Mombasa port [Photo/fairplay.ihs.com]
Kenya has strengthened its position at the heart of global maritime rule-making following its re-election to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Council under category C early this month.
The category is reserved for 20 member States which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation.
Kenya will be a member for the 2018-2019 biennium. Council membership is considered an important position for Member States that seek to be engaged with IMO decision-making position as it makes many of the key decisions around the plans and functions of the organization.
Other countries from Africa elected to the council include Egypt, Liberia, Morocco and South Africa. IMO is the United Nations focused agency with an obligation for the well-being and security of shipping and the deterrence of marine effluence by ships.
Nancy Karigithu, Principal Secretary for Maritime and Shipping Affairs who led Kenyan assignment to the IMO Assembly, said the election of the country into the council was an acknowledgment of its fundamental role in the world maritime sector.
“It is a noble appreciation.
I am delighted Kenya has continued to assert its position in the world maritime industry,” she said. “This is a very important and exciting moment for our country as a responsible maritime nation that represents not only our own interests, but also those of the region.”
Amongst sessions of the Assembly, the Council accomplishes all the tasks of the Assembly, with the exception of that of creating endorsements to governments on maritime safety and pollution deterrence.