Kenyan jurist Professor Phoebe Okowa has been elected to a nine-year term at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), according to the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. Her election marks her placement among the 15 judges responsible for resolving legal disputes between nations and offering advisory opinions on international law.
The election process involved a campaign by Kenya, which sought to retain Okowa at the ICJ for another decade. Nairobi conducted an intense campaign to ensure her reappointment. The decision was made following a vote by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. Okowa’s term will begin after the current one ends, aligning with the nine-year mandate structure of the ICJ.
Okowa’s election follows a broader process of selecting judges for the ICJ, which involves nominations from member states and approval by the UN bodies. The ICJ, based in The Hague, Netherlands, is responsible for adjudicating legal disputes between countries and providing advisory opinions on international law. The court’s decisions are binding and final, with no possibility of appeal.
The ICJ has also been involved in significant cases, such as the genocide case against Myanmar. A judgment in that case is expected on November 19, 2026, following a case brought by Gambia. This case concerns alleged violations of the Genocide Convention. The ICJ’s role in such cases underscores its importance in international legal matters.
Okowa’s reappointment reflects Kenya’s continued engagement with international legal institutions and its commitment to maintaining a presence in global judicial bodies. Her role will contribute to the ICJ’s mission of upholding international law and resolving disputes between states.
