Kenya seeks re-election to International Maritime Organisation Council
The IMO, a United Nations specialised agency, is responsible for the safety and security of shipping, the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution from ships, and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Kenya has officially launched its bid to retain its seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, aiming to continue influencing global maritime governance and advancing the interests of Africa. The move underscores Kenya’s strategic position as a key player in international shipping and maritime regulation.
Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho announced the official launch, saying the bid is not just a national aspiration but a pivotal opportunity to shape global maritime governance and amplify the voices of Africa, the Indian Ocean region and the Global South.
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"By securing our place on the IMO Council, we can elevate crucial discussions and decisions that impact the maritime landscape for generations to come," he said.
"I am optimistic that the strong, enduring relationships Kenya has cultivated with countries around the world will pave the way for the support we need to achieve this goal."
The IMO, a United Nations specialised agency, is responsible for the safety and security of shipping, the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution from ships, and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Its Council is divided into three categories: Category A for countries with the largest interest in providing international shipping services, Category B for nations with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, and Category C for 20 states representing other geographic regions with a specific interest in maritime transport or navigation.
Kenya holds a Category C seat, which ensures representation for Eastern Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region. Kenya’s Category C peers in Africa include Morocco, South Africa, Liberia, and Egypt.
The country first joined the IMO in 1973 and was first elected to the Council in 2001. Since then, Kenya has been re-elected multiple times, including in 2017 and most recently in June 2023, when it successfully retained its seat following a vote in London with 174 member states participating.
The 2023 vote saw Kenya competing against several nations, including Sweden, Nigeria, and Liberia, who lost their bids, reaffirming Kenya’s leadership in maritime governance.
Kenya's special envoy for maritime and blue economy, Nancy Karigithu, who led the delegation to the polls, highlighted Kenya’s strategic coastal location as “a most important cog in the wheel of steering global shipping.”
“Our re-election to Council will ensure continued representation of a major geographic area in Eastern Africa and the Great Lakes region consisting of the countries Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda,” she said.
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