Gov't launches Judge Phoebe Okowa's bid for 9-year term at ICJ

The launch of her candidacy, held in Nairobi, drew senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of legal institutions and members of the judiciary. Okowa was first elected to the position by the United General Assembly from November 12, 2025, to February 5, 2027. If she's re-elected, she will hold the position until 2036. 

Speaking during the launch, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'Oei expressed confidence in Okowa's candidacy, citing her track record in international law as shaping global jurisprudence. 

"Kenya is proud to formally launch the candidature of Judge Phoebe Okowa for a full term at the International Court of Justice (2027–2036).  As the first African woman on the International Law Commission and now a Judge of the World Court, Judge Okowa is a trailblazer whose scholarship and practical expertise in international law have shaped global jurisprudence," he stated. 

"Her re-election isn't just a win for Kenya; it is a commitment to a fair, diverse, and rules-based international order. We invite our partners in the diplomatic community to support this distinguished jurist as she continues to serve the cause of global justice."

Judge Okowa expressed gratitude to the United Nations General Assembly for her election in November last year and highlighted the pivotal role it has played. 

"Today is above all, a day of gratitude for the UN member states for their confidence in me, as you know, there were four candidates for the vacancy, in electing me to an institution you care about," she noted. 

"It's also for me a day of immense personal pride that we're launching my campaign for the full 9-year term in our capital city."

Okowa succeeded Judge Abdulqawi A. Yusuf, who resigned as a Member of the Court on September 30, 2025. Her election followed four rounds of voting by the UN General Assembly and Security Council. 

Prior to her election, Judge Okowa held various roles, including being a member of the United Nations International Law Commission, Counsel for Namibia in ICJ, Co-counsel for the International Trade Union Confederation and a co-counsel for the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

She is also a Professor of Public International Law at Queen Mary University of London.