Kenya Nominates Amb Karigithu For Sec-General of International Maritime Organization

Kenya is presenting Ambassador Nancy Karigithu for the position of Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a specialized UN Agency that regulates shipping.

President William Ruto said the bid underscores that Africa and Kenya have the talent for global leadership positions. He expressed confidence that Ms. Karigithu will bring to the IMO invaluable experience in the management of global maritime affairs.

“The nomination underscores the fact that climate change, adaptation and the health of the oceans and seas remain key pillars of Kenyan foreign policy. The bid also demonstrates Kenya’s increasingly active participation in multilateral democracy which boosts Kenya’s credentials as a leader in the promotion of the blue economy for sustainable development,” said the president.

Ms. Karigithu is a renowned maritime expert who has been an active leader and a consequential voice in promoting the objectives of IMO, dedicated to safety and environmental protection in the maritime sector.

Amb Karigithu currently serves as Kenya’s special envoy for the blue economy and maritime affairs and has 26 years of experience in the sector.

Kenya secured the endorsement of the African Union to present a candidate during the High-Level Mid-Year Coordination Meeting held in Zambia in July. The endorsement places Kenya’s leading maritime expert in a strong position by situating her not just as a national candidate but also Africa’s flag bearer in the race for a critical global post.

The elections for the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will be held in July 2023. The 40 members will choose the successor of Mr. Kitack Lim from Korea.

If elected, Amb Karigithu will be the first African and the first woman to hold the position.