Obama's extended family is dancing in his ancestral village of Kogelo, chanting, "Barack Obama, Barack Obama is going to the White House."

Obama's grandmother, half-brother and relatives eagerly watched the election results, while in the capital Nairobi, revelers marched and danced through the streets to sirens and whistles, singing Obama's name and carrying and waving American flags.

President Mwai Kibaki called Obama's election "a momentous day not only in the history of the United States of America, but also for us in Kenya.

The victory of Senator Obama is our own victory because of his roots here in Kenya. As a country, we are full of pride for his success."

Other world leaders have rushed to congratulate him; British Prime Minister Gordon Brown described a "vital" relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom and said he was excited about the prospect of working with the new U.S. president.

"I know Barack Obama and we share many values," he said. "And I look forward to working extremely closely with him in the coming months and years."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also offered her congratulations and said she would work with Obama to deal with the challenges facing the world.

"I'm convinced that through a close and trusting cooperation between the United States and Europe we will be able to confront new risks and challenges in a decisive manner and will be able to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that are opening up in our world," Merkel said.

"Rest assured that my government appreciates hugely the meaning and value of the transatlantic relationship for our common future."

Obama met both Brown and Merkel over the summer while on an international trip through Europe and the Middle East and held a huge rally in Berlin that revived memories of President John F. Kennedy's 1963 visit.

Chinese President Hu Jintao offered similar congratulations, asking Obama to join China in shouldering "important common responsibilities."

In an open letter to Obama, French President Nicolas Sarkozy offered "my warmest congratulations, and through me, those of the entire French people."

He said Obama's election raised in France, in Europe and around the world "an immense hope" and that the American people "had expressed with force their faith in progress and the future."

Financial markets in Asia were higher Wednesday as traders were hopeful that a new U.S. president could successfully tackle the world financial crisis.

At an election viewing party in Paris, French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde highlighted the global financial crisis as the next president's priority.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka today sent a congratulatory message to the President - Elect of United States of America, Senator Barrack Obama.

In his message, Mr. Musyoka said the historic election of Senator Obama will translate in greater international peace and security.

Mr. Musyoka said the tribute that Kenyans can give the President - Elect is to consolidate the country's democratic practice, live in peace and give the country a new constitution.

Speaking at the residence of the US Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Rannneberger during a reception to celebrate the conclusion of the US elections, the Vice President also congratulated Senator John McCain for conceding defeat.

He commended the cordial relations existing between the two countries of Kenya and America adding that Obama's victory will now strengthen it further owing to his Kenyan origin.

Mr. Musyoka said Kenyans still remember Senator Obama when he stood with the country during the post - election violence.

The Vice President was accompanied by the Minister for Information and Communications, Mr. Samuel Poghisio.