The 234-passenger plane landed at about 9.20am, slightly above 13 hours after it left JF Kennedy International Airport on Monday.
The Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner (5Y-KZE), christened “Magical Kenya”, was scheduled to touch down between 10.30am and 11am but arrived earlier than scheduled.
The flight KQ003 was also treated to a water salute on its arrival in Nairobi.
Deputy President William Ruto was at JKIA to receive the plane. US ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec joined him.
The DP cut a ribbon at the ramp before guests are ushered to a cake cutting ceremony.
He challenged the national carrier to enhance customer services.
“It would be an exercise in futility for the country to celebrate such a milestone only to be crippled by poor customer relations,” the DP said.
“Good customer service is the heart of every successful organisation. I want to appeal to Kenya Airways to up their game when it comes to this.”
Ruto added: “Let our guests and your clients feel proud of your services. Even KTB must take this advantage and offer an exceptional welcome to our visitors.”
