Photo: Martha Koome/X
Chief Justice Martha Koome has held a high-level meeting with International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judge Phoebe Okowa, reinforcing Kenya’s growing engagement with global judicial institutions amid ongoing debates on the rule of law and judicial independence.
In a statement shared on X, Koome said the courtesy meeting focused on the evolving role of international courts and how closer engagement with national judiciaries can strengthen constitutionalism and adherence to international law.
The discussions come at a time when courts across Africa face increased scrutiny over independence, accountability, and public trust.
Koome noted that the exchange underscored the importance of sustained dialogue between domestic and international courts, particularly in promoting judicial cooperation and reinforcing shared legal standards.
She emphasised that such engagements help national courts align constitutional interpretation with international legal obligations without undermining sovereignty.
Judge Okowa, Kenya’s first-ever judge at the ICJ, was elected in November 2025 to fill a vacancy at the World Court in The Hague.
Her current term runs until February 2027, with the Kenyan government already endorsing her bid for a full nine-year term starting in 2027.
A distinguished scholar of public international law, Okowa brings extensive experience in state responsibility, environmental law, and international humanitarian law.
Her presence at the ICJ has been widely viewed as a diplomatic and legal milestone for Kenya, enhancing the country’s visibility in global legal processes.
The meeting also reflected broader efforts by the Kenyan Judiciary to position itself within international judicial networks as it navigates domestic reforms, constitutional implementation, and emerging transnational legal challenges.
Issues such as climate litigation, cross-border disputes, and human rights enforcement increasingly require coordination between national and international courts.
Koome’s engagement with Judge Okowa signals an intent to deepen these linkages, framing international judicial cooperation as a tool for strengthening the rule of law rather than diluting domestic judicial authority.