President William Ruto has nominated ambassador Nancy Karigithu for the position of Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Through a dispatch from State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed dated Thursday November 3, the president noted the move is aimed at improving Kenya's participation in the growth of the blue economy.
He also expressed confidence in Karigithu's competence to represent Kenya at the international level.
If elected in July 2023, she will be tasked with mitigating climate change and greenhouse emissions from ships and other sea vessels in line with improving the blue economy.
She will also replace Korean Kitack Lim who is holding the position. Notably, she may make history as the first African and first woman to hold the position.
Ruto additionally noted Karigithu has invaluable experience in the management of global maritime and development of the oceans and blue economy.
"That endorsement places Kenya's leading maritime expert in a strong position by situating her not just as a national candidate, but also as Africa’s flagbearer in the race for a critical global post," read part of the notice.
In mid-July 2022 during the High Level Mid-year Coordination Meeting in Lusaka Zambia, Kenya secured the endorsement of the African Union for Karigithu's candidature.
She currently serves as Kenya's Special Envoy for Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs and the outgoing Principal Secretary (PS) at the State Department for Shipping and Maritime.
Karigithu was mentioned as a world-renowned maritime expert who has been an active leader and a consequential voice in promoting the objectives of the IMO dedicated to safety, security and environmental protection in the maritime industry.
Additionally, she is a maritime lawyer with a degree from the University of Nairobi (UoN).
