Elizabeth Wakesho: Kenya’s First Certified Female Marine Captain

Kenya’s maritime industry has reached a historic milestone with Captain Elizabeth Wakesho becoming the country’s first certified female marine captain. Her remarkable journey, spanning over 15 years, is a story of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Earning her Unlimited Master Mariner Licence on March 12, 2025, she has now attained the highest level of competency in the merchant navy, making her a trailblazer in the region’s maritime sector.

Early Life and Passion for the Sea

Source: Shutterstock

Born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, Elizabeth Wakesho grew up near the bustling Port of Mombasa, where she developed an early fascination with the sea. While most children dreamt of conventional careers, she was captivated by the sight of colossal ships docking and departing, fueling a curiosity about maritime operations. Encouraged by her adventurous spirit, she aspired to command a vessel someday—a dream that would later become a reality.

Despite societal norms that often steered young girls toward more traditional career paths, Wakesho remained steadfast in her vision. She initially pursued a law degree but soon realized that her true calling lay beyond courtrooms and legal documents. In 2009, she took a bold step—deferring her law studies to venture into the maritime world, a decision that would define her future.

Pioneering Her Way into the Maritime Industry

Source: Nairobi News

Wakesho embarked on her maritime education at the Arab Academy for Maritime Transport in Egypt, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nautical Technology. In 2014, she attained her Second Officer License from the Egyptian Maritime Authority, a crucial milestone in her career.

However, securing sea-time experience—a requirement to advance in the merchant navy—proved to be one of her biggest challenges. The industry’s rigid hierarchy and gender biases made it difficult for her to secure positions that would contribute to her professional growth. Many companies offered her cadet roles despite her qualifications, significantly slowing her career progression. Yet, Wakesho remained undeterred.

“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 recalled.

Her breakthrough finally arrived in 2019 when she joined the French shipping giant CMA CGM. Over the next 12 months, she worked tirelessly aboard container vessels and cruise ships, eventually earning a position at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), where she served as a cadet and later as an officer.

The Turning Point: Recognition and Career Growth

Source: Nairobi News

While working with MSC Cruises, one of the captains recognized her potential and offered her a role as a Third Officer—a pivotal moment that marked the start of her rapid ascent. Her reputation soon caught the attention of Captain Kate McCue, America’s first female mega-cruise line captain, who reached out to Wakesho via Instagram in 2020.

“I think you belong here! Share your CV,” Captain McCue told her.

Soon after, Wakesho was hired by Celebrity Cruises, a premium line under the Royal Caribbean Group, where she progressed from Second Officer to First Officer. Her rapid rise made her one of the highest-ranking women of color in the cruise industry—a significant milestone for diversity in maritime leadership.

Achieving the Ultimate Milestone: Unlimited Master Mariner License

Source: The Standard

With her sights set on reaching the pinnacle of her career, Wakesho pursued further training in the United Kingdom, known for its rigorous maritime examination process. In December 2022, she earned her Chief Mate Unlimited License, a crucial qualification that set her on the path to becoming a certified marine captain.

Her crowning achievement came on March 12, 2025, when she officially earned her Unlimited Master Mariner License—an elite certification that grants her the authority to command any merchant vessel worldwide, regardless of size or route.

“I can now officially call myself ‘Captain.’ The journey has been long, but I wouldn’t change a thing—it has shaped me both mentally and professionally,” Wakesho shared.

Industry Leaders Applaud Her Achievement

Wakesho’s success has drawn widespread praise from industry leaders and maritime professionals, who view her journey as a beacon of hope for aspiring female seafarers.

Dr. Nancy Karigithu (Special Envoy & Advisor for the Blue Economy, Office of the President)

“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. She is the first woman to wear the captain’s badge in Eastern Africa, paving the way for many others.”

Dr. Christopher Mutembei (Director, Centre for Professional Development, Mount Kenya University)

“We salute her and urge more women to venture into the largely male-dominated maritime sector. Her story is proof that gender should never be a limitation in pursuing one’s passion.”

Betty Makena (Mombasa Port Ship Inspector, International Transport Workers Federation – ITF)

“Kudos to Captain Wakesho. We look forward to seeing more female captains and chief officers commanding seagoing vessels. Her journey will undoubtedly encourage young women to pursue maritime careers.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Source: The Standard

As Kenya’s first certified female marine captain, Elizabeth Wakesho is not only a trailblazer but also a mentor for the next generation of maritime professionals. She is set to take up a senior role at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) as a Class 1 pilot, where she will play a vital role in mentoring young cadets and maritime officers.

Her achievement marks a transformative moment for Kenya’s maritime sector, signaling a shift towards inclusivity and equal opportunities for women in the industry.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Wakesho’s journey—from a young girl in Mombasa, captivated by the sea, to becoming Kenya’s first certified female marine captain—is a story of courage, perseverance, and unbreakable determination. Her legacy will inspire generations of young women to break barriers and pursue their dreams, no matter the odds.

As she steps into her new role, Captain Wakesho stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with dedication and resilience, no dream is too big to achieve.

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