By VoiceNews.africa Editorial 
Kenya’s maritime and blue economy champion, Nancy Karigithu, in a recent move, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Seahorse Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding and transformative contribution to the global maritime industry.
Karigithu, who serves as the Advisor for the Blue Economy at the Executive Office of the President of Kenya and Maritime & Blue Economy Special Envoy, was celebrated for a career that has spanned decades of leadership, advocacy, and global influence in shipping, logistics, and maritime governance.
Before awarding Karigithu, the Seahorse Freight Association cited her tireless championing of seafarers, her distinguished representation of Kenya at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and her leadership in advancing technical cooperation programmes across Africa as key pillars of her legacy.
“To be recognised by an association dedicated to the pillars of supply chain, logistics and transport is truly the highest honour,” she said, describing the maritime sector as “the silent, essential engine of global trade.”
In her response speech, Karigithu reflected on her journey as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Maritime Authority, recalling the resistance she faced as a woman and a lawyer leading a traditionally male-dominated, technical sector.
She recounted a moment when a male caller on live radio questioned her competence, a remark which, according to her, was painful but became a defining source of motivation.
“That comment became my fuel,” she said. “It taught me that our worth is not determined by the doubts of others, but by the impact we choose to make.”
Her experience strengthened her resolve to mentor young professionals and advocate for gender inclusion in maritime affairs, noting that women currently make up less than two per cent of the global maritime workforce.
In 2022, she made history as the first woman to declare candidacy for the position of IMO Secretary-General, taking the call for diversity and inclusion to the highest global maritime platform.
While she did not win the election, she described the bid as a symbolic breakthrough.
“While the ceiling of IMO did not crack for the other women candidates or me, today it bears three bullet holes, and one of them has my name on it,” she said.
In her address, Karigithu paid tribute to seafarers, shore crews, logisticians, and young professionals who keep global trade moving, urging those entering the industry to uphold integrity and purpose.
‘’To the young professionals joining the industry: – Never underestimate the power of integrity—because in an industry built on trust and global cooperation, your character will always be your strongest compass,’’ Karigithu said.
She added, “Please understand that you are not just moving cargo; you are facilitating world prosperity and peace, one container, one vessel, one port call at a time.“
She dedicated the award to all those who supported her journey, adding, “I am because you are.”
The Seahorse Lifetime Achievement Award places Nancy Karigithu among the most respected global voices in maritime leadership and the blue economy, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer, mentor, and advocate for inclusive and sustainable global shipping.