Kenyan Trailblazer Returns Home: Justice Phoebe Okowa’s Visit Reinforces Kenya’s Growing Global Legal Stature
Justice Professor Phoebe Okowa, the first Kenyan ever elected to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Friday, marking a significant homecoming that underscores Kenya’s rising influence in international judicial affairs.
Received by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Justice Okowa’s arrival from The Hague initiates a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening ties between the world’s top court and member states.
The ICJ confirmed the visit, stating the trip seeks to “strengthen engagement with member states and enhance public awareness of its mandate.”
Justice Okowa’s election to the 15-judge bench in November 2025 was hailed as a landmark achievement across Africa. The court itself noted the moment as “a significant milestone for Kenya,” one that “reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening international justice and elevating Africa’s representation within global judicial institutions.”
Her path to The Hague was paved by a distinguished career in public international law, where she earned respect in academic, diplomatic, and legal circles worldwide. “Her distinguished academic and professional career, extensive experience in international law, and unwavering integrity have earned her widespread respect in the global legal community,” the ICJ emphasized.
Amplifying African Perspectives
Her presence on the bench arrives at a critical juncture, as global governance systems face intense scrutiny. Legal analysts suggest Justice Okowa’s expertise is poised to inject vital African perspectives into the development of international jurisprudence. The ICJ, established in 1945 as the UN’s principal judicial organ, serves as the premier forum for the peaceful settlement of disputes between nations. Beyond adjudicating contentious cases, it also provides advisory opinions on complex legal questions, offering a rules-based alternative for resolving interstate disagreements.
Justice Okowa’s engagements in Nairobi are expected to spotlight this crucial function while reinforcing Kenya’s longstanding diplomatic dedication to multilateralism. Her visit underscores the nation’s active role in shaping the legal norms that govern the international community.
Looking Ahead to a Long-Term Tenure
With elections for the next ICJ term (2027-2036) scheduled for November 2026, Kenya is actively mobilizing international support to secure Justice Okowa’s long-term tenure on the bench. The court acknowledged these efforts, stating, “Kenya remains confident that Judge Okowa’s tenure on the court will further advance the rule of law and contribute meaningfully to the development of international jurisprudence.”
Based in The Hague, the ICJ comprises 15 judges elected to nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council. Its jurisdiction rests solely on the consent of states, making its role as a trusted arbiter all the more pivotal.
Justice Okowa’s homecoming is more than a ceremonial visit; it is a powerful testament to Kenya’s burgeoning profile on the world stage and a reaffirmation of the continent’s growing voice in the halls of international justice.
