Kenya declares Thursday public holiday for prayers

 NAIROBI - November 26 has been declared a public holiday and a national day of prayer and reflection, coinciding with Pope Francis' tour of Nairobi.

Francis will arrive at the JKIA on Wednesday evening on the first leg of his first trip to Africa that includes Uganda and the Central African Republic.

"As we are privileged to be hosting His Holiness the Pope at the time, he will set the tone for the day," State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu said in a statement to newsrooms on Tuesday.

Following his arrival at 5pm, Francis will head to State House,  where President Uhuru Kenyatta will host him at  6pm. At 6: 30pm he will hold a meeting with Uhuru and other leaders.

At the University of Nairobi on Thursday, he will lead an open-air mass which more than a million faithful, dignitaries and the President are expected to attend.

THE STAR