Statement of Intent
Statement of Intent
Statement of intent to contest for the position of
Secretary - General of the International Maritime
Organization (IMO).
In recognition of my career as a maritime professional with
almost 40 years of experience, I have been involved in the
work of IMO, driven by a strong commitment to the great
purpose for which the organization stands for, therefore
the reason for offering my candidature for the post of
Secretary-General of IMO for the period 2024-2028.
My Government’s nomination and African Union endorsement of my candidature comes at a critical time for IMO when strong leadership and consensus building is needed, arising from a world facing unprecedented challenges arising from a global pandemic, increasing geopolitical tensions, supply chain crisis and most importantly the impact of climate change on our planet and people. As the backbone of global trade, the maritime sector touches on every sustainable development goal. I could not think of a better call than to support this sector through effective leadership in order to ensure that no one is left behind, addressing those challenges and harnessing the tremendous opportunities the sector offers to support our planet and people.
Throughout my career in the maritime industry, I have held various progressively responsible positions at national and global levels such as:
Through these positions I have been responsible for the operational and policy management of maritime transport related programmes, including but not limited to maritime security; maritime safety; human element including maritime education and training; marine environment protection; climate change, including matters relating to decarbonization of shipping; facilitation of international maritime trade, among others. In addition to my work experience, I hold a Master’s degree in International Maritime Law from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.
My long and illustrious career spans maritime legislative drafting; strengthening and setting up maritime administrations not just in my home country Kenya, but also in Africa; seafarer capacity building and welfare as well as mentorship and empowerment of women in the maritime sector.
I have also chaired the Steering Committee as well as provided strategic guidance to the Maritime Technology Co-operation Centre for Africa (MTCC-Africa) where I have provided oversight and direction fostering global North-South cooperation and delivery of capacity building programmes for the reduction of green-house gas (GHG) emissions from the continent’s maritime and shipping sector.
In recognition of my expertise and dedicated service to the global maritime industry, I was unanimously elected as Chair of IMO’s Technical Co-operation Committee (TCC) for 3 successive terms (2010-2013). The TCC, is tasked with the responsibility of setting the agenda and programmes for building and enhancing human and institutional capacity for developing countries. My experience as Chair of the TCC provided me with invaluable insight and experience in consensus building in a multilateral environment, which IMO typifies. In the foregoing context, I strongly believe that my academic qualifications, global exposure and experience in the various positions I have held, provide me with invaluable and significant experience and have honed my leadership skills, placing me in pole position to become the next and first female Secretary-General of IMO. I have the necessary competency and attributes for this top United Nation’s position.
I understand the global maritime challenges and will always factor their best interests and ensure we work together for mutual interest and efficiency in global trade. At a time when there is an increasing call to empower more women to support and lead the maritime sector, I wish to act, lead and be seen as a role model for millions of women out there who are aspiring to enter the maritime sector and make a difference. I therefore offer my candidature for the post of the 10th and first female Secretary-General of IMO in the Organization’s 75-year history and seek the members’ support as an African women leader who has the best interests of our planet and its people at heart.
My technical background and experience will help me ensure that I always have the best interests of IMO member states, the Secretariat, and the maritime industry at heart, and that I will work hard to serve those interests. It is my hope and belief that my candidature will find favour with you and that my election to the position of Secretary - General will make the Organization stronger for the future.
Assuring you of my highest consideration Yours sincerely,