KENYAN PROFESSOR PHOEBE OKOWA ELECTED AS JUDGE TO INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE

Professor Phoebe Okowa has been elected as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The election was formally announced by the President of the UN Security Council, Imran Kanu, after she secured majority of votes.

She becomes one of the few Africans and a Kenyan legal mind to serve on the world’s principal judicial organ, often referred to as the “World Court.”

The Law Society of Kenya president Faith Adhiambo was among the first to celebrate the achievement, stating: “Congratulations @Phoebe_Okowa on your election as Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This election is an outstanding personal achievement and is one that the @LawSocietyofKe shares with great pride as we wish the good Professor all the best in this tour of service in advancing international justice.”

Prime Cabinet Secretary & Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, also celebrated her victory: “Delighted to celebrate Prof. Phoebe Nyawade Okowa, a distinguished Kenyan scholar in public international law, on her election… Her election marks a proud moment for Kenya and a resounding affirmation of our nation’s growing influence as a champion of justice, peace, and global cooperation.”

Professor Okowa’s path to the ICJ bench is paved with groundbreaking achievements. An Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, she made history in 2021 as the first African woman to be elected as a member of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC). Her illustrious career includes roles as the Director of Graduate Studies at Queen Mary University of London, and in 2016, she was appointed as a Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague.

“Her achievement is an inspiration to scholars, jurists, and every Kenyan who believes in the power of intellect and integrity to shape the world for the better,” Mudavadi’s statement added.