| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Phoebe Nyawade Okowa |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1965 |
| Age | 60 |
| Birthplace | Kericho, Kenya |
| Tribe | Not Disclosed |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Leon Bennun |
| Net Worth | $100,000 |
| Career | Lawyer, Professor of Public International Law, Member of the International Law Commission |
Who is Phoebe Okowa?
Phoebe Nyawade Okowa is a distinguished Kenyan lawyer and Professor of Public International Law. She serves as the Director of Graduate Studies at Queen Mary University of London and is a member of the International Law Commission (ILC), making history as the first African woman to hold this position. She has also been a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague since 2016.
Education and Career Achievements
Okowa’s legal journey began with her Bachelor of Law (LL.B) degree from the University of Nairobi, where she graduated with First Class Honours in 1987, becoming the first woman in the faculty’s history to achieve this distinction. She was called to the Kenyan Bar in 1990 and later pursued further studies at Oxford University on a Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholarship. She earned a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) degree in 1990 and completed her doctoral thesis (D.Phil.) at Oxford in 1994 under the supervision of renowned legal scholar Sir Ian Brownlie.
Throughout her career, she has advised governments and international organizations on matters of international law, including cases before the International Court of Justice. In 2021, she was nominated by Kenya, co-nominated by the United Kingdom, and endorsed by the African Union for election to the International Law Commission, where she secured 162 votes at the United Nations General Assembly.
Notable Contributions
- Member of the International Law Commission (ILC) since 2023.
- Appointed Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016.
- Author of the monograph State Responsibility for Transboundary Air Pollution published by Oxford University Press.
- Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, actively contributing to international legal discourse.
Personal Life
Phoebe Okowa was born in Kericho, Kenya, to Luo parents. She is married to Leon Bennun. While her private life remains relatively undisclosed, her professional achievements have earned her global recognition in international law circles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Phoebe Okowa?
She is a Kenyan lawyer and professor specializing in Public International Law. She is also a member of the International Law Commission and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
2. What is Phoebe Okowa’s age?
She is 60 years old, born on January 1, 1965.
3. What tribe is Phoebe Okowa from?
Her tribe has not been publicly disclosed.
4. What are Phoebe Okowa’s notable achievements?
She has made significant contributions to international law, serving in the ILC and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and publishing influential legal works.
5. Is Phoebe Okowa married?
Yes, she is married to Leon Bennun.
Conclusion
Phoebe Okowa is a trailblazing legal scholar and advocate whose contributions to international law continue to shape global legal frameworks. Her expertise and leadership have cemented her reputation as one of the most influential legal minds from Kenya.
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