Kabarak University reached a historic milestone by hosting the inaugural Bonaya Godana Distinguished Lecture at our Main Campus. Organized through the Kabarak University School of Law and the Kabarak University Press, the event served as a powerful tribute to the late Dr. Bonaya Adhi Godana, a towering figure in Kenyan statesmanship and a pioneer in international law.
The day was highlighted by a keynote address from H.E. Judge Abdulqawi Yusuf, President Emeritus of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Delivering a compelling lecture on the theme "International Rule of Law and the Global South," Judge Yusuf addressed how established legal norms, forged in post-World War II institutions, often sideline emerging voices from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He urged a necessary rebalancing of the global order, where sovereign equality translates into real, tangible influence within global forums.
Throughout his address, Judge Yusuf dissected the critical challenges facing the Global South, ranging from unequal access to dispute resolution and resource exploitation to the evasion of climate accountability by historical polluters. Drawing from landmark ICJ cases, such as maritime delimitations in the Indian Ocean, he demonstrated how legal precedent can empower smaller states against power politics. "The rule of law is not a Northern monopoly," he asserted, emphasizing the vital role of adjudication in achieving global equity.
The event also marked a significant strategic leap for our institution. During the morning hours, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat and Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Kabarak University and the Foreign Service Academy of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. This partnership will bolster our research and training in diplomacy and international affairs, ensuring our law students graduate with the global perspective necessary to lead in an interconnected world.
We were privileged to host an esteemed gallery of guests, including H.E. Judge Phoebe Okowa of the ICJ, Chief Justice Emeritus Prof. Willy Mutunga, and Hon. Sara Bonaya. Their presence, alongside representatives from the Judiciary and the Diplomatic Corps, transformed the auditorium into a vibrant hub of intellectual exchange.
As we reflect on the life of Dr. Bonaya Godana, the first person from Marsabit to serve as a Cabinet Minister and a scholar whose research on Africa’s shared water resources remains a global standard, we are reminded of the impact one dedicated individual can have on the world. Today was a renewal of our commitment to excellence, justice, and the biblical values that define the Kabarak University experience.
For those who couldn't join us in person, publications from the Kabarak University Press and recordings of the session will be made available. We invite our community to continue this conversation as we strive to bridge local needs with international standards.
