The United States Embassy in Kenya has unveiled MatatUSA, a mobile American Corner designed to take U.S. resources, learning opportunities, and cultural programs directly to towns across the country.
The name, a creative play on Kenya’s iconic public minibusses known as matatus, was chosen through a public poll held on September 9, in which 77 per cent of participating Kenyans voted for the winning title.
“You spoke; we listened! By popular demand, our mobile American Corner will be called MatatUSA,” read part of the US Embassy statement.
Before the naming was finalized, the bright American Spaces bus toured Eldoret, where it attracted attention and invited residents to cast their votes.
MatatUSA to start service
Embassy officials say MatatUSA will now hit the road nationwide, offering access to U.S. education resources, exchange programs, and community events.
“MatatUSA is hitting the road to bring U.S. resources, programs, and opportunities to communities across Kenya. Stay tuned as we visit your town soon,” the US Embassy confirmed.
Also Read: US Embassy in Kenya Announces Job Opportunities for Teachers
By combining Kenyan craftsmanship with U.S. support, MatatUSA aims to reduce barriers to information and opportunities, bringing embassy services closer to people who live far from Nairobi and other major cities.
US Embassy Reveals Details Kenyans Must Provide in Visa Application
Earlier on, the United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi shared guidelines for Kenyans applying for visas on the disclosure of their social media details.
The Embassy, in a notice issued on Friday, July 25, said all applicants must indicate whether they have used any social media platforms within the last five years.
“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form,” the Embassy stated.
“Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit.”
Also Read: US Embassy in Kenya Announces Changes in Visa Collection
The DS-160 Visa grants one temporary travel to the U.S, for reasons including tourism, business, studies, or medical treatment.
Kenyans Applying for U.S. visa Must Disclose All Social Media Accounts
Under the new rules, applicants must list all social media platforms they have used and provide the associated user identifiers, including usernames, email addresses, handles, or phone numbers used on the account.
However, applicants are not required to provide passwords to their social media accounts. Similarly, consular officers cannot modify applicants’ social media accounts.
Applicants who have used multiple platforms or different usernames on the same platform must list each one separately using the “Add Another” option in the online Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
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