A significant diplomatic contest is unfolding at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters, where Kenya is striving to maintain its position on the IMO Council amidst fierce competition from Nigeria and South Africa. This election is part of the 34th Regular Session of the IMO Assembly, which began on November 24 and will continue until December 3, 2025.
The tension primarily revolves around Category C, which is designated for countries with specific interests in maritime transport and navigation. The aim of this category is to ensure diverse geographic representation in the organization. Currently, the North and East African bloc is well-represented, with Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco holding seats after being elected for the 2024-2025 biennium. However, West and Southern Africa are now challenging this dominance.
Both Nigeria and South Africa are re-entering the race after significant absences, aiming to unseat the current incumbents and alter the maritime diplomatic landscape in Africa. Nigeria previously held a position on the council from 2007 to 2011.
Kenya’s re-election campaign was officially launched on Saturday by Hassan Ali Joho, the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, at the IMO Headquarters in London. The event was attended by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.
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