Former LSK President Faith Odhiambo /HANDOUT

Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo has hailed Professor Phoebe Okowa’s re-election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), describing the achievement as an inspiration to young women pursuing careers in law.

Okowa was re-elected for a full nine-year term at the world's highest court, a development Odhiambo said was a proud moment for Kenya and the country's legal profession.

In a congratulatory message, Odhiambo urged young women lawyers to draw inspiration from Okowa’s achievement and pursue opportunities at the highest levels of the legal profession.

“For young women pursuing a career in law, may this achievement encourage you to aim high and claim your place, including on the world’s highest judicial platforms,” she said.

Odhiambo also called for greater efforts to create opportunities for upcoming women lawyers, saying Okowa’s re-election should renew commitment to opening doors for those who follow.

She expressed hope that Okowa’s new term would advance independent and principled justice as well as the peaceful resolution of disputes.

“International law must protect all nations, not merely serve the powerful,” Odhiambo said, wishing Okowa success during her tenure.

Okowa was among nine candidates competing for five positions in elections held simultaneously by the two UN organs on Tuesday.

Okowa is a professor of Public International Law at Queen Mary University of London, where she also serves as Director of Graduate Studies. She was elected to the UN International Law Commission in 2021, becoming the first African woman to serve on the expert body.

She was also appointed by Kenya as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague in 2016.

The other four judges elected alongside Okowa are Professor Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, François Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan and Rena Lee of Singapore.

Akande is a professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford and a member of the UN International Law Commission.

Alabrune is a French legal expert and diplomat, while Hmoud is an incumbent ICJ judge who was first elected in 2025 to fill a vacancy.

Lee is Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law and previously led negotiations that resulted in the UN agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

The five successful candidates will begin their terms on February 6, 2027, serving until 2036 on the 15-member court based in The Hague, Netherlands.

President William Ruto congratulated Professor Okowa following her election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In a message, Ruto described her election as a moment of great pride for Kenya, saying it affirmed the country's contribution to international legal affairs.

"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," he said.

Ruto wished Okowa success as she prepares to take up the responsibility, expressing confidence in her role in advancing the court's mandate.

He said he hoped she would discharge her duties with diligence while supporting the ICJ's mission of upholding international law and promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes among nations.

"Kenya is proud of you," Ruto said.