President William Ruto has nominated Canon Dr. Ida Betty Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in a move expected to strengthen the country’s leadership in global environmental diplomacy.
In a press release issued by the Executive Office of the President on Friday, the Head of State exercised his constitutional prerogative to forward Dr. Odinga’s nomination to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, in line with requirements governing foreign service appointments.
Dr. Odinga, the wife to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who died last year, is a respected educationist, civic leader and social justice advocate. She brings decades of public service experience to the role.
She is widely recognised for her long-standing commitment to education, gender equity and democratic reform, having served as a teacher in Nairobi schools before becoming a prominent national figure in civic engagement.
She played a key role in Kenya’s democratic transition in the early 1990s and served as the founding chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters, where she championed initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of women, youth and vulnerable communities.
Beyond public service, Dr. Odinga has contributed to the private sector through leadership roles in family enterprises, including East African Spectre, a liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing company that has supported growth in the energy sector.
Her influence extends beyond Kenya’s borders, where she is regarded as a strong advocate for Africa on social justice and development issues.
In recognition of her contributions, she has received numerous honours, including two honorary doctorate degrees and Kenya’s Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) award in 2018.
According to the press release, her appointment is expected to amplify Kenya’s voice on environmental matters and reinforce the country’s standing as a global leader in environmental governance, particularly as host of UNEP headquarters in Nairobi.
The nomination was formally transmitted to Parliament by Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei on January 23, 2026.
