Kenya has entered the race for re-election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the year 2026-2027.
In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, September 12, 2025, Kenya confirmed that it has launched campaigns to secure its place as a key voice in global maritime governance.
“Kenya has officially launched its campaign to secure re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 term,” the statement read in part.
Global maritime governance
“Led by CS for Mining, Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs, the campaign reflects Kenya’s determination to strengthen maritime safety, environmental stewardship, and the sustainable blue economy while amplifying Africa’s and the Global South’s voice in global maritime governance.”
The election, set to take place at the 34th session of the IMO Assembly in London, will see Kenya vying for a seat in Category C, a group designated for states with special interests in maritime transport or navigation that ensure balanced global representation.
Kenya’s bid is built on a strong foundation of recent maritime achievements and a long-standing commitment to the IMO’s objectives.
Maritime leader
Over the past two years, Kenya has solidified its position as a regional maritime leader, implementing a series of strategic initiatives that align with international standards.
A notable milestone is the launch of the National Maritime Information Sharing Centre, a critical step towards enhancing maritime security and information-sharing in the Western Indian Ocean.
This initiative, supported by the IMO, bolsters regional efforts to combat piracy and other illicit activities, safeguarding the vital sea lanes of East Africa.
Furthermore, Kenya’s commitment to the blue economy and environmental protection is a central pillar of its campaign.
Category A consists of 10 countries with the largest interest in providing international shipping services, and they include China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Category B constitutes 10 nations with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, and they include Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates.
20 states that are not elected under (A) or (B) but have a specific interest in maritime transportation or navigation make up category C. Their election to the council will guarantee that all of the world’s major geographical regions are represented.
The states under this category include: Bahamas, Bangladesh, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Turkiye.
Source: People Daily
