Vatican confirms Pope Francis' visit to Kenya

Pope Francis speaks with Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah (L) during a private audience at the Vatican, September 10, 2015. REUTERS

NAIROBI: The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope will be visiting the country in November as part of his papal trip to Africa.

Pope Francis will visit Kenya in November 25, 2015 before going to Uganda on 27th and concluding his trip in Central African Republic on November 29th.

 "In June, the Argentine pontiff told a gathering of priests from around the world that he wanted to go to Kenya as part of his first papal trip to Africa but that the visit was "uncertain" because there were organisational problems.", a report by Reuters reads that:

An advance party from the Vatican was expected into the country early last month to prepare for the Pope's arrival.

The confirmation of the Pope's visit comes in the wake of the National Assembly lobbying to have him address parliament during his visit and President Uhuru Kenyatta's visit to Italy.

According to a report published in The Standard a few days ago; the legislators are optimistic the pontiff will honour the request, although there is no official confirmation from the Vatican on the November visit with Kiminini Member of Parliament (MP) Chris Wamalwa who made the request being reported to have said:

"The role of the church in the legislative process is critical. When we embrace the Christian norms and teachings, they will guide us in carrying out our legislative work."

The Pope's visit comes few months after US President Barrack Obama visited the country and held talks with President Kenyatta on matters touching on trade and security.