Lamu Postal Codes – Official Post Offices & Areas
Quick Answer: Lamu County uses 80500 as the main postal code for Lamu Town. Other key codes include 80501 (Faza), 80502 (Mokowe), 80503 (Mpeketoni), and 80504 (Witu). The county has 5 operational post offices serving its 143,920 residents across 6,273 km².
Lamu is designated as a county in Kenya under the 2010 Kenyan devolved governance unit. It is also the smallest county by population, and it is a unique coastal region famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site (Lamu Old Town) and rich Swahili culture.
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What is Lamu’s Postal Code?
Lamu’s Postal Code is 80500. It uses the postal region prefix 80, which identifies it as part of the Coast postal region managed by Posta Kenya. This differs from Nairobi’s 00 prefix, Nakuru’s 20 prefix, or Kisumu’s 40 prefix. The format follows Kenya’s postal code standard five-digit structure: the first two digits (80) represent the broader Coast region. In comparison, the final three digits pinpoint the specific post office or delivery zone.
For example, 80500 breaks down as:
80 = Coast region (Lamu County)
500 = Lamu Town GPO (General Post Office)
List of Lamu Sub-Counties and Their Postal Codes
Lamu County is administratively divided into 2 sub-counties (also serving as parliamentary constituencies), each with designated postal coverage. Below is a complete overview:
| Sub-County | Headquarters | Main Postal Codes | Population (Approx.) | Key Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamu West | Lamu Town (Island) | 80500, 80502, 80503, 80504 | 96,000 | Lamu Island, Shella, Mkomani, Mokowe, Mpeketoni, Witu, Hindi, Bahari |
| Lamu East | Faza (Pate Island) | 80501 | 48,000 | Faza, Kiunga, Basuba, Siyu, Pate Island |
Lamu Post Offices: Locations and Postal Codes
Here’s the complete directory of operational post offices in Lamu County:
| Post Office Name | Postal Code | Sub-County | Location Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamu Post Office | 80500 | Lamu West | Lamu Island, UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Faza Post Office | 80501 | Lamu East | Pate Island, administrative center |
| Mokowe Post Office | 80502 | Lamu West | Mainland ferry terminal, gateway to islands |
| Mpeketoni Post Office | 80503 | Lamu West | Settlement scheme, mainland agricultural area |
| Witu Post Office | 80504 | Lamu West | Inland trading center, mainland |
How to Use Lamu Postal Codes Correctly
Postal codes are essential for the sorting and delivery of mail on time, but also knowing how to use them correctly will facilitate such a process even more. Just like how you write and format the Nairobi Postal address, the same format is applied when addressing mail in Lamu County:
Standard P.O. Box Address Format
Correct format:
[Recipient Name]
P.O. Box [Number]-[Postal Code] [Town/Sub-County]
[KENYA]
For Example:
Shella White House Hotel
P.O. Box 45 – 80500 Lamu
KENYA
Where To Pay Attention: Always include the recipient’s full name on the first line. The hyphen between the box number and the postal code is mandatory (234-80500 is the correct format, not 234 80500). Include the town/sub-county name after the postal code for clarity. Add “KENYA” on the last line for international mail.
How to Apply for a P.O. Box in Lamu County
The application process to get your own P.O. Box in Mombasa is an easy process, thanks to changes that Posta Kenya has made in the previous years. The Lamu process is now entirely online, whereby you can complete everything from your phone or computer. Before you apply for one, you need to understand that Posta Kenya offers two types of P.O. Boxes, and your choice affects costs, collection methods, and what you can use the address for.
First, there is the Physical P.O. Box (Traditional Metal Box), where, if you apply for one, you get physical keys, a designated box number, and a secure slot at your chosen post office. Lastly, there’s the Virtual P.O. Box (MPost ) whereby your phone number becomes your postal address. Upon applying, you don’t get a physical box or keys; instead, you get just SMS alerts when mail arrives, and then you visit your chosen post office with your ID to collect.
All Postal Box Applications in Kenya, including for Lamu Postal offices, are done via the Posta Kenya Application Portal at: https://apps.posta.co.ke/boxupdate/
FAQs
Lamu Island (including Lamu Old Town and Shella) uses postal code 80500. This covers the entire island served by Lamu Post Office.
80503
Yes, Mokowe Post Office (80502) serves the mainland ferry terminal. It’s strategically located where passengers board boats to Lamu Island, making it convenient for both mainland and island residents.
No, Manda Airport (serving Lamu) doesn’t have a dedicated post office. The nearest facility is Mokowe Post Office (80502), located about 5 kilometers away at the ferry terminal.
