The United States Embassy in Nairobi has announced that it will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day, a public holiday celebrated annually in the United States.
In a notice issued on Friday, the embassy confirmed that its offices will not be open to the public on that day. As a result, services such as visa processing, passport applications, and notarial assistance will be unavailable, and citizens seeking these services have been advised to plan accordingly.
Labor Day is marked in the United States on the first Monday of September each year. It is one of the country’s oldest national holidays, established in the late 19th century to honor and recognize the contributions of American workers to the nation’s economic and social development. The holiday also traditionally signals the end of summer for many Americans and is observed with parades, family gatherings, and other community events.
The closure of the Nairobi mission aligns with standard U.S. federal practice, under which embassies and consulates worldwide observe American national holidays, even while stationed abroad. This ensures uniform recognition of the values and traditions that the holidays embody.
Accompanying the announcement was a presidential proclamation by U.S. President Donald Trump, who reflected on the historic role of the American workforce in shaping the country’s progress.
“From the earliest settlers, who laid the foundations of a new Nation, to the innovators who built our railroads, steel mills, and skyscrapers, America’s greatness has always rested in the strength of its workforce,” the proclamation read.
President Trump further emphasized his administration’s commitment to protecting American jobs, reviving industries, and promoting fair trade practices. He underscored Labor Day as not just a day of rest but a reaffirmation of the dignity of work.
“This Labor Day, we renew our pledge to protect American jobs and defend the dignity of American labor, and we proudly acknowledge the vital role that our workers play in our past, present, and glorious American future,” he said.
The embassy is expected to resume normal operations on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
