A message from the U.S. Embassy on visas: “Be honest. Respect the rules. Return home on time.” We welcome your questions in the comments.

What should we do about Americans working remotely for US companies in Kenya illegally? They’re taking advantage of the assumption that Kenyan authorities believe white people are pure gods

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi is running a highly profitable system off the backs of Kenyans. While you ask for transparency from applicants, the current visa process functions like a costly lottery where the house always wins. Here is the data missing from your video:​ - Mass Denials: 63.32% of all Kenyan tourist and business visas (B-visas) were denied in FY24. - Crushing Student Dreams: 74% of all Kenyan student visas were denied in 2023—the third-highest rejection rate in Africa. - Billions in Sunk Costs: At $185 (Ksh 24,000) per application, the U.S. government collects millions of dollars (billions of shillings) annually purely from denied applications. - Skyrocketing Costs: With the new $250 "Visa Integrity Fee" that recently took effect, the baseline cost of a U.S. visa is now $435 (Ksh 56,500), and it remains non-refundable. If nearly two-thirds of Kenyans are systematically denied entry, how do you justify pocketing billions of shillings in non-refundable fees from citizens who simply want to study or visit? Can you comment on whether this is a diplomatic service or a revenue-generation scheme?

My cousin was a genius. He was one of the very top students in Kenya and was awarded for his tech inventions at age 19. He then got a US scholarship in his 2nd year at UoN around 2003, and moved to one of those supposedly great universities. Unfortunately, he seems to have met one of your (female) citizens who showed him a certain interesting creaure of the avian species known as Ng'ethe's Bird and has been missing since then. Imagine my shock when I learnt recently that he lives in one of the many bushlands of the southern regions of your ample country and has gone native. 23 years of doing the local dance. I think you call it "twerking'? This house is where he lives. Truly unacceptable for the descendant of very great men to live in an odorous ferret hole of this category. How would one, hypothetically, get him humanely returned? We would pay for the logistics. Please note that he is not illegal. By virtue (blergh! more like vice) of his "marriage" to one of your lesser citizens, he obtained the papers.

@USAmbKenya Explain why you deny visas to qualified visitors yet somehow you continue to take the money

Why don't you refund fees to people who fail in getting the visas, dont you think you are extorting money from Kenyans. Please consider at least some % refund for those who fail the interviews.

If someone has failed for the Visa interview why can't he/she get 70% back of the fee paid ?

@USAmbKenya even is always in USA . Not for my sake or my children , I request the embassy to kindly reconsider such requests especially because it forms core curriculum for the children . I otherwise love the US OF A ‼️God bless America ♥️♥️♥️

Not our friend, never have been

Fellow Africans will be pleased with your tweet. Kenyans love America.....it's heaven for them.

@USAmbKenya My question is what would i go to do in USA only to be beaten up by ICE and deported,i will stay in my country,i am proud to be a Kenyan

@USAmbKenya You make alot of money through this.

Last year in Feb 2025, I attended interview and after a few questions at the counter, I was told am successful. Upon collecting passport at DHL, regret was enclosed! I had visited USA in 2002 and stayed for only 28 days. I have sworn never to place any application to your embassy

"Be honest" 🤨 From the people who mint millions from charging us exorbitant fees just to get denied a visa for no reason.

They're 13% of population but contribute 5% to taxes

Honest people don't get US visa, that's the problem. Only crooked and fraudulent liars get US visa

Explain why you deny visas to qualified visitors yet somehow you continue to take the money.

Wonderful to see Ms. Susan in Nairobi. She remains one of the most important people in my professional life. Wishing her continued success and all the best!

@ed_kemboi If you deny someone a visa return their money!

@USAmbKenya All visas however were denied . There was no reason - or maybe I never heard it - and he immediately called out NEXT while ushering those behind us to come to the counter . It’s a shame the kids can’t participate in core curricular activities because the venue for the

@USAmbKenya 63% visa refusal rate for Kenyans is a bit much though

@USAmbKenya My children were meant to travel to the USA for a school international convention . They had excelled at the East African convention with gold medals in all their entries . My wife was meant to travel as a teacher at the school .

Your message sounds patronizing and unfairly generalizes foreign nationals. Visa applicants deserve respect, not suspicion or blanket assumptions. As embassy,you need tell your us citizens in Kenya :Be honest. Respect the rules. Return home on time！

The paradox of Hypocrisy & Exceptionalism underlined.

Talking of rights!!! You guys are lucky we have sick people in leadership for this country. Americans should thoroughly be restricted to visit our country, all the same.

You dont own the world, let people move freely.

Why should I leave kenya and go to the U.S,Having this in mind Obama root is from Kenya 🇰🇪 US President Donald Trump faced backlash for sharing a video depicting former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle as monkeys. Looks familiar 🤔

If you deny visa refund the money please

we want to pay when the Visa is approved

Who do I contact about visa obtained thru fraudulent documents?

Why don't you refund monies for failed visa applications?

My visa is expiring in an years time.what do i need to renew when that time comes?

Thank you for the wonderful work you do in serving this region of the world and the USA

what about dv lottery 2026

What we are asking is, if you dont give someone visa. Return atleast part of his money. Even if its half the amount. People often feel robbed whenever they're denied the visa.