The news that President Barack Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is extremely exciting and inspiring for Kenyans, Africans, and indeed the world. In Africa, President Obama continues to be not only an inspiration but also a sign of hope and a challenge. In winning this prestigious award President Obama demonstrates what Africans could achieve if her leaders would provide an enabling environment.

Ever since entering Senate, but especially since becoming President of the United States of America, President Obama has demonstrated the willingness to use the enormous power of his nation to forge a more peaceful world. In that pursuit he has emphasized the need for inclusivity, diplomatic engagement, and mutual respect.

The Nobel Peace Prize gives President Obama both a greater opportunity and a challenge to continue encouraging the world to walk towards healing both old and new wounds, to reconcile and learn to co-exist in peace. He represents a new vision of what is possible when there is determination to overcome obstacles and to focus on hope.

At this historic moment, we send President Barack Obama very warm congratulations and best wishes for winning the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

Professor Wangari Maathai
Monte Carlo, Monaco