Anthony Blinken arrives in Kenya as his Africa visit starts

As annouced, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, is in Kenya for talks later on Wednesday with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The talks involve regional security issues including the conflict in Ethiopia, combating Islamist terrorism in Somalia, and reviving Sudan’s transition to a civilian government.

Photos of Mr Blinken’s arrival in Kenya have been shared on Twitter:

The State Department said that Mr Blinken on his first African tour, will discuss cooperation in ending the Covid-19 pandemic, investing in health and addressing the climate crisis.

Analysts say the visit is also intended to counter China’s growing economic influence in Africa, BBC News reports.

Later in the week, Mr Blinken will travel to West Africa.