Professor Phoebe Okowa/HANDOUT

President William Ruto has congratulated Professor Phoebe Okowa following her election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a full nine-year term.

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.

Okowa secured the required majority in both the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council during Tuesday's elections.

She was among nine candidates competing for five seats on the 15-member court based in The Hague, Netherlands.

The other successful candidates are Professor Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, François Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan and Rena Lee of Singapore.

The five judges will begin their nine-year terms on February 6, 2027, serving until 2036.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei also welcomed Okowa's election, saying it demonstrated the international community's confidence in her ability to serve the court.

"It is with immense pride that I welcome the election of Judge Phoebe Okowa to the International Court of Justice for the 2027-2036 term," Sing'oei said.

He thanked members of the General Assembly and Security Council for supporting her candidature.

Sing'oei also acknowledged Sierra Leone, South Korea and Ecuador for withdrawing their candidates after the third round of voting, saying their decisions helped avoid a prolonged electoral process.

He particularly thanked Sierra Leone and Professor Charles Chernor Jalloh for withdrawing from the race and backing Okowa.

In a separate message, Sing'oei described the decision as one that placed continental representation above national competition.

"This act was not about one candidate — it was about Africa. You placed continental representation above national contest and served to protect Africa's voice on the world's highest Court," he said.

Okowa has been serving at the ICJ since November 2025, following a by-election to fill the vacancy left by Somali judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, who resigned.

Her previous mandate was due to end on February 5, 2027, prompting Kenya to launch a diplomatic campaign to secure her a full term.

She is a professor of Public International Law at Queen Mary University of London and was elected to the UN International Law Commission in 2021, becoming the first African woman to serve on the expert body.

Her election in 2025 also made her the first Kenyan to serve as a judge of the ICJ.

Established under the UN Charter in 1945, the court settles legal disputes between states and issues advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN institutions and agencies.