Ruto endorses the election of Nancy Karigithù as IMO Secretary-General
President Ruto has expressed his support for the election of Ambassador Nancy Karigithù, special envoy for Maritime and Blue Economy in Kenya’s State Department for Shipping and Maritime, as Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
The Head of State characterised Karigithù as a “highly competent and qualified candidate” reiterating Kenya and the African Union’s decision in their nomination.
“I wish to underscore that Ambassador Nancy Karigithù has all it takes to handle the challenges facing the shipping industry. This will include the adoption of cleaner energy for sustainable shipping, tackling decarbonisation through control and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, maritime environmental protection, safety and security, governance, digitisation and ensuring fairness to all IMO member states,” he said.
He further acknowledged the significance of Karigithù’s nomination and possible election as IMO Secretary General.
“In nominating her, we appreciate that no African and no woman has ever held the position of Secretary General of IMO in the years of the organisation’s existence. With your support and vote, her election therefore will be an affirmative action and will eland credits to the current global momentum of inlclusivity and diversity in international decision making processes,” he noted.
Other nominees include Moin Uddin Ahmed (Bangladesh), Suat Hayri Aka (Turkey), Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco (Panama), Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry (Dominica), Minna Kivimäki (Finland) and Mr Zhang Xiaojie (China).
Africa has not yet had the opportunity to occupy the post of IMO secretary-general since its establishment in 1958.
Should she be elected, Karigithù will replace current Secretary-General Kitack Lim of the Republic of South Korea.
Elections are set for 18 July.