The launch by Kenya’s Ambassador and Special Envoy for maritime Affairs and blue economy “Ambassador Nancy Karigithu” was a global event.

Ambassador Karigithu is Kenya/AU backed candidate for IMO Secretary General position.

Ambassador Nancy Karigithu, is a highly respected maritime expert who is currently domiciled in the Executive Office of the President as the *advisor on Blue Economy.

AMB. Karigithu on 17th May 2023 officially launched her campaign as candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation.

Karigithu has the blessing and backing of the African Union. She is seeking to succeed the current Secretary-General, Kitack Lim from the Republic of South Korea, whose term concludes later in December 2023.

“I strongly believe that with my experience in the maritime sector spanning over 36 years, I am in a position to become the next Secretary General of IMO. I have the competency and attributes for this top UN position,” she said.

During the bid launch on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua emphasized President Ruto’s support, highlighting that Karigithu’s nomination holds significant importance in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

“I wish to restate Kenya’s commitment to the protection and promotion of our shared and common maritime security interests under international law that will allow for optimal exploitation of the blue economy. Amb. Karigithu’s candidature provides a firm, dependable and experienced safe pair of hands in this regard,” Mutua said.