Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika Stamps
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika, located in East Africa, shared a unified postal administration under British colonial rule, initially established in the late 19th century. This joint postal service, often referred to as the East African Posts and Telecommunications Administration (EAP&T), issued stamps denominated in East African shillings and cents, frequently featuring English alongside Swahili.
- Issued stamps
- 1935–1976
- Region
- Africa, East Africa
- Currency
- KES
- Languages
- English, Swahili
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- United Kingdom
History and background
The unified entity persisted through the period leading up to independence for the three territories, with separate stamp issues commencing as each nation achieved self-governance, marking a significant transition from the shared colonial postal framework.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- KENYA UGANDA TANGANYIKA
- EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA
How to identify them
- Look for the inscription 'KENYA UGANDA TANGANYIKA' or 'EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA' on the stamps.
- Denominations are typically in East African shillings and cents.
- Stamps often feature portraits of British monarchs (George V, George VI, Elizabeth II) alongside local imagery.
Popular series
-
King George V Pictorials
1935-1937
A definitive series featuring local scenes, wildlife, and the portrait of King George V, issued to commemorate his Silver Jubilee and later as regular definitives.
-
King George VI Pictorials
1938-1954
A long-running definitive series showcasing diverse East African landscapes, industries, and wildlife, with the portrait of King George VI.
-
Queen Elizabeth II Pictorials
1954-1963
The first definitive series featuring Queen Elizabeth II, continuing the tradition of depicting local flora, fauna, and cultural scenes.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- $0.50–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
Common stamps from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika are generally inexpensive, especially used. Mint condition sets and higher denominations, particularly from earlier King George V and VI issues, can fetch significantly higher prices. Errors, varieties, and early postal history items are highly sought after by specialists.
Catalogs. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika stamps
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika stamps were issued by a unified postal administration in British East Africa from 1935 until the individual countries gained independence. These stamps served the three territories under a single colonial postal entity, often featuring British monarchs and local East African scenes.
The value of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika stamps varies. Common, used stamps are generally inexpensive, often ranging from $0.50 to $5. However, mint condition sets, higher denominations, early issues, and stamps with known errors or varieties can be quite valuable, potentially reaching hundreds of dollars or more. Condition plays a significant role in determining value.
You can identify Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika stamps by looking for the inscription 'KENYA UGANDA TANGANYIKA' or 'EAST AFRICA AND UGANDA' on the stamp. They are denominated in East African shillings and cents and often feature British monarchs alongside local East African imagery. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 2 for Africa), the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, and the Michel Ostafrika (East Africa) catalog.
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