Pope Francis arrives in Kenya for three-day visit

Dancers entertain Pope Francis when he arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on November 25, 2015 as he started his three-day tour. Looking on is his host President Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Millions of Kenyans are expected to welcome the leader of the Catholic Church when he arrives in Nairobi.
  • Nairobi, will be the first Africa city the 78 year old pontiff will set foot since taking over leadership of the church.
  • He will use his 11th overseas trip since taking office in 2013 to deliver a total of 19 speeches on peace, social justice, environmental protection and interfaith dialogue in Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic (CAR).

Pope Francis has arrived in Kenya for his three-day visit.

President Uhuru Kenyatta officially received the Pontiff at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 4.50pm.

Follow the Daily Nation'sliveblog for up-to-the minute updates as Pope Francis visits Kenya in his first time to Africa as pontiff.

Pope Francis (right) flanked by President Uhuru Kenyatta is entertained by Maasai traditional dancers after he arrived at the Jommo Kenyatta International airport on November 25, 2015 in Nairobi. PHOTO | SIMON MAIAN | AFP

The Pope was driven to State House Nairobi, for a State reception where the Kenyan national anthem was played and honoured with a 21 gun-salute.

He was accorded honours of a head of State.

President Kenyatta later introduced him to his cabinet including his deputy William Ruto before a State reception.

Pope Francis also planted a tree helped by President Kenyatta before the two leaders went ahead to hold bilateral talks at State House.

In anticipation of his arrival in Kenya, Pope Francis had earlier in the day taken to social media to send a goodwill message wishing Kenyans God’s blessings.

In a tweet posted on his official Twitter page, @Pontifex the Pope said: “Mungu abariki Kenya! God bless Kenya!”

The tweet was posted midway on his flight from Rome to Nairobi.

A screenshot of Pope Francis Twitter message to Kenyans posted in Swahili. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Millions of Kenyans lined the streets from JKIA to welcome the leader of the Catholic Church as he was being driven to State House, Nairobi.

Nairobi, is first Africa city the 78 year old pontiff set foot since taking over the leadership of the church in 2013.

He will use his 11th overseas trip since taking office in 2013 to deliver a total of 19 speeches on peace, social justice, environmental protection and interfaith dialogue in Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic (CAR).