By Joshua Otieno | February 26, 2026
Members of the National Assembly have approved Canon (Dr.) Ida Betty Odinga, EGH, for appointment as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is headquartered in Nairobi.
In a report tabled before the House, the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, chaired by Nelson Koech, found Dr. Odinga suitable for the position, citing her extensive leadership experience, commitment to environmental advocacy, and proven integrity.
During her vetting, Dr. Odinga pledged to strengthen Kenya’s climate diplomacy and deepen partnerships to ensure climate initiatives translate into tangible socio-economic benefits, particularly for vulnerable communities.
“Kenya and Africa are emerging as global leaders in climate action through frameworks such as the National Climate Change Action Plan (2023–2027),” she told the Committee, adding that she would champion multi-stakeholder collaboration to advance resolutions adopted at the United Nations Environment Assembly.
She said her background in advocacy and coalition-building—including founding the League of Kenya Women Voters—had equipped her with strong skills in consensus-building, negotiation, and engagement across civil society and government, which she described as critical competencies for multilateral diplomacy.
Dr. Odinga also highlighted her work through the Ida Odinga Trust, which focuses on nutrition and education initiatives across Africa, as well as her collaboration with the late Wangari Maathai in environmental conservation and advocacy. She noted that her approach would align environmental diplomacy with the Sustainable Development Goals and Kenya’s national development priorities.
Addressing challenges facing UNEP, Dr. Odinga emphasized the need to mobilise adequate resources to support the agency’s global environmental mandate.
“UNEP remains the only United Nations headquarters located in the Global South and domiciled in Nairobi. We must leverage this position to enhance Kenya’s leadership in global environmental governance,” she said.
Lawmakers observed that the nominee met all constitutional and legal requirements for state appointment, including the provisions of Chapter Six on leadership and integrity.
Committee Vice Chair Bashir Abdullahi commended her vast experience in education, civil society, and clean-energy advocacy, noting her strong understanding of the link between environmental sustainability and socio-economic development.
In his concluding remarks, Hon. Koech said Dr. Odinga had “demonstrated faithfulness, diligence, and integrity, alongside a deep grasp of the technical and diplomatic demands of the role,” paving the way for her formal appointment as Kenya’s top envoy to UNEP.
