Prof. Phoebe Okowa has been reelected judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a nine year term earning Kenya’s representation on the United Nations judicial sector until 2036.
She secured the majority in elections conducted by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council in New York on Tuesday, November 3, after a couple of rounds of voting with nine candidates competing for five positions.
Prof. Okowa gathered 183 votes in the General Assembly and 13 votes in the Security Council getting the seat for 2027-2036 term. In the vote, Sierra Leone had withdrawn its candidate, Professor Charles Chernor Jalloh, and backed up Okowa in a move to retain Africa’s seat.
“Today we withdrew Prof. Charles Jalloh’s candidature and backed Judge Okowa to keep Africa’s seat on the Court. Africa first,” the mission stated.
Okowa was among the five candidates elected alongside others; Professor Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, François Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan and Rena Lee of Singapore.
The judges who have been elected begin their nine year terms on February 6 2027 and will offer their services till February 5 2036.
Following her re-election, different leaders took to social media to congratulate her, including President William Ruto who praised her achievements and her long legal standing.
“Your election is a moment of great pride for Kenya and a powerful affirmation of the depth of legal expertise, integrity and excellence that our country continues to contribute to the international community.
“As you take up this distinguished responsibility, we wish you great success in discharging your mandate with diligence and in advancing the ICJ’s mission of upholding international law and promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes among nations.”
Former Chief Justice David Maraga also sent in his congratulatory message.
“The resounding victory is an affirmation of the world’s full confidence in one of Kenya’s finest jurists to tackle international justice and the rule of law during this difficult time in global governance,” Maraga stated.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei also joined in on the congratulatory message saying it is international community’s confidence and her abilities to serve the court.
Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga said her election is a moment of immense pride for Kenya and a significant milestone for Africa.
“It is a recognition of her distinguished legal scholarship, extensive professional experience and longstanding contribution to the advancement of international law,” he said. “A distinguished Kenyan legal scholar and Professor of Public International Law at Queen Mary University of London, Prof. Okowa has built an illustrious career spanning academia, international legal practice and service to the global legal community. Her expertise in international law, particularly in state responsibility, the use of force, environmental law and the peaceful settlement of disputes, has earned her international recognition.”
Ingonga adds: “Her election is particularly significant for Kenya and the African continent, as it provides an opportunity for African legal perspectives, experiences and contributions to continue shaping international jurisprudence at the highest level of global adjudication. It also underscores Africa’s important role in advancing international law and strengthening the rules-based international order.”
Professor Phoebe Okowa first joined the International Court of Justice in 2025 after she was elected to fill the position of the Somali judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, who resigned. Her appointment was to run up until the fifth of February 2027.
