Mama Ida Betty Odinga has officially accepted her nomination as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
During a dedication ceremony at the Pefa Church on Thika Road on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Canon Dr. Ida Odinga expressed her gratitude for the nomination, describing it as an honor. “I sincerely appreciate everyone who has congratulated me on this new appointment. It is truly an honor, and I am delighted,” she stated.
President William Ruto nominated Ida Odinga for this prestigious role, utilizing the authority granted to him as the Head of State. The nomination has now been forwarded to Parliament for consideration and approval.
The nomination awaits parliamentary approval, a necessary step for all state appointments to the Foreign Service as stipulated by the Constitution. If confirmed, Mama Ida Odinga will assume her role at a critical time when Kenya aims to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship on the global stage.
Should she receive approval, Mama Ida will succeed Ababu Namwamba, who has been reassigned as Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda.
This nomination aligns with President Ruto’s ongoing diplomatic reshuffle, which has resulted in several significant appointments and transfers within Kenya’s international missions.
Despite the increased public scrutiny following her nomination to UNEP, Mama Ida remains composed. “These days, every time I turn on the TV, I see discussions about me. I read the newspapers, and they are talking about me. However, I do not fear because God is with me. I encourage everyone that when you face challenges, read Psalms 23, and everything will be alright,” she remarked.
Mama Ida Odinga is a distinguished educationist, civic leader, and advocate for social justice and gender equality. She began her teaching career as a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi, later moving to Kenya High School, where she dedicated over a decade to shaping future leaders.
Her extensive experience in education has fostered a profound and lasting commitment to learning, as noted in the nomination statement.
The nominee is widely acknowledged for her lifelong dedication to public service and the advancement of women’s empowerment. She was the devoted partner of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, C.G.H., who passed away on October 15, 2025.
“Her life’s work exemplifies the highest ideals of selfless service, characterized by courage, sacrifice, grace under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to enhancing women’s education and empowerment,” the statement emphasizes.
Mama Ida Odinga has a rich history of activism. In the early 1990s, as Kenya transitioned from a single-party state to a multiparty democracy, she played a pivotal role in advocating for political reform. She served as the founding Chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters, utilizing this platform to champion democratic change and equality. Since then, she has consistently advocated for initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women, children, youth, and vulnerable communities.
In addition to her civic contributions, Mama Ida Odinga has made significant strides in the private sector, including leadership roles in family businesses such as East African Spectre, a liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing company.
Over the years, she has received numerous accolades in recognition of her impactful work. Mama Ida holds two Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degrees and was awarded Kenya’s highest civilian honor, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.), in 2018.
Her accolades also include the Trailblazer Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Human Achievers Foundation. Leaders have commended Mama Ida on her nomination, describing her as a trailblazer poised to transform the sector.
