Kenya battles Nigeria, South Africa to keep IMO seat as Africa’s voice in global shipping
The election will take place on Friday during the 34th Regular Session of the IMO Assembly in London, where member states will select the 40 Council members via secret ballot.
Kenya is in a high-stakes race to retain its seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, facing competition from Nigeria and South Africa in a vote that could reshape Africa's voice in global maritime affairs.
The election will take place on Friday during the 34th Regular Session of the IMO Assembly in London, where member states will select the 40 Council members via secret ballot.
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The spotlight will be on Category C, a set of seats for countries with major interests in shipping and maritime trade. The positions are meant to give coastal nations and developing economies a voice in shaping international rules for maritime safety, shipping, and trade.
Kenya currently holds one of the seats at the IMO alongside Egypt and Morocco, but Nigeria and South Africa are challenging for the positions in a bid to boost West and Southern Africa’s influence.
Kenya, which was first elected into the Council in 2001, kicked off its re-election campaign on Saturday at IMO headquarters in London, led by Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho.
The launch, attended by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, highlighted Kenya's strategic location along the Indian Ocean and its long track record in promoting maritime safety, environmental protection, and fair trade.
"Kenya proudly hosted a diplomatic reception at the IMO headquarters in London to officially launch our campaign for the IMO Council, Category C," said Joho in a statement after the launch.
"I reaffirmed our commitment to maritime safety and security, environmental stewardship, and inclusive global trade, standing as a reliable voice for developing and coastal states."
Nigeria, which last held a seat on the Council from 2007 to 2011, and South Africa, absent for several terms, are now challenging Kenya and its allies, reflecting a broader effort by other African regions to strengthen their influence at the IMO.
The Assembly, which opened on Monday and runs through December 3, brings together all 175 member states.
Delegates will review candidates' maritime experience, policy track record and commitment to international standards before casting their votes.
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