US Embassy in Nairobi to Close on January 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The United States Embassy in Nairobi will suspend routine operations on Monday, 19 January, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with normal services scheduled to resume the following day.

The federal holiday is marked across the United States and at American diplomatic missions worldwide to honour the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights leader who championed nonviolent action and equality under the law. His work in confronting segregation and advancing civil rights remains influential internationally.

During the closure, standard consular services, including visa processing, passport issuance and routine public enquiries, will not be available. The embassy said emergency assistance for US citizens will continue, covering urgent situations such as serious illness, arrest or the loss of travel documents.

US embassies and consulates observe federal holidays as part of their official calendars, alongside selected host country public holidays. The Nairobi mission advised travellers and applicants with scheduled appointments to monitor official communication channels for any updates or rescheduling arrangements.

The observance also reflects the continued relevance of King’s message on equality, justice and civic responsibility. US diplomatic posts abroad mark the day as part of their broader role in representing national values while maintaining essential services for citizens.