PHOTOS: Grand reception for Pope Francis at State House, Nairobi

Pope Francis was accorded a grand reception when he arrived at State House in Nairobi as he began his three-day visit in Kenya.

Upon arrival at State House, the Pope was received by President Uhuru Kenyatta alongside Cardinal John Njue and other clergy.

Those present included cabinet secretaries, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro, former Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi among others.

Pope Francis was also accorded a 21-gun salute.

This is Pope Francis’ first trip to Africa and in Kenya since being named Pope in 2013 and is part of a larger African tour that will see him visit Uganda and the Central African Republic.

The last visit by a Pope in Kenya was in 1995 when Pope John Paul II visited the country for the third time, having made similar visits in 1980 and 1985.

During his visit, the Pope will hold a mass at University of Nairobi on Thursday morning before visiting UNEP Headquarters in Gigiri.

On Friday, Pope Francis will hold a mass in Kangemi, then proceed to address the youth at Kasarani Stadium before departing for Uganda.

Photos courtesy of PSCU