NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has congratulated Judge Phoebe Okowa following her election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), hailing the outcome as a historic milestone for Kenya and a vote of confidence by the international community.
Judge Okowa becomes the first Kenyan to serve on the ICJ since its establishment in 1945. She was elected to fill a mid-term vacancy at the Hague-based court, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
In a statement on Tuesday, President Ruto said her election reflected strong confidence by UN member states in her credentials, experience, and integrity.
“Her success reflects not only personal excellence, but also our nation’s continued commitment to contributing distinguished professionals to the multilateral system,” Ruto said.
The President said he met and congratulated Judge Okowa at State House, Nairobi, and reaffirmed the government’s full support as she takes up the international judicial role.
The ICJ plays a central role in the peaceful settlement of disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on questions of international law under the UN Charter. Its judges are elected independently by both the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.
The development also marks a significant moment for Kenya’s legal profession, underscoring the growing international recognition of Kenyan jurists.
The government said it will continue backing qualified Kenyans seeking leadership roles in international organisations as part of its broader foreign policy and multilateral engagement strategy.
