The United States Embassy in Kenya will remain closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.
The embassy announced the closure in a notice to members of the public.
“We will be closed Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day,” the embassy said.
Normal operations are expected to resume after the public holiday.
Labor Day is an annual United States holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September.
The holiday recognises the social and economic contributions of American workers and their role in the country’s development.
Labor Day has its roots in the labour movement of the late 19th century, when workers and labour activists pushed for better working conditions and recognition of the contribution of workers to the country’s economy.
Before becoming a federal holiday, Labor Day was observed by labour organisations and individual states.
The first Labor Day celebration was held in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882.
The event was organised by the Central Labor Union, which later held another Labor Day celebration on September 5, 1883.
The growing labour movement subsequently pushed for official recognition of the holiday at state level.
Oregon became the first state to formally recognise Labor Day after passing legislation on February 21, 1887.
Later that year, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York also passed laws recognising the holiday.
Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania followed by the end of the decade.
By 1894, more than 20 states had adopted Labor Day as a holiday.
On June 28, 1894, Congress passed legislation establishing the first Monday in September as a legal holiday.
President Grover Cleveland subsequently signed the legislation into law.
Labor Day is marked across the United States through parades, gatherings and family celebrations.
Early celebrations focused heavily on workers and labour organisations.
The original concept included a street parade showcasing the strength of trade and labour organisations, followed by a festival for workers and their families.
Over time, speeches and other activities were added to highlight the economic and civic importance of the holiday.
The American Federation of Labor later designated the Sunday before Labor Day as Labor Sunday following a resolution adopted at its 1909 convention.
Labor Sunday was intended to focus on the spiritual and educational aspects of the labour movement.
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