Karigithu to be awarded for her support to Swedish maritime university

Kenya's Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Nancy Karigithu (pictured) has been awarded honorary fellowship by the prestigious World Maritime University (WMU) based in Malmo, Sweden.

In a letter seen by The Standard, the award to Mrs Karigithu was unanimously endorsed at the 37th session of the WMU Board of Governors.

"Members spoke warmly about your support and contribution to the university and its global mission and there was a complete consensus that you are a most deserving recipient of this honour," President of WMU Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry said in the letter.

Karigithu will receive the award on November 3, during WMU graduation.

The University Chancellor Kittack Lim, who is the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation will present the award.

Prior to her appointment as PS, Karigithu served as Director-General of the Kenya Maritime Authority and was a founder member of the Association of Women in Maritime Sector in Eastern and Southern Africa (Womesa).

She is a qualified maritime lawyer and sits in the National Blue Economy Committee.

Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK) commended Karigithu for the achievement, terming it a win for Kenya. "We are happy that WMU has set to recognise PS Karigithu," said SUK General Secretary Steve Owaki.

The PS was also congratulated by Womesa Kenya chapter officials led by Chairperson Fiona Mbandi.