Kenya has discovered its first deposits of the valuable mineral coltan.

The rare mineral is used to manufacture electric car batteries, mobile phones and other electronic devices.

Kenya mining minister, SALIM MVURYA said the deposits of the mineral have been found in six counties across the country, but their value is yet to be determined.

Residents of Embu County in eastern Kenya, one of the six counties with reserves of the mineral, have been advised to hold onto their land.

The mining minister said the discovery was expected to create more jobs and expand Kenya's mining industry.