The United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin III is set to visit Kenya among other two African countries as the North American country moves to solidify relations with its allies on the continent.
In a notice issued on Saturday, the Department of Defence announced that Austin will be in Nairobi to engage senior defense officials "on shared security interests and counter-terrorism efforts".
According to the US, the visit highlights America's resolve to grow its relationship with Kenya and other African nations.
"In Nairobi, Secretary Austin is set to engage with Kenyan defense officials on shared security interests and counter-terrorism efforts," the US Department noted.
"This visit underscores the US Department of Defense's commitment to strengthening partnerships and enhancing regional security on the African continent."
The US is increasingly viewing Kenya as a dependable ally in the region as the country shifts previous regimes' look East policy for more pro-West stances.
Since coming to office, President William Ruto has made many foreign trips to Europe and North America as well as US ally South Korea. Ruto has not visited China and missed a key Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
The Department of Defense noted in a video that the visit is part of a larger plan to enhance regional security in Africa.
Secretary Austin is also expected to visit US troops stationed in Kenya, who support US and African efforts to combat terrorism.
"The Secretary will go and make of follow up on previous commitments which had been agreed upon during the US-African Summit which was attended by 45 African nations," the US Department of Defence stated.
Secretary Austin is also expected to visit other African countries including Djibouti and Angola, where he will discuss American interests.
"The Secretary will meet with senior Djiboutian officials to discuss ongoing military cooperation, regional security challenges, and opportunities for further collaboration," the Department noted.
"The visit to Luanda will focus on building stronger defense relations and exploring avenues for increased military-to-military cooperation between the U.S. and Angola."
