 00515 – Buruburu
- 00516 – Dandora
- 00518 – Kayole
- 00519 – Mlolongo
- 00520 – Ruai
- 00521 – Embakasi
- 00522 – Industrial Area
- 00523 – Gikomba
Western Nairobi Postal Codes
Western Nairobi includes some of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods and commercial districts:
- 00502 – Karen
- 00503 – Mbagathi
- 00505 – Ngong Road
- 00506 – Nyayo Stadium
- 00508 – Yaya Towers
- 00509 – Langata
- 00606 – Sarit Centre
- 00800 – Westlands
Northern Nairobi Postal Codes
Northern Nairobi features diplomatic enclaves, upscale residential areas, and educational institutions:
- 00600 – Ngara Road
- 00601 – Gigiri
- 00603 – Lavington
- 00604 – Lower Kabete
- 00605 – Uthiru
- 00607 – Kamiti
- 00609 – Kenyatta University
- 00610 – Eastleigh
- 00611 – Mathare Valley
- 00618 – Ruaraka
- 00619 – Muthaiga
- 00621 – Village Market
- 00623 – Parklands
- 00625 – Kangemi
Southern Nairobi Postal Codes
Southern Nairobi includes a mix of residential areas and important institutions:
- 00202 – Kenyatta National Hospital
- 00503 – Mbagathi
- 00507 – Viwandani
- 00517 – Uhuru Garden
Special Purpose Postal Codes
Several Nairobi postal codes are assigned to specific institutions or functions rather than geographical areas:
- 00101 – Jamia Mosque
- 00102 – State Law Office
- 00504 – Mchumbi Road
- 00524 – Docks
- 00525 – Railway Station
Alphabetical Listing of Nairobi Areas and Their Postal Codes
For quick reference, here is an alphabetical listing of major Nairobi areas and their corresponding postal codes:
| No. | Area | Postal Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buruburu | 00515 |
| 2 | City Square | 00200 |
| 3 | Dandora | 00516 |
| 4 | Docks | 00524 |
| 5 | Eastleigh | 00610 |
| 6 | Embakasi | 00521 |
| 7 | Enterprise Road | 00500 |
| 8 | General Post Office (GPO) | 00100 |
| 9 | Gikomba | 00523 |
| 10 | Gigiri | 00601 |
| 11 | Industrial Area | 00522 |
| 12 | Jamia Mosque | 00101 |
| 13 | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) | 00501 |
| 14 | Kamiti | 00607 |
| 15 | Kangemi | 00625 |
| 16 | Karen | 00502 |
| 17 | Kayole | 00518 |
| 18 | Kenyatta National Hospital | 00202 |
| 19 | Kenyatta University | 00609 |
| 20 | Langata | 00509 |
| 21 | Lavington | 00603 |
| 22 | Lower Kabete | 00604 |
| 23 | Makongeni | 00510 |
| 24 | Mathare Valley | 00611 |
| 25 | Mbagathi | 00503 |
| 26 | Mchumbi Road | 00504 |
| 27 | Mlolongo | 00519 |
| 28 | Muthaiga | 00619 |
| 29 | Ngara Road | 00600 |
| 30 | Ngong Road | 00505 |
| 31 | Nyayo Stadium | 00506 |
| 32 | Parklands | 00623 |
| 33 | Railway Station | 00525 |
| 34 | Ronald Ngala Street | 00300 |
| 35 | Ruai | 00520 |
| 36 | Ruaraka | 00618 |
| 37 | Sarit Centre | 00606 |
| 38 | State Law Office | 00102 |
| 39 | Tom Mboya Street | 00400 |
| 40 | Uhuru Garden | 00517 |
| 41 | Uthiru | 00605 |
| 42 | Village Market | 00621 |
| 43 | Viwandani | 00507 |
| 44 | Westlands | 00800 |
| 45 | Yaya Towers | 00508 |
Post Offices Map in Nairobi, Kenya
According to Posta Kenya, Nairobi County has 41 postal offices Spread throughout the city. You can find the nearest postal offices in Kenya by visiting https://posta.co.ke/post-offices/. Alternatively, the interactive map below displays the locations of all post offices and postal code boundaries across Nairobi County. All you need to do is click on any marker to view detailed information about each postal facility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nairobi Postal Codes
What is Nairobi’s main postal code?
The main postal code for Nairobi is 00100, which corresponds to the General Post Office (GPO) located in the Central Business District. This is often used as the default postal code when a more specific one is unknown, though using the exact area code is always preferable for faster delivery.
How do I find my postal code in Nairobi?
You can find your postal code in Nairobi by using the official Postal Corporation search directory, which is available at https://posta.co.ke/post-offices/.
Can I use 00100 for all Nairobi addresses?
While mail addressed with 00100 will generally reach Nairobi, it’s not recommended to use this as a universal code. Using the specific postal code for your area ensures faster and more accurate delivery. The 00100 code specifically refers to the General Post Office in the CBD, not the entire city.
Do I need a postal code when using courier services?
Yes, most courier services in Nairobi require postal codes for efficient routing and delivery. Even international courier companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS utilize Kenya’s postal code system when delivering to Nairobi addresses. Providing the correct code helps ensure timely delivery.
Are Nairobi postal codes the same as ZIP codes?
No, Nairobi uses postal codes, not ZIP codes. While similar in function, ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) codes are specific to the United States Postal Service. Kenya’s five-digit postal code system was developed independently, though it shares some structural similarities with the American system.
How do I write a postal address for international mail to Nairobi?
For international mail to Nairobi, use this format:
- Recipient’s Full Name
- Building Name/Number, Street Name
- P.O. Box Number
- Postal Code, NAIROBI
- KENYA
Always include “KENYA” in capital letters on the last line to ensure proper international routing.
Do residential areas and businesses in the same neighborhood share the same postal code?
Generally, yes. Nairobi’s postal codes are primarily geographic rather than functional, meaning residential and commercial properties in the same area typically share the same code. However, major institutions or facilities might have their own dedicated codes regardless of location.