Elizabeth Wakesho makes history as Kenya's first certified female captain

Elizabeth Wakesho has made history as Kenya’s first-ever female marine captain after earning her Unlimited Master Mariner Licence—the highest level of competency in the merchant navy.

Her achievement, officially recognised on March 12, 2025, marks the culmination of a 15-year journey defined by resilience, ambition, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence in a male-dominated industry.

Her voyage into the maritime world began in 2009 when she deferred a law degree to follow her passion for the sea. She quickly broke barriers, becoming Kenya’s first female marine pilot. Now, with her latest achievement, she has cemented her place in the nation’s maritime history.

“A common misconception is the use of the word ‘captain.’ This licence officially grants me the privilege to wear that title,” said Captain Wakesho.

She is set to commence her duties as a Class 1 pilot, playing a key role in mentoring the next generation of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) maritime pilots.

Dr Nancy Karigithu, former Principal Secretary of the State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs, lauded Wakesho’s perseverance and dedication.

“If I were to describe Captain Wakesho in a few words, they would be resilient, tenacious, and determined. I have followed her journey since her cadetship days, and her achievement is a moment of pride for the entire region,” said Dr Karigithu, who now serves as a Special Envoy and Advisor for the Blue Economy in the Office of the President.

Dr Karigithu added that Wakesho’s success would inspire more young women to pursue maritime careers. “It is a moment of pride, as she is the first woman to wear the captain’s badge in Eastern Africa—a milestone that will pave the way for others,” said the former PS.

Mount Kenya University (MKU) Director of the Centre for Professional Development, Dr Christopher Mutembei, echoed this sentiment.

“We salute her and urge more women to venture into the largely male-dominated maritime sector,” Dr Mutembei said.

The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Mombasa Port Ship Inspector, Ms Betty Makena, commended Wakesho’s perseverance. “Kudos to Captain Wakesho. We look forward to seeing more female captains and chief officers commanding seagoing vessels,” Makena said.

In 2014, Wakesho attained her second officer license from the Egyptian Maritime Authority after pursuing Bachelor of Science degree in Nautical Technology at the Arab Academy for Maritime Transport. At the time, Kenya had yet to offer the course locally.

Upon completing her training, she faced significant challenges securing sea-time experience—an essential requirement for rising through the ranks.

“I struggled to get sea-time training, as one must serve 18 months in each rank before sitting for the next certification exam,” Wakesho explained.

Despite being a qualified licensed officer, she was often offered only cadet positions, which would not contribute to her career progression. Unfazed, she took whatever opportunities came her way.

Wakesho said she was not bothered at all. “I just wanted my place on the ship. I knew the right person would eventually see me and give me an officer’s job,” she said.

Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she joined the French shipping line CMA-CGM, working 12 months as a cadet aboard container vessels and cruise ships and the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), six months each.

While working with MSC Cruises, the world’s largest family-owned cruise line, a captain recognised her potential. “You have a licence, right? Then you will sail as a Third Officer,” he told her.

“My breakthrough had come, five years later. This pivotal moment marked the start of my rapid ascent. On February 2020, one of the most admired women in the cruise industry, Captain Kate McCue, reached out to me on Instagram and told me, ‘I think you belong here! Share your CV. Before we knew it, I was hired by Royal Caribbean Group premium cruise line Celebrity Cruises as a second officer, and I was assigned to work under Captain Kate’s,” added Wakesho.

“It felt like a dream working with not just a mentor but America’s first female mega cruise line captain. I worked my way up to First Officer before returning to school to obtain my Unlimited Chief Officer Licence,” she said.

A proud patriot, Wakesho sought to earn her qualifications in the United Kingdom, known for its rigorous maritime examinations. In December 2022, she achieved her Chief Mate Unlimited Licence—an accomplishment that elevated her to one of the highest ranks within the Royal Caribbean Group. She was later promoted to Chief Officer, making her the highest-ranking person of colour in the cruise line’s history.

“I can now officially call myself captain and will return to KPA as a senior marine pilot. It is an indescribable feeling. The journey was long, but I wouldn’t change a thing—it has shaped me both mentally and professionally,” she stated.