Speaking during the Launch in Nairobi which was organized by State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs in Conjunction with Diaspora Affairs and the Kenya Maritime Authority, the Cabinet Secretary Mining, Blue Economy, Shipping and Maritime Affair Hon. Ali Hassan Joho underscored the importance the government of Kenya places Maritime in the socio-economic development of Kenya.

“Kenya is elated in bidding for the IOM Category C which shows Kenya’s leading role in maritime affairs in this region, which is significant because Kenya is the link of most of the landlocked Countries in the region,” said CS Joho. The Cabinet secretary also used the occasion to solicit for support from foreign envoys based in Kenya who headlined the launch for their countries support.

According to brief from the Permanent Secretary State Department Maritime affairs principal secretary Aden Millah said Kenya’s firm commitment in support of IMO’s objectives and history of leadership in the IMO and within the region makes the country well positioned to enhance the IMO mandate in collaboration with other member states
“Kenya’s re-election to the Council under category ‘c’ will bolster the nation’s efforts to serve the maritime community and contribute actively to Maritime Policy Development in advancing sustainable and innovative maritime solutions,” the PS reiterated.

During the launch Kenya got a boost by getting endorsements from Chile, Ghana, Ghana and Egypt whose Envoys conveyed their Countries support for Kenya’s Bid,
The IMO Assembly is set to elect 40 members of the Council during the 34th session of the Assembly on December 3, 2025 under categories A B and C.