US Embassy in Nairobi Scales Back Updates as US Gov’t Shutdown Takes Effect
The United States Embassy in Nairobi has announced it will scale back updates on its X (formerly Twitter) account following the U.S. government shutdown, which took effect after Congress failed to approve a funding bill.
In its statement, the embassy said only urgent safety and security information will be shared until full operations resume. It added that passport and visa services will continue in Nairobi and other U.S. missions “as the situation permits,” though applicants may face delays.
Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information.
— U.S. Embassy Nairobi (@USEmbassyKenya) October 1, 2025
Scheduled passport and visa transit services in the United States and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits. For information on our services and operating status, visit https://t.co/a8XbaUFLhK.
— U.S. Embassy Nairobi (@USEmbassyKenya) October 1, 2025
The shutdown, the first in nearly seven years, has forced hundreds of thousands of U.S. federal employees to go without pay. More than 11,000 aviation staff have been sent home, though air traffic controllers remain on duty without salaries. The U.S. Health and Human Services Department has also furloughed about 41% of its workforce, affecting research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH).
For Kenyans, the impact will mainly be felt in visa and consular processing. While fee-funded services are expected to remain operational, staffing shortages may slow down appointments for students, business travellers, and families applying for U.S. visas. Kenyans already in the U.S. who require passport or consular assistance could also face longer wait times.
The embassy has advised Kenyans to check travel.state.gov for updates on services.
The budget standoff in Washington marks the third government shutdown under President Trump. Its duration will depend on whether lawmakers in Congress strike a deal in the coming days.