Kenya nominates Prof Phoebe Okowa for International Court of Justice judge post

PS Sing’oei also hailed Prof Okowa as “competent” and “well-qualified” to work at the International Court in the 2026 elections. 

“The Government of the Republic of Kenya is convinced that Professor Okowa is competent and well qualified to contribute to the work of the ICJ,” read the note.

She was nominated by the Kenya National Group to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

Before her nomination, Professor Okowa served as a member of the International Law Commission (ILC).

She was the first African lady to possess a seat at the ILC.

ILC is the UN body of experts responsible for initiating studies and making recommendations for the progressive development of international law and its codification.

The International Court of Justice is made up of 15 judges who are elected to nine-year terms of office by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.

The two organs vote simultaneously but separately.

For one to be elected, a candidate needs to gather an absolute majority of votes in both bodies.

The election can sometimes go on for a number of rounds of voting before the winner emerges.

Once elected, the judges begin their work on February 6 of the following year.

The judges who have been elected also carry out a secret ballot to elect their President and Vice-President, who serve for a period of three years.

Proposals for candidates are usually made by a group consisting of the members of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which is designated by the state.

For countries that do not participate in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, nominations are made by a group of countries.

The names of the candidates are usually communicated to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.