Professor Phoebe Okowa has been elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a nine-year term beginning February 6, 2027, and ending in 2036.
Okowa was among five candidates elected to serve on the United Nations’ principal judicial organ.
The other successful candidates were Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, François Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan and Rena Lee of Singapore.
Professor Phoebe Okowa. Photo: Courtesy.
Following the election, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei congratulated Okowa, describing her victory as a significant achievement for Kenya.
He also congratulated the newly elected judges from the United Kingdom, France, Singapore and Jordan.
Sing’Oei said Okowa’s election reflected the international community’s confidence in her ability to serve the court at a critical time for international justice.
The Principal Secretary further thanked members of the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council for participating in the election and supporting the successful candidates.
He also expressed appreciation to Sierra Leone, South Korea and Ecuador for withdrawing their candidates after the third round of voting, helping prevent a prolonged electoral process.
Okowa’s election marks a significant milestone for Kenya’s representation in international judicial institutions.
Her appointment is expected to strengthen the country’s presence in global legal discussions and contribute to the development of international law.
The ICJ, based in The Hague, Netherlands, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
It settles legal disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN organs and specialised agencies.
