Govt declares Thursday a Public Holiday ahead of papal visit

The Government on Tuesday declared Thursday 26th November 2015 a public holiday and a national day of prayer and reflection.

This comes two days after State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu indicated there would be no public holiday during Pope Francis’ visit to Kenya starting Wednesday and instead urged employers to give their employees flexible hours.

In a statement to newsrooms, Esipisu said that Thursda,y when the pope is scheduled to hold a public mass at the University of Nairobi grounds, would be a national day of prayer and reflection.

Pope Francis will land in Nairobi on Wednesday at 5pm and is scheduled to immediately meet President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi.

Major roads will be closed in the City for the better part of Thursday and Friday to facilitate the Pope’s movement while in Nairobi.

Nairobi Police Chief Japheth Koome announced that the roads will be closed from as early as 4am on Thursday and Friday to facilitate smooth movement of the Pontiff in the city, especially on Thursday when the pope will lead a mass at the University of Nairobi grounds from 10:00am.

Koome was speaking at the Nyayo National Stadium before joining Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett in a security meeting ahead of the papal visit.

Upon arrival, the pope will head straight to State House for a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Pope will also visit Kangemi slum on Friday morning, before meeting the youth at the Kasarani stadium on Friday afternoon.