While Uganda has yesterday finally received confirmation from the Vatican that Pope Francis will visit the country in November, Kenya tourism operators are also hoping for a second high-profile visit, after US President Barack Obama, who is due in the country in July.

The speculation in Kenya was fueled by comments made by the Pontiff, which were quoted on Vatican Radio that he was considering extending his visit from Uganda to Kenya. It is understood that there remain both diplomatic and logistical issues to be resolved first. Considering that the Pope was due to visit Uganda for the 50th anniversary last year of the elevation of the Uganda Martyrs to sainthood, which could not be pulled off, however, to the disappointment of the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who congregated at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine last year, it is presently even chances that the visit to Kenya may or may not take place later this year.

Tourism operators were swift to welcome the potential visit by Pope Francis, pointing out that while security would be tight, it would not bring the traffic and other nightmares for Nairobians associated with the Obama visit, when road closures and movement restrictions are expected to affect ordinary people without badges and not traveling in convoys.

Both visits, the same sources acknowledged, will bring the global spotlight back to Kenya in a positive way, helping the ailing tourism industry to perhaps use the opportunity to showcase the country from its Sunday best, especially when the two high-profile guests will visit a game park as part of their program.

The visit is also seen by Kenya’s Catholics as an important step in the process of the beatification of the late Maurice Cardinal Otunga, which has gained some momentum in the recent past, as it would allow Pope Francis to get his own impressions even though the process itself is a lengthy one and has to pass over many hurdles.

For now though it is fingers crossed that the upcoming travels to Africa by Pope Francis will provide the travel and tourism benefits associated with such a visit.

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Considering that the Pope was due to visit Uganda for the 50th anniversary last year of the elevation of the Uganda Martyrs to sainthood, which could not be pulled off, however, to the disappointment of the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who congregated at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine last year, it is presently even chances that the visit to Kenya may or may not take place later this year.
The visit is also seen by Kenya's Catholics as an important step in the process of the beatification of the late Maurice Cardinal Otunga, which has gained some momentum in the recent past, as it would allow Pope Francis to get his own impressions even though the process itself is a lengthy one and has to pass over many hurdles.
Both visits, the same sources acknowledged, will bring the global spotlight back to Kenya in a positive way, helping the ailing tourism industry to perhaps use the opportunity to showcase the country from its Sunday best, especially when the two high-profile guests will visit a game park as part of their program.