2015 in focus: When Kenya hosted Pope on maiden visit

Pope Francis arrives to celebrate an open-air mass at the University of Nairobi

This year, Kenya became the first country in Africa to host the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on his maiden tour of the continent.

Since Pope Francis was elected in 2013, his much awaited visit to Nairobi last month left an indelible mark in history, not only for the city, but the entire country and beyond.

The 78-year-old pontiff had a schedule marked with red carpet receptions, closed door meetings, inter-religious sessions, visit to the marginalised, his first public mass on African soil, and a farewell ceremony.

Preparations for his visit began long before his plane left Fiumicino Airport, Italy. The organisers of the visit, including State House, ensured they had internalised his schedule and made proper arrangements on how he will move around upon his arrival.

Constant press briefings from State House, repair of roads he was expected to use and traders making merchandise bearing his image were some of the few indications that he was a very important guest.

On November 25, at exactly 4.30pm, the doors of the plane carrying the Pope slowly parted at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Pope Francis was met by several Kenyans who had thronged the airport. Among them was a VIP a delegation led by President Uhuru Kenyatta who received him on his capacity as the Pope and the President of the Vatican City.

Traditional dancers in their rhythmic moves entertained the pontiff as he made his way to the VIP pavilion, accompanied by Uhuru and black-robed Archbishops.

When it was time to leave the airport for State House, where the two Heads of State were expected to have bilateral talks and later address the nation, the Pope's humility contrasted sharply with that of his host.

He chose to ride on a miniature Honda Car even as his host left in a fleet of fuel guzzlers and limousines.

"Kenyan leaders should emulate the Pope and stop inconveniencing citizens whenever they travel by road with their motorcades," said Said Ahmed, a student at the University of Nairobi after watching the much publicised Papal arrival.

The Pope was visiting Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania at a time when the region was riddled with insecurity and attacks from Al-shabaab.

However, the pontiff overlooked the security fears and joked that he was "worried more about the mosquitoes than the threats".

After inspecting the Guard of Honour at State House, the Pope gave a public address at the same venue. His message to Kenyans was that of reconciliation and peace.

"All men and women of goodwill are called to work for reconciliation and peace, forgiveness and healing," he said.

November 26 was declared a public holiday in Kenya because the Pope was expected to hold a mass that brought together more than 400,000 people at the University of Nairobi grounds.

Several roads were closed ahead of the mass to prevent buildup of traffic as people made their way to the mass.

Notable among the places he visited was St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Kangemi. When he was still a cardinal at Buenos Aires in Argentina, he had made it known that his heart belongs to the poor and downtrodden in society.

"We are not surprised that the Pope chose to visit a slum," said Rev Paschal Mwijage, a priest at the St Joseph church.