President William Ruto has nominated Ida Odinga, the wife of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Mama Ida Odinga, if approved is set to replace Ababu Namwamba who was reassigned to serve as the High Commissioner to Uganda.
Ida Odinga is a respected educationist, civic leader, and advocate for social justice and gender equity.
She began her professional journey as a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi where she spent over a decade shaping the minds of future leaders.
“Her life’s work stands a testament to the highest ideals of selfless service, defined by courage, sacrifice, grace under fire and an unceasing commitment to advancing women’s education and empowerment,” read statement from Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei read.
In the early 1990s, during Kenya’s transition from a single-party state to multiparty democracy, she played a key role in advancing calls for political reforms and championed initiatives that improve the lives of women, children, youth, and vulnerable communities.
She holds two Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degrees and was conferred with Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.), in 2018.
Other recognitions include the Trailblazer Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Human Achievers Foundation.
“Her appointment to this role, subject to the requisite Parliamentary approval is expected to amplify Kenya’s voice on environmental issues and further reinforce the country’s longstanding leadership in environmental diplomacy as well as its pivotal role as host of the UN’s principal environmental authority,” the statement noted.
