The United States Embassy in Nairobi will temporarily close its doors on Monday, October 14, in observance of Columbus Day, an American federal holiday.
The closure, announced on Sunday, will impact all services at the embassy, which will resume operations on Tuesday, October 15. This closure affects those seeking urgent consular services such as passport replacements, visa processing, and citizenship matters.
Also, if you are seeking services from federal institutions in the US, or heading to the US, expect closures for the holiday.
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage that led to the European colonisation of the Americas. The holiday has long been a point of celebration across the United States, where it honours the explorer's role in shaping global history.
However, the day has become increasingly controversial, with growing opposition from Native American communities who highlight the devastating effects of colonisation on Indigenous populations. Many argue that Columbus’s arrival marked the beginning of centuries of oppression and displacement for Native Americans.
The holiday’s divisive legacy has led several US states and cities to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day, recognising the historical and ongoing struggles of Native communities.
As the debate continues, the observance serves as a reminder of the country's complex history, stirring discussions about how Americans should commemorate such events. For some, the day remains a celebration of Italian-American heritage and contributions to the nation, while others advocate for a shift toward acknowledging the injustices of the past.
The US Embassy in Nairobi, which handles a range of services for both Americans and Kenyans, typically sees high demand around this time of year. Services such as emergency passport replacements, birth reports for children born abroad, and visa assistance are among the activities affected by the closure.
Many Kenyans rely on the embassy for navigating legal, medical, and bureaucratic matters, making the brief shutdown an inconvenience for some.
Beyond providing consular services, the embassy is also a hub for cultural and educational exchanges that strengthen ties between the US and Kenya. Programmes introducing local leaders to American institutions aim to foster long-term relationships in areas like education, business, and civil society. These exchanges not only deepen mutual understanding but also open doors for collaboration in science, entrepreneurship, and governance.
The embassy's role extends further into diplomatic efforts, as its staff engages with local government officials, business leaders, and civil society to promote US interests in Kenya. Through these interactions, embassy personnel contribute to a better understanding of American policies while analysing Kenya's political and economic landscape. Such insights often benefit US businesses seeking opportunities in the region.
Additionally, embassy staff may provide training for local security forces if requested by the Kenyan government, helping to bolster the country's security efforts. The embassy also plays a crucial role in vetting Kenyan citizens who wish to visit the US for tourism, education, or business purposes.
