NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s global standing in international law received a major boost after Prof. Phoebe Nyawade Okowa, a distinguished scholar of public international law, was elected as a Member of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi described the election as “a proud moment for Kenya and a resounding affirmation of our nation’s growing influence as a champion of justice, peace, and global cooperation.”
Prof. Okowa’s election was secured through an absolute majority vote at the United Nations Security Council, a process that reflects both her personal merit and Kenya’s reputation within international legal circles.
An advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Prof. Okowa has earned global recognition for her academic excellence and contributions to the development of international law.
She currently serves as the Director of Graduate Studies at Queen Mary University of London and has previously held prominent positions, including her election to the International Law Commission (ILC) in 2021, where she became the first African woman to serve in that role.
In 2016, she also joined the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, reinforcing her status as one of Africa’s most accomplished legal minds.
Mudavadi lauded her achievement as an inspiration to Kenyan scholars and jurists, emphasizing that her success underscores “the power of intellect and integrity to shape the world for the better.”
“Prof. Okowa’s journey represents the very best of Kenya’s academic and professional excellence on the international stage,” Mudavadi said.
Her appointment to the ICJ — the United Nations’ principal judicial organ — comes at a time when Africa continues to push for greater representation in global governance institutions.
The International Court of Justice, based in The Hague, settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on matters of international law referred by the UN.
Prof. Okowa’s election positions Kenya alongside a select group of countries contributing to the advancement of international justice, further solidifying the country’s reputation as a voice for peace and multilateralism.
