Captain Elizabeth Wakesho Marami is the first female marine captain in Kenya. IMAGE/USER-GENERATED CONTENT.. Author: Andrew Mwangura. Contact: [email protected]. In the serene hills of Taita, located in southeastern Kenya, an extraordinary journey has taken place, one that symbolizes both personal success and the evolving landscape of Kenya’s maritime industry. Captain Elizabeth Wakesho Marami has made history by becoming the first female marine captain in Kenya, shattering a glass ceiling in a male-dominated sector. By acquiring an unlimited master mariner’s license in the United Kingdom, her accomplishment marks a crucial milestone for women in an area that has largely excluded them. Captain Marami’s triumph showcases her perseverance and strength, qualities that have been pivotal not only in her own career but also in the wider transformation of Kenya’s maritime field. Despite facing stereotypes and gender discrimination, she has forged a path that embodies her aspirations and the societal changes underway. The maritime sector has traditionally been slow to embrace female inclusion, hampered by long-standing superstitions and biases against women’s engagement in this profession. Captain Marami has demonstrated that with commitment, no obstacle is insurmountable. Her accomplishment is further significant due to its ties to a tradition of trailblazing women from her area. Captain Marami carries on the legacy of Miss Agatha Mawondo, a pioneering figure from the Taita Hills who became the first Kenyan African woman to graduate from university in 1956. Despite the time gap, both women share a commitment to their goals and represent the resilience and determination of the Taita community, which has consistently strived for excellence amidst challenges. Captain Marami is now part of an esteemed circle of maritime professionals. Since 1948, Kenya has produced merely 52 qualified master mariners, a profession that has traditionally been controlled by a limited number of individuals. Her accomplishment is particularly noteworthy in light of Kenya’s maritime history, which has lasted 76 years. In a nation of more than 50 million people, her achievement is especially impressive given that only a small number of people have attained such a high level of skill. Moreover, her successes play a significant role in the larger African story. Captain Marami continues the legacy of Captain Beatrice Vormawah from Ghana, who became the first African woman to serve as a sea captain in 1976. Captain Vormawah’s ongoing involvement with the International Maritime Organization’s Technical Committee highlights the significant influence these pioneers have had on the international maritime industry. Captain Marami’s journey exemplifies a broader trend.
