Democratic Senator Barack Obama has been elected the first black President of the United States of America.

Democratic Senator Barack Obama has been elected the first black President of the United States of America, with Kenya celebrating his victory with a national holiday.

President Mwai Kibaki has sent a congratulatory message to President-elect Barack Obama upon his election as the 44th President of the US.

At the same time he declared tomorrow – Thursday 6 November 2008 – a public holiday to enable Kenyans to celebrate the historic achievement.

Obama’s late father was Kenyan-born, although he left the family when the new President was just two years old.

President Kibaki said in the message: “On behalf of the Government and people of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I join the rest of the world in celebrating and congratulating you on your election as the 44th President of the United States of America.

“We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots. Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here in Kenya,” he continued.

The President also expressed readiness of his government to work with the new American administration to further promote and strengthen the relations that exist between the two countries.

He said: “I am confident that your Presidency shall herald a new chapter of dialogue between the American people and the world at large.”

At the victory rally in Chicago, Barack Obama said: “It’s been a long time coming, but tonight… change has come to America.”

“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

Turnout for the US election was reported to be extremely high – in some places “unprecedented” – it is thought that over 130 million voted.

For many voters, it was felt to be an extremely historical moment – the repercussions of which could resonate across the world for years to come.