Prof Phoebe Okowa has been elected to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), securing her place on the world’s most prestigious judicial bench.
Her ascent to the 15-member bench,after securing decisive majorities in both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council cements not only her personal legacy but also Kenya’s growing influence in international law and diplomacy.
Born on January 1, 1965 in Kericho, Prof Okowa’s path to global recognition began with a defining achievement: graduating top of her class from the University of Nairobi with a First Class Honours degree in law in 1987. She became the first woman in the history of the Faculty of Law to earn this distinction,an early indication of her trailblazing future.
She was admitted to the Kenyan Bar in 1990 before earning a prestigious Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies at Oxford University. At Wadham College, she completed the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) in 1990 and later earned her doctorate (D.Phil.) in 1994 under the supervision of the legendary Professor Sir Ian Brownlie, one of the most influential figures in international law.
Global Recognition and Leadership in International Law
Prof Okowa built a distinguished academic and professional career that has positioned her among the world’s leading authorities on public international law. She serves as Professor of Public International Law and Director of Graduate Studies at Queen Mary University of London, shaping generations of legal scholars.
Her expertise has been sought by governments and international organizations, where she has served as counsel, consultant, and advisor in complex legal disputes,including cases before the International Court of Justice.
In 2016, Kenya appointed her to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, further solidifying her international footprint.
In 2021, she made history once more when she was elected by an overwhelming 162 votes,to the UN International Law Commission (ILC), becoming the first African woman to serve on the Commission. Her nomination was strongly supported by Kenya, co-nominated by the United Kingdom, and endorsed by the African Union.
A New Chapter: Judge of the International Court of Justice
Prof Okowa’s election to the ICJ followed four rigorous rounds of voting in the UN General Assembly and three in the UN Security Council. She secured 106 votes in the General Assembly, surpassing the 97-vote majority required, and achieved the necessary eight votes in the Security Council.
She was elected to fill the seat left vacant by Somali Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, who resigned effective September 30, 2025.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs championed her candidacy from the outset, with the Permanent Mission notifying the Eastern African subregion and seeking continent-wide support. Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei celebrated the win as a strong affirmation of Kenya’s stature and Prof Okowa’s unmatched expertise.
Prof Phoebe Okowa’s journey,from Kericho to Oxford, from top student to global legal authority, and now to the prestigious bench of the ICJ,stands as a powerful testament to intellect, perseverance, and leadership.
Her appointment is not just a personal triumph; it is a moment of pride for Kenya, Africa, and women in international law who see in her a role model breaking barriers on the world stage.
