Members of Parliament have endorsed Dr Ida Odinga’s appointment as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), clearing the way for her to represent the country at the Nairobi-based UN body.
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, chaired by Nelson Koech, had on Tuesday approved Ida’s nomination, noting her leadership experience, environmental advocacy, and integrity.
Koech presented the report on Tuesday, stating, “This House approves the appointment of Canon Dr Ida Odinga as the permanent representative at UNEP.”
The recommendation was tabled for debate and vote in the Wednesday plenary session, which saw her appointment formally approved.
During vetting, Ida highlighted her practical experience in sustainability issues, saying, “Kenya and Africa are emerging as global leaders in climate action through frameworks such as the National Climate Change Action Plan (2023–2027).”
She pledged to promote multi-stakeholder cooperation to implement resolutions adopted at the United Nations Environment Assembly.
She also told the committee that her work founding the League of Kenya Women Voters and initiatives through the Ida Odinga Trust in nutrition and education had equipped her with skills in consensus-building, negotiation, and civil society engagement, which are critical for multilateral diplomacy.
Ida further noted her collaboration with the late Prof. Wangari Maathai in environmental advocacy and committed to aligning her work with the Sustainable Development Goals and Kenya’s national development priorities.
The committee report highlighted her extensive experience in education, civil society engagement and private enterprise.
“The nominee demonstrated appreciation of the linkage between environmental sustainability and socio-economic development, particularly in the areas of health, nutrition, education and livelihoods, and expressed her intention to advance integrated approaches consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals and Kenya’s development priorities,” reads the report.
Ida assured MPs that she would adopt a collaborative approach to address resource constraints within UNEP and work with diverse teams to mobilise solutions in support of the agency’s mandate.
“UNEP remains the only UN headquarters located in the Global South and domiciled in Nairobi. We must leverage that position to enhance Kenya’s leadership in environmental governance,” she said.
Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah praised her social capital and dedication to public service, saying, “Mama Ida is not any other ordinary woman in the country; she has built social capital over the years, which she will leverage in her new position to even bring more UN bodies to Nairobi. She might have left her job under unclear circumstances, but she never stopped serving this country.”
Minority leader Junet Mohamed described her as a diplomat who has consistently stepped in during times of political turbulence.
“There is no other person in this country to serve at the top position than Mrs Odinga. Mama Ida is not looking for a salary; she is going to serve Kenya,” Junet said.
Several MPs, including Robert Mbui and James Nyikal, lauded her credentials and leadership, highlighting her resilience and national service.
“There is no better person to serve at UNEP than Ida Odinga because of her service to the Nation. She is the mother of democracy in this country because she suffered when her husband was detained without trial and she managed the family alone,” Mbui said.
Nyikal added, “Her ability has been recognised within the country and outside the country, which is why she has been given honorary degrees by various universities. She is qualified for this position.”
The office of the Permanent Representative, under the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, is tasked with pursuing Kenya’s foreign policy objectives, representing the Head of State at official functions, managing the mission, and ensuring accountability for mission expenditures.
