A Bold Step for Kenya on the International Stage
NAIROBI, Kenya—Kenya is making another high-stakes move on the world stage, nominating legal scholar Prof. Phoebe Okowa for election as a judge to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The country’s Permanent Mission formally submitted her nomination through Djibouti, the coordinator of the Eastern African Sub-region on candidatures, in a letter dated February 27.
If elected, Okowa will make history, further solidifying Kenya’s influence in global legal affairs.
The election is set to take place during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and UN Security Council in 2026.
“Kenya is convinced that Okowa is competent and well qualified to contribute to the work of the ICJ,” the official nomination letter states, emphasizing her extensive experience and expertise.
Hearty congratulations to @Phoebe_Okowa on her nomination to run for the office of judge of the International Court of Justice @CIJ_ICJ. Her exemplary record of service and excellence are a guarantee that she is Kenya’s best to contest for the position. We believe she is a worthy…
Who Is Prof. Phoebe Okowa?
Prof. Okowa is no stranger to international law. Currently a Professor of Public International Law and Director of Graduate Studies at Queen Mary University of London, she has built a stellar career in legal academia and practice.
Her trailblazing journey includes:
- Becoming the first African woman elected to the International Law Commission (ILC) in 2021.
- Serving as a Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, a position she has held since 2016.
- Acting as legal counsel to governments and NGOs, handling international disputes at the ICJ and other courts.
Born in Kericho, Kenya, in 1965, Okowa’s academic achievements set her apart early on.
She graduated top of her class from the University of Nairobi with a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree in 1987—the first woman in the faculty’s history to achieve this distinction.
Her legal education continued at Oxford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) degree on a Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholarship in 1990, followed by a Doctorate (D.Phil.) in 1994 under the supervision of Professor Sir Ian Brownlie.
Kenya nominates Phoebe Okowa for election as a judge to the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Kenya’s Global Legal Ambitions
Okowa’s nomination comes at a crucial time, following Kenya’s recent bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat, where Raila Odinga lost to Djibouti’s Mohamoud Youssuf.
This latest move signals Kenya’s determination to strengthen its influence in international governance.
To secure Okowa’s election, Kenya has formally requested Djibouti to rally the African Group’s support, ensuring regional backing for her candidacy.
With a track record of breaking barriers and shaping international law, Okowa’s potential election could mark a defining moment for Kenya’s global standing.
If successful, she would bring decades of expertise and legal acumen to one of the world’s most prestigious judicial bodies.
As the 2026 election nears, Kenya will be working diplomatic channels to garner votes from the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
With her exceptional qualifications and a history of global legal service, Okowa stands as a formidable candidate.
Her nomination isn’t just about filling a seat at the ICJ—it’s about cementing Kenya’s place in the international legal arena. The world will be watching.
