Kenya’s campaign to secure a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has gained significant momentum after Judge Phoebe Okowa received an unprecedented level of international backing ahead of elections scheduled for November.
The United Nations has published the official list of candidates for the 2027–2036 term of the court, confirming that Okowa attracted the highest number of co-nominations ever received by an African candidate seeking election to the world’s highest judicial body.
The endorsements came from national groups representing countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting broad diplomatic support for Kenya’s nominee.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei described the achievement as a strong vote of confidence in both Judge Okowa’s credentials and Kenya’s standing in international law.
“I express Kenya’s sincere appreciation to all National Groups that have co-nominated Judge Phoebe Okowa to the International Court of Justice for the 2027–2036 term, the highest number of co-nominations garnered by an African ICJ candidate so far,” Sing’oei said.
He added that Kenya remained grateful for the cross-regional support shown throughout the nomination process.
“We remain grateful to all Member States and the entire international community for your cross-regional support and confidence placed in the candidature of Judge Okowa throughout this process as we look ahead to the November 2026 ICJ elections,” he said.
According to the UN’s official list of nominees, countries backing Okowa include Kenya, France, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Mauritius, Namibia, the Netherlands, Norway, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden, among others.
The ICJ, based in The Hague, serves as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It hears legal disputes between states and issues advisory opinions on questions referred to it by authorised UN bodies and specialised agencies.
Five judges will be elected later this year by both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council. To secure a seat, candidates must obtain an absolute majority in both bodies. Successful candidates will begin their nine-year terms on February 6, 2027.
Judge Okowa is widely recognised as a leading scholar in public international law. Kenya views her candidacy as an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s representation within international judicial institutions while contributing to the continued development of international law.
The record number of co-nominations is expected to strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic campaign as member states prepare to cast their votes in November.
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