Justice Nzioki wa Makau has been recommended for appointment to the United Nations Dispute Tribunal, marking the first time a Kenyan judge has been nominated for a judicial position within the UN system of administration of justice.
The Internal Justice Council, an independent body established by the UN General Assembly, included Justice Makau among 10 candidates recommended for five half-time judicial positions on the UN Dispute Tribunal in a report released June 30, 2025. The General Assembly will make the final appointments at its 80th session.
Justice Makau brings extensive judicial and legal experience to the nomination. Currently serving as Presiding Judge of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu, he was appointed to the bench in 2012 and has served in Nairobi, Nyeri, and Kisumu.
His credentials include over 13 years of judicial experience in employment and labor law, complemented by specialized training in animal law from Lewis & Clark Law School in Oregon, where he earned his Master of Laws degree in 2018. He also holds degrees in economics, general law, and laws from Bombay University.
Before his judicial appointment, Justice Makau served with the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission from 2005 to 2012 as an attorney and investigator and previously worked as a prosecutor with the Kenya Anti-Corruption Authority. His private practice experience spans criminal and commercial law, as well as corporate legal counsel.
Beyond his courtroom duties, Justice Makau has demonstrated significant leadership within Kenya’s judiciary and regional judicial organizations.
He chairs the Human Resource Administration Committee of the Judiciary and serves as Treasurer of the East African Magistrates and Judges Association. He previously chaired the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association for the Mt. Kenya Region.
His service on the Judiciary Committee of Inquiry on the Status and Recovery of Judiciary Land and Assets, where he served as Vice Chair, highlights his contribution to institutional reform and governance.
The nomination represents a significant milestone for Kenya and the East African region in international judicial representation. The UN Dispute Tribunal handles employment-related disputes within the United Nations system, with seats in New York, Geneva, and Nairobi. Half-time judges may serve up to six months annually across these locations.
Kenya’s diplomatic partners and allies in Africa, Europe, and North America have long recognized the country’s growing influence in international legal affairs. This nomination reinforces Kenya’s standing as a contributor to global governance institutions and the rule of law.
The selection process was highly competitive, with 391 applications from 79 countries across all regional groups. The Internal Justice Council conducted written assessments and interviews before recommending candidates who demonstrated exceptional legal analysis and judicial competency.
Justice Makau is also a lifelong conservationist and serves as Founder and Chairman of Tsavo Trust, reflecting his commitment to environmental protection alongside his legal career.
The General Assembly’s appointment decisions are expected in the coming months, with selected judges beginning their seven-year, non-renewable terms in July 2026.
