Kenya officially launches Judge Phoebe Okowa’s bid for full nine‑year term at ICJ

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally launched the candidature of Judge Phoebe Okowa for election to a full nine‑year term on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), marking a major push by Kenya to solidify its influence within the world’s foremost judicial forum. 

Judge Okowa, who was elected in November 2025 to fill a casual vacancy on the Court, is now seeking a regular term covering 2027 to 2036. 

The launch event, held in Nairobi on Friday evening, drew senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of legal institutions and members of the judiciary.

Her reception in Nairobi underscored Kenya’s commitment to multilateralism, the rule of law and inclusive representation in global governance.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei lauded Judge Okowa’s achievements and reaffirmed Kenya’s confidence in her bid. 

He described her election as a milestone, reflecting “strong cross‑regional confidence in her independence, expertise and familiarity with diverse legal traditions.” 

"Her election is a milestone achievement for Kenya, Africa, and the international legal community," he said.

Sing'Oei noted that her presence on the world’s highest court "reflects decades of distinguished service as a scholar, legal practitioner, advisor to States, and advocate of multilateralism."

Sing’Oei thanked United Nations member states for their support and pledged continued diplomatic engagement ahead of the November 2026 election at the UN General Assembly and Security Council.

Speaking during the event, Judge Okowa expressed deep gratitude for the backing she has received from the Kenyan government and diplomatic missions.

She emphasised that competence, independence and integrity must remain at the heart of the Court’s work as it confronts complex global disputes. 

Drawing on her more than three decades of experience as a scholar, advisor and advocate, she highlighted her belief in international law as an indispensable tool for peaceful conflict resolution and global cooperation.

Judge Okowa’s current term on the ICJ arose after a competitive election in November 2025, when she secured the required majority in both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Somali Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf. 

Her success was celebrated across diplomatic and academic circles as historic: she became the first Kenyan to serve on the Court, further enhancing the country’s international profile and contributing to greater African representation in key global institutions.

Born in Kericho on January 1, 1965, Judge Okowa has a distinguished academic and professional record. She was the first woman to graduate with First Class Honours from the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Law, later earning advanced law degrees at Oxford University. 

A Professor of Public International Law at Queen Mary University of London, she has served as a member of the UN International Law Commission, becoming the first African woman elected to that expert body, and as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. 

During the launch, speakers also underscored the significance of gender parity and representation in international justice, noting that Judge Okowa’s presence contributes to much‑needed diversity on the ICJ bench.