Kenyan Professor Makes History at United Nations Body

Professor Phoebe Okowa made history by becoming the first African woman to join the International Law Commission on Friday, November 12.

Okowa was Kenya's nominee for the seat at the United Nations body and was able to clinch the seat on 162 votes in an election conducted at United Nations General Assembly, New York City, United States.

In a statement on Saturday, November 13, she expressed gratefulness to the member states who confided in her to be part of the commission from 2023 till 2027.

“I am pleased beyond words and both honored and humbled in equal measure to have been elected today to the United Nations International Law Commission for the term 2023-2027. I am profoundly grateful to member states for their confidence in me.

"Throughout the campaign experience, I have remained conscious that the ILC is a subsidiary organ of the UN that is at its costs effective working in collaboration with the sixth committee. This is by any standards an outstanding mandate, thank you to everyone involved,” Okowa expressed in the statement.

Okowa is a High court advocate and has worked as a counsel and consultant to the Government and Non-Governmental Organizations.

Joining the ILC will see her enjoy the status of experts on international missions alongside other members elected to the commission.

In addition, at the ILC she will work with other experts to help in coming up with international laws.

Ambassador Macharia Kamau took to his Twitter platform to congratulate her on winning the ILC while congratulating the Kenya Team.

"Professor Phoebe Okowa Flag of Kenya elected today 12th November to the International Law Commission (ILC) by 162 Votes. She becomes the first African woman to be elected to the Commission. Way to go team Flag of Kenya Kenya!!" Kamau remarked.