NAIROBI, Kenya – Elizabeth Wakesho has shattered yet another glass ceiling, officially becoming Kenya’s first-ever female marine captain after earning the prestigious Unlimited Master Mariner Licence.
Recognized on March 12, 2025, this achievement places her at the pinnacle of maritime leadership—a position no other Kenyan woman has held.
Her journey to the top wasn’t smooth sailing. It was a 15-year odyssey of persistence, resilience, and an unwavering passion for the sea.
From walking away from a law degree to defying the odds in a male-dominated industry, Wakesho’s story is one of grit and ambition.
Now, she steps into her new role as a Class 1 pilot at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), where she is set to mentor the next generation of maritime professionals.
“A common misconception is that anyone in uniform on a ship is called ‘captain.’ This licence finally grants me that title officially,” Wakesho stated.
No words can ever describe this feeling. None.This afternoon I passed my UK maritime coast guard Master Mariner unlimited examination. For my non- mariners, This is the highest level of competency in the merchant navy.
Navigating Challenges: A Journey of Resilience
Wakesho’s passion for maritime began in 2009, when she boldly chose the sea over a courtroom.
In 2014, she secured her Second Officer Licence from the Egyptian Maritime Authority after earning a BSc in Nautical Technology at the Arab Academy for Maritime Transport.
However, breaking into the maritime industry wasn’t easy.
She struggled to secure the required sea-time experience—a critical step for rising through the ranks.
Despite being a qualified officer, she was repeatedly offered cadet positions, which didn’t count toward her career progression.
“I wasn’t bothered. 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 came in 2019, when she joined CMA CGM and later the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
But it was on MSC Cruises that a captain finally recognized her potential.
“You have a licence, right? Then you will sail as a Third Officer,” he told her—marking the start of her rapid ascent.
Her biggest moment came in 2020, when Captain Kate McCue, the first female mega cruise line captain in the U.S., discovered her on Instagram and helped her secure a Second Officer position at Celebrity Cruises, a division of Royal Caribbean Group.
Wakesho quickly moved up to First Officer, before returning to school to obtain her Unlimited Chief Officer Licence.
“Closing a chapter.. My journey at sea has been nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings to Chief Officer, I’ve defied odds & rewritten my story. Grateful to @CelebrityCruise for believing in me. Passing the baton to the next gen of POC leaders. New adventures await!
A Captain’s Return: Leading the Next Generation
Determined to prove herself in one of the world’s most rigorous maritime examinations, Wakesho earned her Chief Mate Unlimited Licence in the UK in December 2022.
This achievement made her the highest-ranking person of colour in Celebrity Cruises’ history and paved the way for her latest milestone—her official captaincy.
Now, with the coveted Master Mariner Licence, Wakesho is coming home, set to serve as a senior marine pilot at KPA.
She sees this as more than a personal victory—it’s a win for every young woman dreaming of a career at sea.
“The journey was long, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It shaped me both mentally and professionally,” she reflected.
Paving the Way for the Future
Her achievement has drawn praise from across the maritime industry.
“She is resilient, tenacious, and determined,” said Dr. Nancy Karigithu, Kenya’s Special Envoy for the Blue Economy. “She is the first woman in Eastern Africa to wear the captain’s badge, and that is a milestone that will open doors for others.”
Industry leaders, including ITF Mombasa Port Ship Inspector Betty Makena, have echoed this sentiment.
“Kudos to Captain Wakesho. We look forward to seeing more women command seagoing vessels,” Makena stated.
From defying expectations to making maritime history, Captain Elizabeth Wakesho is steering a new course—not just for herself, but for future generations of women in the industry.
