The government has finally declared Thursday the 26th November a public holiday to the joy of many employees.

State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said in a statement the government has decided to dedicate the day as a national day of prayer and reflection.

“The Government of Kenya has declared 26th November 2015 a Public Holiday and a National Day of Prayer and Reflection.

As we are privileged to be hosting His Holiness the Pope at the time, he will set the tone for the day,” Esipisu said.

Pope Francis will arrive in the country on Wednesday evening for a three day visit, the first leg of his historic African tour. On Thursday he will hold a public mass at the University of Nairobi grounds where thousands of Catholics from across the country are expected to converge.

He will also address the youth in a forum at the Kasarani Stadium in which thousands are expected to attend and also visit the poor at Kangemi slums.

Its 20 years since Kenya had a papal visit after the late Pope John Paul II last visit in September 1995.

It’s feared that the traffic inconvenience that will come with the Holy Father’s arrival in the country will be worse than that witnessed during Obama’s visit in July this year considering the major roads that will remain closed according to the details released by the Nairobi County Traffic Department on the roads expected to be affected by Pope Francis’ visit.

After his visit in Kenya, Pope Francis will depart to Uganda and thereafter to the Central African Republic.