President William Ruto has nominated Ida Betty Odinga, the wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The announcement, made on Friday, January 23, 2026, by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, said that Ida Odinga’s nomination honours her lifelong dedication to public service.
The President praised her leadership as a model of courage, selflessness, and a steadfast commitment to promoting women’s education and empowerment in Kenya.
“His Excellency the President has, in exercise of the prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government, caused the nomination of Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga, E.G.H., for appointment as Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” the statement read in part.
“In her own right, she has stood resolutely against authoritarianism and injustice, championed freedom of expression, advanced gender equity, and promoted education as a cornerstone for inclusive national development.”
Koskei added that the nomination has been submitted to the National Assembly for review and approval, in accordance with constitutional procedures for appointments within the Foreign Service.
The statement noted that Ida’s appointment is anticipated to enhance Kenya’s participation in global environmental governance and further cement the country’s prominent position as host of UNEP, as well as a leading advocate in international environmental diplomacy.
The Head of Public Service noted that the nomination aligns with the President’s wider strategy to strengthen Kenya’s presence in multilateral institutions, especially on matters concerning environmental conservation and sustainable development.
If approved, she will replace Ababu Namwamba, who was reassigned as Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda.
Mama Ida Odinga is a respected educationist, civic leader, and advocate for social justice and gender equity.
She began her career as a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi before moving to Kenya High School, where she spent over a decade shaping the minds of future leaders.
Her years in the classroom, according to the nomination statement, “nurtured a deep-rooted and enduring commitment to education.”
The nominee is widely recognised for her lifelong dedication to public service and advancing women’s empowerment. She was the lifelong companion of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, C.G.H., who passed away on October 15, 2025.
