Pope Francis warned Wednesday of the need to address poverty as a key driver of conflict, as he kicked off a landmark three-nation Africa trip fraught with security concerns.

"Experience shows that violence, conflict and terrorism feed on fear, mistrust, and the despair born of poverty and frustration," Francis told leaders in Kenya.

"Ultimately, the struggle against these enemies of peace and prosperity must be carried on by men and women who fearlessly believe in, and bear honest witness to, the great spiritual and political values which inspired the birth of the nation."