In a remarkable triumph for Kenyan diplomacy, the International Court of Justice elected Professor Phoebe Okowa on November 12, 2025, after she secured a decisive victory in both the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council in New York. Her election marks a defining moment in Kenya’s global engagement and reinforces the nation’s enduring commitment to international law and peaceful dispute resolution.
Kenya’s nomination of Professor Okowa on February 27, 2025, set in motion a strategic and well-coordinated campaign led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with strong support from the Permanent Missions in New York and Geneva. Her success, achieved after several rounds of voting, reflected the international community’s confidence in her credentials and in Kenya’s diplomatic professionalism.
The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Washington, D.C., described the outcome as a proud moment, applauding the efforts of all involved. In its official statement shared on the embassy’s official Facebook page, the mission wrote:
“The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Washington, D.C. warmly congratulates Prof. Phoebe Okowa on her historic election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following a resounding victory at both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council on 12th November 2025, in New York. We commend Teams New York, Geneva, and the State Department for Foreign Affairs for the skillful campaigns and steadfast negotiations that delivered this remarkable victory.”
The statement continued: “We take immense pride in this achievement, which reflects the dedication, charisma, and professionalism of Kenya’s diplomatic corps. Prof. Okowa’s election underscores Kenya’s global leadership, commitment to the rule of law, and devotion to the peaceful resolution of disputes. We celebrate this proud moment for Kenya and for international justice.”
Born in Kericho County in 1965, Professor Okowa is one of Kenya’s most respected legal scholars. She earned her Bachelor of Laws degree with First-Class Honours from the University of Nairobi, becoming the first woman to do so in her faculty, and later obtained her Bachelor of Civil Law and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at Oxford University. Her work in public international law, state responsibility, and environmental law has earned her wide recognition. She has also served as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and as a visiting academic at leading universities in Europe and North America.
In 2021, she became the first African woman elected to the International Law Commission, beginning her term in January 2023. Her expertise in international law and her integrity have long been acknowledged by peers and institutions alike. Her elevation to the ICJ now places her among a select group of jurists shaping global jurisprudence.
Professor Okowa’s appointment fills the vacancy left by Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, who resigned in September 2025. Her tenure will run until February 2027, with the next full election scheduled for 2026. Her presence on the bench is both a professional recognition and a diplomatic victory, reflecting Kenya’s reputation for principled leadership in multilateral affairs.
