Prof Okowa graduated with a Bachelor of Law from the University of Nairobi in 1987 with the rare distinction of First Class Honours.
In 2023, Prof Okowa was elected member of the International Law Commission, becoming the first African woman to sit in that body.
Last week, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Korir Sing’oei, launched Kenya’s candidacy for a seat at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), known as the World Court. The ICJ is the premier legal organ of the United Nations. Kenya’s candidate is Prof Phoebe Okowa, an acclaimed academic and renowned jurist. On November 12 last year, Prof Okowa was elected Judge of the ICJ to fill a vacancy left open by the resignation of Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf of Somalia. Judge Yusuf had served as the court’s President from 2018-2021. Of note was the overwhelming vote for Prof Okowa who garnered eight votes at the UN Security Council and 106 at the UN General Assembly. The vote was a testament to her qualifications and wide acceptance.
The vote at the UN to fill Judge Yusuf’s vacancy for a full nine-year term is later this year, and Kenya is going all out – leaving nothing to chance – to make sure Prof Okowa retains the seat. At the launch graced by foreign diplomats based in Nairobi last week, Dr Sing’oei led an exuberant gathering, which included scholars, senior officials, and lawyers. He made an eloquent and compelling case for why Dr Okowa stands head and shoulders above big names in the legal academy and the world of law. Other speakers agreed without equivocation.
