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President William Ruto has nominated Canon Dr. Ida Betty Odinga, E.G.H., to serve as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Executive Office of the President announced on January 23rd.
The nomination, issued in Presidential Action No. III of 2026, was transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, in line with constitutional requirements for foreign service appointments.
Ida Odinga was the lifelong companion of the former Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.
She is also known as a civic leader, educationist and advocate for social justice and gender equity, is expected to reinforce Kenya’s role in environmental diplomacy and strengthen the country’s influence in global climate and conservation policy.
“Her appointment is expected to amplify Kenya’s voice on environmental issues and further reinforce the country’s longstanding leadership in environmental diplomacy,” the statement read.
A Career Rooted in Education and Civic Activism
Dr. Ida Odinga’s career began in the classroom. She taught at Highway Secondary School and later at Kenya High School, where she spent more than a decade shaping young minds and nurturing leadership.
Also Read: How Raila Odinga and Ida Picked the Names for Their Children
She emerged as a key figure in Kenya’s pro-democracy movement in the early 1990s, serving as the founding chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters.
Her leadership in the struggle for multiparty democracy and her advocacy for women’s empowerment and free expression have made her a respected national voice.
A National Figure with International Recognition
The nominee has also been recognized internationally as a credible voice for Africa.
She has received two Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees and, in 2018, was awarded Kenya’s highest civilian honor, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.).
Also Read: Ruto’s Party Responds After Court Declared Merger With ANC Unconstitutional
Her leadership extends into the private sector, including contributions to family enterprises such as East African Spectre, a liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing company that has played a notable role in Kenya’s energy sector.
A New Chapter in Kenya’s Environmental Leadership
Kenya hosts UNEP’s headquarters in Nairobi, making the role of Permanent Representative particularly significant.
The appointment comes at a time when Kenya is positioning itself as a leading voice on climate action, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
If approved by Parliament, Dr. Ida Odinga will become the Kenyan envoy to the UN’s principal environmental authority, tasked with representing national interests and shaping global policy on environmental protection.
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Photo of President William Ruto signing bills into law. PHOTO/PCS
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