President William Ruto has nominated Dr. Ida Odinga, widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, for appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In a communiqué issued on Friday, Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff Felix Koskei confirmed that the President had formally forwarded the nomination to the National Assembly for vetting and approval, in accordance with constitutional requirements governing appointments to the Foreign Service.
Dr. Odinga, popularly known as Mama Ida, was described as a distinguished educationist, civic leader, and long-time advocate for social justice, democracy, and gender equity.
She began her professional career as a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi before later joining Kenya High School, where she taught for over a decade. Her career in education laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to advancing women’s education and empowerment.
According to the communiqué, Mama Ida played a significant role in Kenya’s democratic struggle during the early 1990s, when the country was pushing to transition from a single-party state to a multiparty democracy. She was the founding Chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters, where she helped mobilise women to actively participate in civic engagement and democratic reform.
“Since then, she has consistently championed initiatives that improve the lives of women, children, youth, and vulnerable communities,” Koskei stated.
Beyond public service, Dr. Odinga has provided leadership in the private sector through family-owned enterprises, including East African Spectre, a liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing company that contributes to Kenya’s energy sector.
Her influence extends beyond Kenya’s borders, where she is recognised as a credible African voice on governance, social justice, and sustainable development.
In recognition of her contributions to national and regional development, Dr. Odinga has received two honorary Doctor of Letters degrees. In 2018, she was awarded Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.). She has also received several accolades, including the Trailblazer Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Human Achievers Foundation.
Koskei noted that, subject to parliamentary approval, Dr. Odinga’s appointment is expected to strengthen Kenya’s leadership in environmental diplomacy and amplify the country’s voice on global environmental issues. Kenya hosts UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, making the role strategically significant to the country’s international standing.
“Her appointment is expected to further reinforce Kenya’s longstanding leadership in environmental governance and its pivotal role as host of the United Nations’ principal environmental authority,” the communiqué stated.
