Kenya has congratulated Professor Phoebe Okowa following her election to a full nine-year term as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), describing the achievement as a moment of immense national pride.

In a congratulatory message, President William Ruto celebrated Okowa’s achievement, saying her election reflects Kenya’s growing stature and remarkable progress on the international stage.

Ruto wished the renowned legal scholar God’s wisdom, strength and guidance as she prepares to undertake her new nine-year term, serving the international community.

He also expressed confidence in her ability to represent Kenya with distinction and contribute meaningfully to international justice.

Professor Okowa was elected on November 3, 2026, following voting by the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Security Council.

She secured 183 votes in the General Assembly and 13 votes in the Security Council, defeating other contenders in the closely contested election.

Her new nine-year tenure will run from February 6, 2027, to February 5, 2036.

Okowa, a Professor of Public International Law at Queen Mary University of London, previously made history in November 2025 when she became the first Kenyan to serve as a judge of the International Court of Justice.

She initially joined the court to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Somali Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf.

Her re-election secures Kenya’s continued representation on the United Nations’ principal judicial organ.

The International Court of Justice, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, settles legal disputes between countries and provides advisory opinions on international legal matters.

Ruto concluded his congratulatory message by declaring that Kenya was proud of Professor Okowa and urging her to serve the world with distinction.