Prof. Pheobe Okawa / HANDOUT

Kenya has congratulated Professor Phoebe Okowa following her election as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a nine-year term.

Okowa was elected on November 3, 2026, during elections held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Her election followed a competitive process involving nine candidates, with five securing positions on the court.

She secured a unanimous decision from both the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

In a congratulatory message, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr A. Korir Sing'oei described the election as a demonstration of international confidence in Kenya's commitment to a rules-based international order.

Sing'oei said the outcome also reflected Kenya's commitment to protecting multilateralism and its role as a unifying voice on the African continent.

He further noted that Okowa's election demonstrated confidence in her ability to dispense justice at a time when multilateralism faces considerable challenges.

The international community, he said, continues to grapple with increasingly complex legal questions, making her role on the court significant.

Okowa joins judges elected from the United Kingdom, France, Jordan and Singapore.

On behalf of the Government of Kenya and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, Sing'oei congratulated the professor on her election.

He also expressed appreciation to all United Nations member states that voted in her favour.

Her election marks a significant achievement for Kenya's diplomatic engagement within the multilateral system.

The International Court of Justice is the United Nations' principal judicial organ.

Okowa secured the required majority of votes in both the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council during elections held simultaneously on Tuesday.

The other successful candidates were 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.

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

Her earlier mandate was due to run until February 5, 2027, prompting Kenya to mount a fresh diplomatic campaign to secure her a full term.

She made history in 2025 when she became the first Kenyan to serve as a judge of the ICJ.

She was also elected to the UN International Law Commission in 2021, becoming the first African woman to serve on the expert body.

Additionally, Kenya appointed her as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague in 2016.

President William Ruto congratulated Professor Okowa, describing 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 ability to advance 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.