In a clear change of protocol, Deputy Army Commander Major General Thomas Chepkuto on Tuesday ushered in three presidents in a quick succession.
Traditionally, Heads of State touring the country have been ushered in by top foreign affairs officials along with any service commander as directed by Chief of Defense Forces.
But Chepkuto was the first military official not serving as a service commander, to receive the powerful delegation of President Edgar Lungu (Zambia), Pillay Vyapoory (Mauritius) and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.
"The Deputy Army Commander Major General Thomas Chepkuto welcomed Acting President of the Republic of Mauritius HE Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory and the President of the Republic of Zambia HE Edgar Lungu when they arrived for #COMESA21 Trade Fair in Nairobi, Kenya," KDF tweeted.
Also at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was Foreign Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary Ababu Namwamba who was holding brief for Monica Juma.
The presidents are in Nairobi for 21st summon of Common Markets for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) which kicks off officially on Wednesday.
"Arrived in Nairobi, Kenya for the 21st Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) International Trade and Business Summit," Museveni said.
The three were later ushered in by President Uhuru Kenyatta at KICC on Wednesday ahead of the summit. Common border trade is among key agendas of the summit.
"President Uhuru Kenyatta accompanied by Presidents Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory (Mauritius), @EdgarCLungu (Zambia), @KagutaMuseveni (Uganda) and DP Dr. @WilliamsRuto at KICC for the official opening of the #Source21COMESA International Trade Fair and High Level Business Summit," State House said.
Service Commanders who are usually assigned such duties are Major General Francis Ogolla of Kenya Air Force and Lieutenant General Walter Raria of Kenya Army.
But whenever the Head of State is leaving or entering Kenya, Chief of Defense Forces General Samson Mwathethe or his deputy Lieutenant General Robert Kibochi are usually at the scene.