Members of the National Assembly have approved former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s spouse, Ida Betty Odinga for appointment as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), headquartered in Nairobi.
The approval followed a report by the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, which found Mama Ida suitable for the post.
The committee cited her leadership record, commitment to environmental advocacy, and adherence to integrity standards as key considerations in its recommendation.
During her vetting before the committee, Ida pledged to advance Kenya’s climate diplomacy agenda and deepen international partnerships to ensure environmental initiatives translate into socio-economic gains, particularly for vulnerable communities.
“Kenya and Africa are emerging as global leaders in climate action through frameworks such as the National Climate Change Action Plan (2023–2027),” she told lawmakers.
She added that she would champion multi-stakeholder collaboration in implementing resolutions adopted at the United Nations Environment Assembly.
Mama Ida said her background in advocacy and coalition-building had prepared her for the diplomatic role.
She referenced her role in founding the League of Kenya Women Voters, noting that the experience strengthened her skills in consensus-building, negotiation, and engagement across civil society and government.
“These competencies are critical for multilateral diplomacy,” she said.
She also highlighted her work through the Ida Odinga Trust, which focuses on nutrition and education initiatives across Africa, as well as her collaboration with the late environmentalist Wangari Maathai in promoting conservation and sustainable development.
The former PM’s spouse said she intends to align Kenya’s environmental diplomacy with the Sustainable Development Goals and national development priorities, underscoring the strategic importance of UNEP’s presence in Nairobi.
“UNEP remains the only UN headquarters located in the Global South and domiciled in Nairobi. We must leverage that position to enhance Kenya’s leadership in environmental governance,” she stated during the vetting session.
Lawmakers observed that the nominee met all constitutional and statutory requirements for State appointments, including compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.
Committee Vice Chair Bashir Abdullahi commended her extensive experience in education, civil society engagement, and clean-energy advocacy, noting her appreciation of the link between environmental sustainability and socio-economic development.
In his remarks, Committee Chair Nelson Koech said the nominee “exemplified the values of faithfulness, hard work, and integrity, and demonstrated a deep grasp of the technical and diplomatic dimensions of the role.”
With the House approval, Ida is now set to represent Kenya at UNEP, where she is expected to steer the country’s environmental diplomacy and strengthen its voice in global climate governance forums.
