Captain Marami paves the way for Kenyan women at sea

Captain Elizabeth Wakesho Marami Kenya’s first female marine captain. PHOTO/UGC.

By Andrew Mwangura

newshub@eyewitness.africa

In the quiet hills of Taita in southeastern Kenya, a remarkable journey has unfolded—a journey that reflects not only personal triumph but also the shifting tides of Kenya’s maritime sector.

Captain Elizabeth Wakesho Marami has made history as Kenya’s first female marine captain, a role that places her at the helm of an industry long dominated by men.

Her achievement, which saw her earn an unlimited master mariner’s licence in the United Kingdom, signals a significant milestone for women in a field that has traditionally kept them at bay.

Captain Marami’s success is a testament to her determination and resilience, qualities that have been central to her career and to the broader transformation of Kenya’s maritime industry.

Navigating a profession fraught with stereotypes and gender bias, she has charted a course that reflects both personal ambition and the changing tides of societal progress.

For years, the maritime industry has been reluctant to accept women, with deeply ingrained superstitions and biases against female participation in the field. Yet, Captain Marami has proven that no tide is too strong to overcome with dedication.

What makes her achievement even more profound is its connection to a long-standing legacy of pioneering women from her home region. Captain Marami follows in the footsteps of Miss Agatha Mawondo, another trailblazer from the Taita Hills who, in 1956, became the first Kenyan African woman to earn a university degree.

These women, separated by decades but united in purpose, embody the strength and spirit of the Taita community—a spirit that has long driven the pursuit of excellence, even in the face of adversity.

Captain Marami now joins an exclusive group of maritime professionals. Since 1948, only 52 qualified master mariners have emerged from Kenya—a profession historically dominated by a select few.

Her achievement is especially significant within the context of Kenya’s maritime history, which spans 76 years. In a country with a population of over 50 million, the fact that only a handful of individuals have reached this level of expertise makes her success all the more remarkable.

Her accomplishments also contribute to the broader African narrative. Captain Marami follows in the pioneering footsteps of Captain Beatrice Vormawah from Ghana, the first African female sea captain, who made history in 1976.

Captain Vormawah’s continued influence in maritime affairs, as part of the International Maritime Organization’s Technical Committee, underscores the profound impact of these trailblazers on the global maritime community.

Captain Marami’s story is not an isolated one. Her breakthrough has inspired a new generation of female sailors, with seven other Kenyan marine deck officers currently pursuing further studies in the UK.

This growing number is a powerful indication that her success is opening new doors for other women, showing them that the path to the sea is no longer a male-dominated one.

Kenya’s coastline along the Indian Ocean plays a pivotal role in its economic and strategic interests. Captain Marami’s expertise will not only add value to the country’s shipping industry but also serve as a living example of how gender should not determine who leads a vessel.

Her achievement serves as a symbol of what is possible when talent and dedication are the determining factors, rather than outdated gender norms.

As Kenya continues to strive for gender equality across all sectors, Captain Marami’s story stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young women, both in Kenya and beyond.

Her journey proves that no dream is too far for a woman who dares to aim high, and it offers a tangible example of success that young girls across the country can now aspire to.

In celebrating Captain Marami, we are not just acknowledging the breaking of a single barrier; we are honouring the continuation of an African maritime tradition—one that recognises talent and perseverance over gender.

And, in doing so, we are charting a course for a more inclusive future where all sailors, regardless of their gender, can stand proudly at the helm.