Kenyans braved the Thursday morning rains and cold as they thronged University of Nairobi grounds, ready for Pope Francis’ 10am public mass.

Thousands of enthusiastic Kenyans filled Nairobi streets from as early as 3am despite the rains that pounded the city the whole night.

Many others got stuck in early traffic as some roads were blocked forcing motorist to look for alternative routes to access the CBD.

By 8am, the Pope was meeting interreligious leaders in Lavington.

Security officers were on high alert, screening everybody before being allowed to access the venue of the historic mass.