The United States Embassy in Kenya has announced it will remain closed on Monday, January 20, 2025, to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a significant American holiday.
In a statement shared on their official X account, the embassy confirmed, “The embassy will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.”
This marks the second weekday closure of the embassy in January 2025. Earlier, on January 8, the embassy suspended normal operations to observe a national day of mourning for former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100.
The closure means Kenyans seeking urgent consular services, including visa processing, passport replacements, or citizenship matters, will need to wait until Tuesday, January 21. Similarly, individuals dealing with federal institutions in the US or travelling to the US may also face delays.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed annually on the third Monday of January, honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent civil rights leader who fought tirelessly for racial equality in the United States.
The holiday is unique as it is designated as a national day of service, encouraging Americans to engage in volunteer work and community service. Thousands of US citizens are expected to participate in service projects across the country. Additionally, national parks in the US will waive entrance fees for visitors on this day.
The US Embassy in Kenya typically suspends operations on other major American holidays, including:
- Independence Day (July 4): Celebrating the US Declaration of Independence.
- Columbus Day (Second Monday of October): Commemorating Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage.
- Memorial Day (Last Monday of May): Honoring American military personnel who died in service.
Kenyans are advised to plan their engagements with the US Embassy accordingly, considering such closures aligned with the American holiday calendar.
