US First Lady Jill Biden to visit Kenya and Namibia

US First Lady Jill Biden. [File, AP]

The United States First Lady Jill Biden will visit Kenya and Namibia between February 22 and February 26.

According to the White House, Dr Biden's visit to the two countries aims to strengthen the African continent's US partnerships and advance its shared priorities in the region.

Her engagements will focus on the empowerment of women and youth, efforts to address food insecurity, and promoting our shared democratic values.

The visit comes after the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit in late 2022 where she hosted a two-day spousal program.

This trip will be her first to Africa since she became first lady. Overall it will be her sixth visit to Africa, the first visit to Namibia and the third visit to Kenya.

Dr Biden's visit makes her the first top official of the Biden administration to visit sub-Saharan Africa since he was sworn in.

The Namibia trip will be the first by the most senior US official in 27 years, the last visit was by then-Vice President Al Gore in 1996.