Uhuru Kenyatta is Kenya’s new president.

He was sworn in today following his narrow victory in the March 4 general elections.

The 51-year old former deputy prime minister and finance minister becomes Kenya's youngest and first left-handed president.

The crowd, waving Kenyan flags, burst into rapturous welcome as Kenyatta, flanked by his wife and now first lady, Margaret Kenyatta, took the oath of office.

Uhuru, the son of Kenya’s first president Jomo Kenyatta, was inaugurated alongside his election running mate and now deputy president William Ruto.

Dignitaries from across Africa and tens of thousands of people, including the country’s second president, Daniel arap Moi, witnessed the inauguration at Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi.

Outgoing prime minister Raila Odinga, Uhuru’s main challenger who lost the court petition challenging the election outcome a week ago, did not attend the ceremony.

He and his running mate and outgoing vice president Kalonzo Musyoka are reportedly on holiday in South Africa.

Outgoing President Mwai Kibaki saluted the Kenyan people for supporting him throughout his 50-year political career, and wished Uhuru and Ruto the best.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni delivered a keynote address on behalf of the foreign Heads of State and Government in attendance.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame is among the leaders who witnessed the historic ceremony.