Kenya is intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure international backing for Phoebe Okowa’s candidature for the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi led bilateral talks with Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, at Mudavadi’s Office in Nairobi.

The discussions focused on strengthening Kenya-Luxembourg relations and exploring opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

Bilateral cooperation

Mudavadi emphasised shared values in innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation during the meeting. He proposed academic and research collaborations between the University of Luxembourg and Kenyan institutions in STEM, innovation, and sustainable finance. The talks also explored scholarships and exchange programmes to empower young professionals.

Mudavadi commended Luxembourg’s multilateral diplomacy and requested support for Prof. Okowa’s ICJ candidacy, while pledging Kenya’s reciprocal backing for Luxembourg’s future nominations.

“The Prime Cabinet Secretary commended Luxembourg’s active engagement in multilateral diplomacy and acknowledged the mutual support both countries have extended to each other in various international fora. He sought Luxembourg’s backing for Kenya’s candidature of Prof. Phoebe Okowa to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), reaffirming Kenya’s readiness to reciprocate Luxembourg’s support in future candidatures,” read the State Department for Foreign Affairs X post dated October 15, 2025.

Other areas discussed included finalising key bilateral instruments, such as the Agreement on Double Taxation and the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, aimed at boosting trade, investment, and connectivity.

Mudavadi welcomed Luxembourg’s plan to establish a diplomatic mission in Nairobi, highlighting its potential to enhance engagement with Kenya and the wider East African region.

On the international stage, he requested Luxembourg’s support for Kenya’s bid to host the Secretariat to End Plastic Pollution at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Headquarters in Nairobi.

Regional, international engagement

In a related outreach effort, Mudavadi has been securing regional support for Prof. Okowa’s ICJ candidature.

On September 21, 2025, he met Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba to discuss regional backing and trade cooperation. Kenya formally nominated Prof. Okowa on March 1, 2025, through a letter from Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei to the African Group for the 2026 ICJ elections.

Prof. Okowa, an international law expert, has served on the International Law Commission since 2021 and the Permanent Court of Arbitration since 2017, participating in landmark cases including Kenya’s maritime dispute with Somalia.

Mudavadi also highlighted Kenya’s nomination of Mohammed Ibrahim Amin for INTERPOL’s Executive Committee (2025–2028), reinforcing Africa’s representation in global security institutions.