This archive report was first published on 17 November 2021.
On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive in Kenya to strengthen the partnership between the two countries and address pressing regional issues. The visit, announced by the State Department on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, is part of a three-nation tour to Africa that also includes trips to Nigeria and Senegal.
Kenya, a key player in the United Nations Security Council, plays a crucial role in regional affairs, particularly in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia. Blinken's visit is aimed at reviving the US-Kenya partnership, which has been marred by the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis.
During his visit, Blinken will meet with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Foreign Affairs Ambassador Raychelle Omamo to discuss key areas of cooperation, including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, investing in health, addressing the climate crisis, and building a more inclusive global economy. The US and Kenya are also working together to address regional priorities, particularly ending the crisis in Ethiopia, fighting terrorism in Somalia, and restoring the civilian-led transition in Sudan.
The visit is part of the US's efforts to raise its profile as a key player in the region, competing with China's growing influence. Despite significant contributions to containing the coronavirus and other infectious diseases, the US has struggled to gain significant influence in the region.
"The partnership between the United States and Kenya is a vital component of our shared commitment to ending the COVID pandemic and investing in health, addressing the climate crisis, building a more inclusive global economy, and strengthening democracy and respect for human rights," the State Department said.
"We are working together to address regional priorities, particularly ending the crisis in Ethiopia, fighting terrorism in Somalia, and restoring the civilian-led transition in Sudan," the agency added.
"Some information for this report came from the Associated Press," the article notes.
