A high-stakes diplomatic contest is underway at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters, where Kenya is fighting to retain its seat on the prestigious IMO Council against stiff competition from Nigeria and South Africa.
The election is set to take place during the 34th Regular Session of the IMO Assembly, which commenced on Monday, November 24, and runs through December 3, 2025.
The focal point of the tension lies in Category C, a grouping reserved for states with special interests in maritime transport or navigation. Election to this category is designed to ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.
Currently, the North and East African bloc holds sway, with Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco serving as incumbents following their election in 2023 for the 2024-2025 biennium. However, West and Southern Africa are mounting a challenge.
Kenya's campaign
Nigeria, which previously served two terms from 2007 to 2011, and South Africa have entered the race after prolonged absences, seeking to unseat the incumbents and shift the balance of maritime diplomatic power on the continent.
On Saturday, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho, officially launched Kenya’s re-election campaign at the IMO Headquarters in London. The launch was attended by IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez.
In his address, CS Joho framed Kenya’s bid as a defence of the interests of developing and coastal states.
“I reaffirmed our commitment to maritime safety and security, environmental stewardship, and inclusive global trade, standing as a reliable voice for developing and coastal states,” Joho said.
Secret ballot
Kenya’s pitch to the Assembly relies heavily on its strategic location along the Indian Ocean trade routes.
Since its first election to the Council in 2001, the East African nation has maintained constant membership.
The 34th Assembly, the IMO’s highest governing body consisting of all member states, will decide the fate of the candidates on Friday, November 28. The 40 members of the council will be selected via an in-person, secret ballot.
