Kenya Launches Judge Phoebe Okowa’s Candidature for Full ICJ Term
Kenya Launches Judge Phoebe Okowa’s Candidature for Full ICJ Term
The State Department of Foreign Affairs has formally launched the candidature of Judge Phoebe Okowa for election to a full nine-year term at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 period, reaffirming the country’s commitment to a strong, inclusive, and rules-based international legal order.
The launch event, held in Nairobi last evening, brought together members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, members of the judiciary, and representatives of international legal institutions. It followed Judge Okowa’s successful election in November 2025 to fill a casual vacancy on the Court.
Speaking during the reception, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, described Judge Okowa’s election as a milestone achievement for Kenya, Africa, and the international legal community. He noted that her presence on the world’s highest court reflects decades of distinguished service as a scholar, legal practitioner, advisor to States, and advocate of multilateralism.
“Judge Okowa’s election reflects strong cross-regional confidence in her independence, expertise, and familiarity with diverse legal traditions,” Dr. Sing’Oei said, thanking UN Member States for their continued support of Kenya’s candidature.
In her remarks, Judge Okowa expressed gratitude to the Government of Kenya and diplomatic missions for their unwavering support, noting that competence, independence, and integrity remain central to the Court’s work. Drawing on her more than 30 years of academic, advisory, and litigation experience, she underscored the importance of international law in resolving complex disputes. .
Judge Okowa highlighted the significance of gender parity and representation, noting that her 2025 election to fill the casual vacancy seat marked an important step toward greater inclusion of women and African jurists in international courts. She reaffirmed her commitment to serving with independence and contributing meaningfully to the Court’s deliberations at a time of growing global challenges to the international legal order. The event concluded with Kenya reaffirming its confidence in Judge Okowa’s candidature, as the country continues to engage UN Member States in support of her bid for a full term on the ICJ.