US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to tour Kenya next week in his first official visit to Africa.




Blinken is also expected to visit Nigeria and Senegal during the five-day Africa tour between November 15th and November 20th.

The US State Department said Blinken’s visit to the three countries underscores the depth and breadth of relationships with African partners.

"During the visit, the Secretary will advance US-Africa collaboration on shared global priorities, including ending the COVID-19 pandemic and building back to a more inclusive global economy, combatting the climate crisis, revitalizing our democracies, and advancing peace and security," read part of the statement.

Blinken will first land in Nairobi, where he will meet with President Kenyatta and Foreign Affairs CS Amb. Raychelle Omamo.

They will discuss shared interests between the two countries as members of the UN Security Council, including addressing regional security issues in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan. Also on the agenda will be the 2022 general election.

"The Secretary will advance US-Kenyan cooperation on ending COVID-19, improving clean energy access, and protecting the environment. The Secretary will underscore U.S. support for a peaceful and inclusive Kenyan election in 2022," the statement added.

Blinken will then head to Nigeria, where he will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss furthering cooperation on global health security, expanding energy access and economic growth, and revitalizing democracy.

He will conclude his tour in Dakar, Senegal, where he will meet with President Macky Sall to reaffirm the close partnership between the two countries.

"Given President Sall’s upcoming African Union chairmanship, Secretary Blinken looks forward to discussing regional issues and shared values. The Secretary will engage in events that highlight America’s strong commercial relationship with Senegal, amplify the role of female Senegalese entrepreneurs, and showcase the U.S. partnership to combat the COVID-19 pandemic," the statement read.