- U.S. Embassy Nairobi will remain closed on Wednesday, June 19.
- Closure is in honour of Juneteenth, a holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S.
- No consular or visa services will be offered during the break.
- Regular operations will resume on Thursday, June 20.
- Emergency assistance will remain available through the Embassy hotline.
The United States Embassy in Nairobi has announced that it will not open its doors on, June 19. This is in line with Juneteenth celebrations—an American holiday that remembers the day slavery officially came to an end in the U.S.
Through a statement shared on its official X platform, the Embassy noted:
“The embassy will be closed tomorrow, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, a U.S. holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.”
What Juneteenth Means
Juneteenth, now a U.S. federal holiday since 2021, commemorates June 19, 1865. This was the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received news of their freedom, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Embassy confirmed that all regular operations, including visa interviews and consular help, will be paused for the day. They encouraged the public to wait until Thursday, June 20, when normal services will resume.
Emergency Line Still Active
While the physical office will be shut, anyone in urgent need of assistance can still get support. The Embassy’s 24/7 emergency hotline will be open for any serious or time-sensitive cases.
Juneteenth continues to grow in global recognition, and the Embassy’s closure marks its importance in American history and culture.
