| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Phoebe Nyawade Okowa |
| Birthplace | Kericho, Kenya |
| Age | 60 |
| Tribe | Not Disclosed |
| Husband | Leon Bennun |
| Net Worth | $100,000 |
| Profession | Lawyer, Professor, International Law Expert |
| Current Position | Professor at Queen Mary University, London |
| Notable Achievements | First African woman in the International Law Commission |
Who is Phoebe Okowa?
Phoebe Nyawade Okowa is a distinguished Kenyan lawyer, professor, and expert in public international law. She currently serves as a Professor of Public International Law and Director of Graduate Studies at Queen Mary University of London. In 2021, she was elected to the International Law Commission (ILC), making history as the first African woman to serve as a member of this prestigious body.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 1, 1965, in Kericho, Kenya, Phoebe Okowa comes from a Luo background. She excelled in academics from an early age and pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at the University of Nairobi. In 1987, she graduated with First-Class Honours, becoming the first woman in the faculty’s history to achieve this distinction.
She furthered her studies at Wadham College, Oxford, on a Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) degree in 1990. In 1994, she completed her Doctorate (D.Phil.) in international law at Oxford under the supervision of Professor Sir Ian Brownlie.
Legal Career and Achievements
Phoebe Okowa has had an illustrious career in international law. In 2016, Kenya appointed her as a Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. She has worked as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and has advised governments and NGOs on international law matters before domestic and international courts, including the International Court of Justice.
Her expertise in environmental law led to the publication of her monograph, State Responsibility for Transboundary Air Pollution, by Oxford University Press. This work remains a crucial reference on environmental accountability in international law.
Election to the International Law Commission
In May 2021, Kenya nominated Okowa for election to the United Nations International Law Commission, a prestigious body responsible for codifying and developing international law. She was co-nominated by the United Kingdom and endorsed by the African Union. With an overwhelming 162 votes in the UN General Assembly, she secured her place in the commission for a five-year term starting in January 2023.
Personal Life
Phoebe Okowa is married to Leon Bennun. While she has kept details of her personal life private, her professional achievements continue to inspire many in the field of law and beyond.
FAQs
1. What is Phoebe Okowa’s age?
She is 60 years old, born on January 1, 1965.
2. Who is Phoebe Okowa’s husband?
She is married to Leon Bennun.
3. What is Phoebe Okowa’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $100,000.
4. What tribe does Phoebe Okowa belong to?
Her specific tribe is not disclosed, though she was born in Kericho to Luo parents.
5. What are Phoebe Okowa’s major achievements?
She is the first African woman elected to the International Law Commission and has played a key role in shaping international law through her academic and legal contributions.
Conclusion
Phoebe Okowa’s journey from a top law graduate in Kenya to a globally recognized international law expert is truly inspiring. Her work continues to shape international legal policies, making her a trailblazer in the field.
