Born and raised in Mwea, Nancy Karigithu, a renowned maritime expert, first developed her love for the sea by playing with paper boats in puddles. Her enthralling journey in the maritime sector has now led her to become one of the seven contenders for the prestigious secretary general position at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
A Passion Ignited
Karigithu recalled how her father’s teaching fellow, Edna Oxtoby, introduced her to paper boats and gifted her a cowrie shell that carried “the murmurs of the sea.” This sparked her fascination with the ocean, leading her to choose a coastal school for her A-Levels. There, Karigithu fell in love with the vast ocean, paving the way for her prolific career.
The Road to Candidacy
With a whopping 38 years of experience, President William Ruto of Kenya and the African Union have backed Karigithu as the sole African candidate for the IMO secretary-general post. Ruto acknowledged the significance of her nomination, as no woman or African has ever held this position in the organization’s history.
Karigithu faces competition from Bangladesh, Turkey, Panama, Dominica, Finland, and China representatives. The IMO boasts 175 member states and three associate members. The 40 members will make the final decision of the IMO council in May.
Breaking Glass Ceilings in Maritime
Karigithu has pushed boundaries throughout her career and made notable contributions to the maritime industry. As the first director general of the Kenya Maritime Authority, she laid the groundwork for the country’s maritime and shipping affairs and established the first-ever state department for maritime and shipping affairs.
Karigithu has also played a pivotal role in suppressing piracy in the western Indian Ocean, led global initiatives for wildlife protection, and has been a driving force behind the formation of the Association of Women in the Maritime Sector in Eastern and Southern Africa (Womesa).
Championing Gender Equity in the Maritime Sector
Womesa’s main objective is to encourage gender equity in maritime education, training, and decision-making across Eastern and Southern Africa. Karigithu expressed her concern about the misconceptions and hurdles women face in the maritime industry, emphasizing the need for diversity, equality, and inclusion. Women comprise only about 1.2% of seafarers, often occupying lower-paying and less protected jobs in the cruise and ferry sectors.
Karigithu believes in the necessity of female role models, re-evaluating living conditions on ships to be more gender-sensitive, and integrating women into the design, planning, and implementation of national policies and programs.
A Bold Vision for the Future of IMO
If elected as the IMO secretary general, Karigithu plans to bring “new thinking” to the organization, pushing for innovative and neutral approaches that ensure the IMO’s relevance in the 21st century. She is also eager to raise awareness among African youths about the numerous opportunities available in the maritime sector, particularly on cruise ships.
With her vast experience, determination, and passion for the maritime world, Karigithu continues to lay the foundation for breaking barriers, promoting diversity, and making a remarkable impact on the global maritime sector.
