On Monday morning, the gates of the United States Embassy in Nairobi will remain shut.
The closure is not linked to security concerns or diplomatic tensions. It marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal public holiday in the United States.
The embassy is expected to reopen on Tuesday, resuming normal operations.
In a brief notice, the mission said routine services would be paused for the day. Visa processing, passport applications and general enquiries will not be handled during the closure.
Emergency help for American citizens, however, will continue.
“Emergency services for U.S. citizens will remain available throughout the holiday,” the embassy said, noting that assistance can still be provided in cases such as serious illness, arrest, or the loss of travel documents.
The holiday is observed each year on the third Monday of January. It honours the life and legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential figures in the American civil rights movement.
Dr King is remembered for his call for non-violent protest and his push for racial equality at a time when segregation shaped much of American life. His message, centred on justice and civic participation, continues to guide public life in the United States decades after his assassination in 1968.
Across the US and at American diplomatic missions worldwide, government offices close in recognition of the day.
The Nairobi embassy follows the same calendar. It routinely observes US federal holidays, alongside selected Kenyan public holidays, as part of its annual schedule.
Such closures are usually announced early to help the public plan ahead. Officials advise applicants with scheduled appointments to check the embassy’s official communication channels for updates or new dates.
For travellers and visa applicants, the message is a familiar one: plan early, and expect brief pauses around public holidays.
On Monday, the embassy will be quiet. But by Tuesday morning, normal service is expected to resume business as usual once again on Gitanga Road
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