The US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya has announced it will be closed on Thursday, July 3rd, to observe a public holiday.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 3, the Embassy noted that the decision is in observance of Independence Day, celebrated in the United States.
“The Embassy will be closed on July 4, 2024, in observance of U.S Independence Day,” announced the embassy.
During this period, essential services such as US Visa information, guidance, interviews, and issuance will be temporarily halted.
Further, the embassy confirmed that regular activities and all services offered shall resume on Friday, July 5.
US Embassy to Observe Independence Day
Independence Day, known colloquially as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the US commemorating the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress.
This established the United States as a sovereign and independent nation, and since then, the Fourth of July day has been celebrated as Independence Day every year and has been an important federal holiday in the US.
The Declaration states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
This year’s Independence Day will mark the 278th anniversary of the founding of the US.
The Fourth of July represents American independence and patriotism honoring the ideas of liberty, democracy, and the pursuit of happiness that the country was established on.
Notably, the White House hosted its inaugural July 4 celebrations in 1801 which since then became an annual event.
Also Read: Poland Closes Embassy in Kenya Over Planned Protests
On this day, Americans commemorate the Founding Fathers’ bravery and sacrifices in defending the ideas of liberty, equality, and self-governance.
Patriotic displays, parades, fireworks, and community gatherings take place around the country to commemorate the United States’ continuing spirit of freedom.
United States embassies around the world also observe the day by closing their offices, with the holiday being one of the holidays observed by Americans throughout the world.
The US Embassy in Kenya also closes on Columbus Day which is a Historical Public holiday that commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492.
Also Read: US Embassy Issues Advisory to Its Citizens in Kenya
US Issues Travel Advisory
The closure of the embassy comes days after it had issued a travel advisory for its citizens in Nairobi following planned protests about the proposed Finance Bill of 2024.
“Organizers have stated that the events are intended to be peaceful. However, large public gatherings can turn violent at any moment and spread to multiple sections of a city. It is recommended to remain vigilant and to avoid large gatherings. Traffic disruptions are expected,” read part of the advisory.
The embassy urged its citizens to take actions such as avoiding protest areas and demonstrations, monitoring local media for updates, avoiding crowds and keeping a low profile.
US citizens were further urged to carry proper Identification, including a U.S. passport (or copy) with a current Kenyan visa.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
