NAIROBI, Kenya— Feb 3, 2026—Kenya has achieved a major diplomatic and legal milestone following the election of Judge Phoebe Okowa to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), making her the first Kenyan national to serve on the court since its establishment in 1945.
President William Ruto announced the achievement, noting that Judge Okowa’s election to fill a mid-term vacancy reflects strong confidence by United Nations member states in her professional credentials, experience and integrity.
The President said he met and congratulated her at State House, Nairobi, and reaffirmed the government’s support as she assumes her new international role.
Judge Okowa was elected through a joint vote of the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Security Council, a process that underscores broad international backing.
She will serve the remainder of the term left vacant following the resignation of a sitting judge, with the term ending in February 2027.
Her appointment is widely viewed as a significant boost to Kenya’s standing in international diplomacy and global legal affairs, positioning the country as a growing contributor of high-level expertise to the multilateral system.
The International Court of Justice, based in The Hague, Netherlands, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on international legal questions submitted by UN organs and agencies. The court is composed of 15 judges, elected for staggered nine-year terms to ensure continuity.
Judge Okowa is a renowned scholar and practitioner of public international law, with an extensive academic and professional career spanning advisory roles, international legal practice and scholarship.
Her election follows Kenya’s sustained diplomatic efforts to promote qualified professionals for leadership roles within international institutions.
The government has indicated its intention to campaign for Judge Okowa’s election to a full nine-year term when elections are held in 2027, citing her experience and performance as key strengths.
Her election marks a historic moment not only for Kenya but also for the broader African region, reinforcing the continent’s voice within global judicial decision-making and underscoring Kenya’s growing influence on the international stage.
