US Embassy in Nairobi to Close on 12 October for Columbus Day Holiday

The US Embassy in Nairobi will close to the public on Monday, 12 October 2026, in observance of Columbus Day. 

Consular and other routine services will be unavailable during the holiday. In a public notice, the embassy confirmed the closure and advised visitors to plan their appointments and service requests accordingly. Normal operations are expected to resume after the holiday.

Columbus Day is observed annually on the second Monday of October. It commemorates Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage to the Americas, an event that marked a significant point in the history of European exploration and settlement in the region.

The holiday has traditionally been associated with Italian-American communities, which have supported its observance as a recognition of their cultural heritage and the history of immigration to the United States. However, the commemoration has also become the subject of debate over how American history should be recognised. 

Critics argue that celebrating Columbus overlooks the consequences of European colonisation for Indigenous populations, including displacement, violence and the destruction of established societies. In response to these concerns, several states, cities and local authorities have adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day, either in place of Columbus Day or alongside it. 

Supporters say the alternative observance recognises the history, cultures and contributions of Indigenous communities and provides an opportunity to reflect on the effects of European settlement. Despite the debate, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday in the United States. It received federal recognition in the 1930s, and subsequent legislative changes placed its observance on the second Monday of October as part of efforts to establish a standard schedule for federal holidays.

The closure of the Nairobi embassy will affect Kenya-based travellers, visa applicants and other members of the public who rely on services provided by the US mission. American diplomatic missions generally observe federal holidays, which can temporarily interrupt services in countries where they operate.

Visitors who require consular assistance, visa services or other embassy support are advised to check official embassy announcements and make arrangements ahead of the closure to avoid delays.