This moment of pure greatness will prove an inspiration not just for Africa's young people, but for our leaders too.

The Guardian

This morning I am going to Uhuru Park in Nairobi to plant a tree. A plaque on it will read: "This was planted to mark the moment Barack Obama was elected president of the United States of America." It will stand next to the tree that Obama planted when he visited last year, and will be a lasting testament to this historic moment: a wonderful thing for America and the world.

Across Kenya, people are celebrating the fact that a son of this nation has become president. Many stayed up all night. There is such a feeling of connection with him that a national holiday has been declared. Kenyans know he is first and foremost American, but at the same time someone we can call a relative.

I was at the US embassy in our capital yesterday at 5am, when the announcement came in. There were so many people, many of them students or schoolchildren, feeling such excitement and happiness. Obama has demonstrated that America is a country where, if you are strong, committed and focused, you can reach your goals.

I hope that young Kenyans who see this can be inspired to raise the bar for themselves, to go beyond the barriers that have prevented so many from realising the dreams of America. And I hope other countries can give their own sons and daughters the same chances in life.

Similarly, I hope that African leaders can take advantage of the opportunities Obama's administration is likely to create. It is important for African citizens to realise that he's not directly going to feed them, clothe them, pay them, or take away their difficulties; what they need to do is roll up their sleeves and make the most of the new situation.