Kenya seeks to retain seat on international maritime council

Kenya has officially launched its campaign for re-election to the International Maritime Organisation Council under Category C for the 2026–27 term.

The announcement was made during the 134th Session of the IMO Council held this month in London.

Shipping and Maritime Affairs PS Aden Millah, who was accompanied by Ambassador Catherine Karemo, Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK, unveiled the country’s candidacy at a high-level networking reception hosted by the Kenyan delegation at IMO headquarters.

“Kenya has a longstanding record of active engagement and leadership in the IMO and across the region. Our commitment to the goals of the IMO remains unwavering,” Karemo said.

PS Millah said securing a seat on the council under Category C will further strengthen Kenya’s ability to contribute meaningfully to maritime policy development.

“Kenya’s re-election to the council under Category C will bolster the nation’s efforts to serve the maritime community and contribute actively to Maritime Policy Development in advancing sustainable and innovative maritime solutions,” he said.

The IMO Assembly is scheduled to elect 40 member states to its council on December 3 this year during its 34th session.

The seats are distributed across three categories. Category A (10 seats) for countries with the largest interest in providing international shipping services, and Category B (10 seats) for those with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.

In Category C, 20 seats are set aside for nations with special interests in maritime transport or navigation, ensuring balanced global representation.

As of now, 10 countries have declared interest in Category A, 11 in Category B, and 26, including Kenya, in Category C.

Kenya was last elected to the IMO Council in December 2023 for the 2024–2025 term, joining countries such as Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye under Category C.

Since first being elected in 2001, Kenya has consistently maintained a seat on the council, offering a vital voice for Eastern Africa and the Great Lakes region.

If re-elected, Kenya will continue to serve on the council, which plays a key role in overseeing the work of the IMO between Assembly sessions and supporting the implementation of its strategic priorities.

The renewed push for re-election comes at a time when the Kenyan government is ramping up efforts to advance its blue economy and position the maritime sector as a pillar of national development.

A continued presence at the IMO will allow Kenya to contribute to shaping global maritime policy while advocating for regional and continental interests.

Instant analysis

Kenya’s bid for re-election to the IMO Council under Category C is a strategic move that reinforces the country’s maritime diplomacy and leadership in the region. A continued seat ensures Kenya remains influential in shaping global maritime policy, particularly as it advances its blue economy agenda. It also strengthens the voice of Eastern Africa and the Great Lakes region in international maritime affairs.