The US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, has declared its closure on Monday, October 9th, and Tuesday, October 10th, due to public holidays.
This decision is in observance of Columbus Day, celebrated in the United States, and Huduma Day, celebrated in Kenya.
“The embassy will be closed on Monday, October 9 in observance of Columbus Day and Tuesday, October 10 in observance of Utamaduni Day,” announced the embassy.
Further, the embassy confirmed that regular activities and all services offered shall resume on Wednesday, October 11.
During this period, essential services such as US Visa information, guidance, interviews, and issuance will be temporarily halted.
Columbus Day
Columbus Day is a Historical Public holiday that commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492.
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Columbus was an Italian explorer credited with initiating European contact with the Americas in 1492.
His journey to the Americas is widely considered and celebrated as the ‘discovery’ of the New World which led to increased exploration and eventual colonization by Europeans.
The day is celebrated in various countries in the Americas, Italy, Spain, and Little Italian islands worldwide. In the United States, it’s observed on the second Monday in October.
This day recognizes the contributions of Americans of Italian descent and marks the beginning of European colonization in the Americas.
Huduma Day
Huduma Day on the other hand, previously known as Moi Day, is celebrated on October 10th in Kenya honoring activities that encourage community development. The day previously honored former Kenyan President Daniel Moi.
After being removed as a national holiday following the 2010 constitution, it was reinstated on November 8, 2017, by a High Court ruling.
In December 2019, it was officially renamed Huduma Day.
Embassy Issues Green Card Application Caution
Meanwhile, the US Embassy has issued a cautionary message regarding the Green Card DV-Program 2025 applications.
The embassy has emphasized that the only official way to enter the Green Card Lottery is through the official Department of State, DV Program website.
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Moreover, applicants have been reminded that there is no fee to enter and have warned against fraud.
Additionally, the embassy specified that photos must be taken within the last six months.
The US Green Card Lottery offers non-Americans the opportunity to obtain US citizenship rights and willing applicants are advised to visit the official State of Department, DV-Program for more information.
