EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

OFFICE OF THE STATE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON

PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Release)

Notification of
Presidential Action

KENYA’S CANDIDATURE FOR THE POSITION OF SECRETARY-

GENERAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION
(IMO)

President William Ruto has today reaffirmed Kenya’s nomination of Amb.

Mrs Nancy Karigithu for the position of Secretary-General of the
International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

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

The President expressed confidence that Amb. Karigithu will bring to the
IMO strong competencies and invaluable experience in the management of
global maritime and development of the oceans and blue economy that hold
much promise for the international community.

Kenya secured the endorsement of the African Union for Amb.

Karigithu’s candidature during the High Level Mid-Year Coordination Meeting
in Lusaka, Zambia, in mid-July, 2022. 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.

Amb. Karigithu is 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.

1
 Amb Karigithu currently serves as Kenya's Special Envoy for Blue
Economy and Maritime Affairs. The elections for the position of secretary-
heneral of the IMO will be held in July 2023. The 40 members of the IMO
Council will pick the successor of Mr Kitack Lim of Korea. If elected, the
Kenyan maritime diplomat will the first African and th first woman to hold
the position.

Hussein Mohamed, MBS

State House Spokesperson

3rd November, 2022