NAIROBI, Kenya – The United States Embassy in Nairobi will close to the public on Monday, October 12, 2026, to mark the Columbus Day federal holiday, temporarily suspending routine consular and administrative services.
In a notice issued on Friday, October 9, the embassy announced that its offices would remain closed for the holiday, with normal operations expected to resume on Tuesday, October 13.
“The US Embassy will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of Columbus Day,” the notice read in part.
The closure could affect members of the public with scheduled visits, including those seeking consular assistance or other administrative services.
Visa Interviews, Passport Services Could Be Affected
Routine services expected to be affected include visa interviews and application processing, US passport applications and renewals, notarial services and scheduled administrative appointments.
Members of the public who had planned to visit the embassy on Monday are advised to check its official communication channels for updates on their appointments and any necessary rescheduling arrangements.
Routine public inquiries and non-emergency services will also be suspended during the closure.
US citizens requiring emergency assistance are advised to use the embassy’s designated emergency contact channels.
The embassy is expected to resume normal operations on Tuesday, October 13, following the one-day holiday closure.
What Is Columbus Day?
Columbus Day is a US federal holiday observed on the second Monday of October to commemorate Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492.
Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing under the Spanish Crown, reached the Caribbean during his transatlantic voyage. His expedition marked the beginning of sustained European contact with the Americas, followed by colonisation that had profound consequences for Indigenous populations.
The holiday became a federal observance in 1937 and continues to be recognised across the United States.
However, Columbus Day has become controversial because of the history of European colonisation and its impact on Indigenous communities.
Some states and municipalities instead observe, or also recognise, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which honours Indigenous peoples, their cultures and histories.
The alternative observance has gained recognition in various parts of the country as debates continue over how the history of the Americas should be commemorated.
