Kenya's tourism industry is planning to capitalise on Barack Obama's victory in the US presidential election and attract more visitors from America.

Obama's father was born in the western Kenyan town of Kogelo, although his mother is from Kansas. His Kenyan heritage was much publicised during his election campaign.

In an interview with Reuters, Jake Grieves-Cook, chairman of the Kenya Tourist Board said Obama's win has put Kenya in the global spotlight which will have positive spin-offs for the tourism industry.

He added that the KTB will be looking at aligning their marketing strategy to lure the American market.

The United States is Kenya's second biggest source of visitors after the United Kingdom. Kenya's tourism industry has suffered a set-back after the post-election violence at the start of 2008. Even though the conflict has been resolved, many international visitors are still hesitant of visiting the country.