NAIROBI, Kenya

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kenya early Wednesday as part of his first trip to sub-Saharan Africa.

“Vipi WaKenya! [Hello Kenyans!] Glad to be in Kenya, a nation with which we have a deep and longstanding friendship. Looking forward to meeting with government officials and civil society to discuss our shared interests and affirm our strategic partnership,” Blinken said shortly after his arrival.

According to the US embassy, Blinken’s visit to the capital Nairobi is centered on advancing US-Kenyan cooperation on peacefully resolving the conflict in Ethiopia, battling COVID-19, improving clean energy access and protecting the environment.

The State Department said Blinken will meet with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Raychelle Omamo.

Blinken recently told reporters in Washington, D.C. that he fears Ethiopia could implode if the civil war continues, saying a cease-fire and negotiations would be a better path.

His trip to Kenya will also underscore US support for a peaceful and inclusive Kenyan election in 2022.

The trip will be followed by visits to Nigeria and Senegal and end on Saturday.

In Nigeria, Blinken will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama.

He will conclude his trip in Dakar, Senegal after meeting with President Macky Sall and Foreign Minister Aïssata Tall Sall to reaffirm the close partnership between the US and Senegal.