President William Ruto has nominated Mama Ida Betty Odinga to serve as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The nomination, made under the powers vested in the Head of State, has been formally transmitted to Parliament for consideration and approval.
If approved, Mama Ida Odinga will replace Ababu Namwamba, who has been reassigned as Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda.
A respected educationist, civic leader, and advocate for social justice and gender equity, Mama Ida Odinga brings decades of public service experience to the role.
She began her professional career as a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi before moving to Kenya High School, where she spent over a decade mentoring and shaping future leaders.
According to the nomination statement, her years in the classroom “nurtured a deep-rooted and enduring commitment to education.”
She is widely recognised for her lifelong dedication to public service and advancing women’s empowerment. Mama Ida Odinga was the lifelong companion of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, C.G.H., who passed away on October 15, 2025.
“Her life’s work stands as a testament to the highest ideals of selfless service, defined by courage, sacrifice, grace under fire, and an unceasing commitment to advancing women’s education and empowerment,” the statement notes.
Her record of activism dates back to the early 1990s during Kenya’s transition from a single-party state to multiparty democracy, when she played a key role in advocating for political reforms.
She later served as the founding Chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters, using the platform to champion democratic change and equality.
Over the years, Mama Ida Odinga has continued to support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women, children, youth, and vulnerable communities.
Beyond civic engagement, she has also contributed to the private sector, including leadership roles in family businesses such as East African Spectre, a liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing company credited with making significant contributions to Kenya’s energy sector.
Her influence extends beyond Kenya’s borders, with international recognition as a credible and articulate voice for Africa on global platforms.
She has received numerous accolades for her work, including two Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degrees. In 2018, she was awarded Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.).
Other recognitions include the Trailblazer Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Human Achievers Foundation.
Analysts say her appointment is expected to enhance Kenya’s engagement in global environmental diplomacy, particularly given the country’s status as host of the UN’s principal environmental authority.
“The appointment is expected to amplify Kenya’s voice on environmental issues and further reinforce the country’s longstanding leadership in environmental diplomacy,” the nomination document stated.
The nomination now awaits parliamentary approval, which is mandatory for all State appointments to the Foreign Service under the Constitution.
If approved, Mama Ida Odinga will assume the role as Kenya continues to push for sustainable development and environmental stewardship on the international stage.
BY dennis milimo
