US Embassy in Nairobi scales back services following Washington shutdown

The United States Embassy in Nairobi has scaled down operations following the shutdown of the US government.

In a statement shared on Wednesday through its social media platforms, the embassy announced that regular updates will not be posted until full operations resume, except for urgent safety and security alerts.

“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this Instagram account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information,” the embassy said.

Despite the partial shutdown, the embassy assured that critical services such as passport processing and visa facilitation in the US and at embassies abroad will continue “as the situation permits.” The public has been encouraged to rely on the official website, travel.state.gov, for updates.

The shutdown in Washington stems from Congress’ failure to pass a government spending bill, a deadlock that has crippled federal agencies and affected US missions worldwide.

The Republican-led Senate failed to gather the required 60 votes to approve a last-minute funding resolution. With only 53 seats, the push for a clean bill fell short, triggering the first government shutdown since 2018-2019.

For Kenyans and foreign nationals depending on US services, the embassy’s reassurance over passports and visas is crucial, though delays remain likely depending on how long the stalemate in Washington lasts. Emergency communications, however, remain a top priority.