The United States Embassy in Nairobi will remain closed on September 7, as the United States observes Labor Day, a federal holiday recognizing the contributions and achievements of American workers.
According to the embassy, services offered by the embassy are scheduled to resume on September 8.
“US Embassy Kenya will be closed on September 7th 2026, in observance of Labor Day,” a notice from the Embassy dated September 4 read.
The September 7 closure comes as Americans across the country mark a holiday rooted in the labor movement of the late 19th century, when workers and labor organizations campaigned for better working conditions and greater recognition of their contribution to the economy.
Unlike Kenya, where Labor Day falls on May 1 in line with the international May Day tradition, the United States observes Labor Day in September.
Why the US Observes Labor Day
The United States observes Labor Day on the first Monday of September every year.
Labor Day has been part of the American national calendar for more than 130 years since Congress formally established it as a national holiday in 1894.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the holiday is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers.
It emerged during a period when the American workforce was changing as industrialization expanded across the country.
The first Labor Day celebration was held in New York City on September 5, 1882, organized at the initiative of the Central Labor Union and featured a workers’ parade followed by a picnic and other activities.
On June 28, 1894, Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday to be observed on the first Monday of September.
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Why the US Embassy Is Closing and Services Affected
The closure of the US Embassy in Nairobi is directly linked to the American federal holiday.
Although September 7 is not a public holiday in Kenya, the U.S. mission observes American federal holidays as part of its official operating calendar.
The Embassy’s closure is also consistent with the practice of U.S. diplomatic missions observing designated American holidays while operating overseas.
Following the closure, routine consular and administrative services, including visa and passport-related services, notarial appointments, and general public inquiries, will be affected.
Applicants with appointments or transactions scheduled for September 7 are advised to make arrangements for when normal operations resume.
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Full 2026 US Holiday Calendar
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| January 19 | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| February 16 | Washington’s Birthday |
| May 25 | Memorial Day |
| June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July 3 | Independence Day |
| September 7 | Labor Day |
| October 12 | Columbus Day |
| November 11 | Veterans Day |
| November 26 | Thanksgiving Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
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