Mama Ida Betty Odinga has formally accepted her nomination as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Speaking on Sunday, January 25, 2026, during a dedication ceremony at the PEFA Church along Thika Road, Canon Dr. Ida Odinga described the appointment as a great honour.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has congratulated me on this new appointment. It is truly an honour, and I am happy about it,” she said.
President William Ruto nominated Ida Odinga for the UNEP role under the constitutional powers vested in the Head of State. The nomination has since been forwarded to Parliament for vetting and approval.
Under Kenya’s Constitution, all Foreign Service appointments must be approved by Parliament before taking effect. If endorsed, Mama Ida Odinga will assume the role as Kenya intensifies its engagement in global environmental governance, sustainable development, and climate action initiatives.
