NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has formally launched the candidature of Judge Phoebe Okowa for election to a full nine-year term at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), covering the 2027–2036 period, reinforcing Nairobi’s long-stated commitment to a rules-based international order and multilateralism.
The move follows Judge Okowa’s election in November 2025 to fill a casual vacancy at the ICJ, a rare diplomatic and legal achievement that returned Kenya to the bench of the world’s highest judicial body after a prolonged absence.
Her confirmation for a full term would entrench Kenya’s presence at the Court at a time when international law faces mounting pressure from geopolitical rivalry, selective compliance with multilateral norms, and weakening respect for binding judicial outcomes.
The official launch, held in Nairobi on Saturday, brought together members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, judges, and representatives of international legal institutions.
It marked the start of a sustained diplomatic campaign aimed at securing broad cross-regional support ahead of the 2027 ICJ elections, which are conducted concurrently by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.
Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr Korir Sing’Oei described Judge Okowa’s initial election to the Court as a milestone for Kenya and Africa.
He said her selection reflected strong confidence among states in her independence, intellectual rigour, and familiarity with diverse legal systems.
“Judge Okowa’s record as a scholar, adviser to governments, and practitioner of international law demonstrates the depth of expertise and integrity required of a judge of the International Court of Justice,” Sing’Oei said.
“Her presence on the bench strengthens confidence in the Court at a moment when its role in peaceful dispute resolution is more critical than ever.”
Judge Okowa, in her remarks, thanked the Kenyan government and diplomatic missions for their backing, underscoring that judicial independence, professional competence, and integrity remain central to the legitimacy of the ICJ.
Drawing on more than three decades of academic, advisory, and litigation experience, she said international law remains a vital and effective mechanism for managing increasingly complex disputes between states, particularly in an era marked by contested sovereignty, climate change, and global security challenges.
“The authority of the Court ultimately rests on trust—trust in its judges, its procedures, and its fidelity to the law,” Judge Okowa said, adding that impartiality and respect for diverse legal traditions are essential to sustaining that trust.
She also highlighted the symbolic and practical importance of representation within international judicial institutions.
In her 2025 election, she noted, she contributed to improving both gender balance and African participation at the ICJ, areas where progress has historically been uneven despite Africa’s deep engagement with international law.
Kenya has framed the bid as part of a broader foreign-policy objective focused on strengthening multilateral institutions and ensuring African legal perspectives are present where global norms are interpreted and enforced.
Officials said Nairobi views Judge Okowa’s candidature not only as a national priority but also as a contribution to the credibility and inclusivity of the international legal system.
The ICJ, based in The Hague, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and adjudicates disputes between states, while also issuing advisory opinions on questions of international law.
Judges serve in their individual capacity and are expected to act independently of national interests.
