House committee approves Ida Odinga for UNEP envoy role

Dr Ida Odinga, when she appeared before the National Assembly Defence Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, chaired by Belgut Mp Nelson Koech at Bunge Towers on February 20, 2026./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has approved Ida Odinga’s nomination as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNEP.

The committee’s report will now be tabled before the House for debate during an open plenary sitting scheduled for Wednesday, where Members of Parliament are expected to take a final vote on the nomination.

If endorsed by the plenary, Ida will formally assume the diplomatic role representing Kenya at the UN environment body headquartered in Nairobi.

Mama Ida Odinga appeared on Friday morning before the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations at Parliament for vetting.

During the session, she highlighted her priorities and vision for Kenya’s engagement with UNEP. In her remarks, Mama Ida emphasised that the management of the environment shapes the kind of life Kenyans will have.

“How we manage or mismanage our environment will determine the quality of life we live," she said.

She emphasised that Kenya and Africa are emerging as global leaders in climate action and called for urgent, coordinated measures to address environmental degradation.

"I believe this is a critical moment when we are presented with an opportunity to shape our environmental future. If approved by this committee, I intend to do my level best to help stop the destruction of our planet and pursue every specific priority,” she told committee members.

Ida thanked President William Ruto for the nomination and described her deceased husband as her number one supporter and the man who shaped her into the woman she is today.

"I thank President William Ruto for the trust he has placed in me by nominating me to serve our nation in this important global diplomatic role (Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNEP). I am also grateful for the messages of goodwill, the support and all the advice I have received from my friends, colleagues and fellow Kenyans since my nomination," she said.

Ida, who lost her father at her tender age, said her mother raised six children with unwavering strength and deep fear for God. She said she draws courage from her mother even as she navigates widowhood.

She outlined her passion for the education of the girl child through the Ida Odinga Trust.

The programme supports young mothers who had dropped out of school to go back. President Ruto nominated Ida Odinga for the role under powers vested in the Head of State.