The nomination was announced on Friday, January 23, 2026, by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, who said the President had exercised his constitutional prerogative to propose Canon Dr Ida Odinga for the key diplomatic post.
If approved by the National Assembly, Mama Ida will replace Ababu Namwamba, who has been reassigned as Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda.
In a statement issued from State House, Koskei said the nomination honours Mama Ida’s lifelong dedication to public service and her unwavering advocacy for social justice, education, and gender equity.
He praised her leadership as a model of courage, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to national development.
“His Excellency the President has, in exercise of the prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government, caused the nomination of Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga, E.G.H., for appointment as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” the statement read in part.
Koskei noted that the nomination had been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and approval, in accordance with constitutional procedures governing appointments within the Foreign Service.
He added that Mama Ida’s appointment is expected to enhance Kenya’s engagement in global environmental governance and further cement the country’s status as host of UNEP headquarters.
Kenya has for decades positioned itself as a regional and continental leader in environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.
Kenya has for decades positioned itself as a regional and continental leader in environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.
UNEP, which is headquartered in Nairobi, plays a central role in shaping global environmental policy, making the ambassadorial post strategically important for Kenya’s international standing.
According to the statement, Mama Ida’s nomination aligns with President Ruto’s broader strategy to strengthen Kenya’s voice in multilateral institutions, particularly on matters concerning climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
“In her own right, she has stood resolutely against authoritarianism and injustice, championed freedom of expression, advanced gender equity, and promoted education as a cornerstone for inclusive national development,” Koskei said.
Mama Ida Odinga is widely respected as an educationist, civic leader, and advocate for social justice.
According to the statement, Mama Ida’s nomination aligns with President Ruto’s broader strategy to strengthen Kenya’s voice in multilateral institutions, particularly on matters concerning climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
“In her own right, she has stood resolutely against authoritarianism and injustice, championed freedom of expression, advanced gender equity, and promoted education as a cornerstone for inclusive national development,” Koskei said.
Mama Ida Odinga is widely respected as an educationist, civic leader, and advocate for social justice.
She began her professional career as a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi before moving to Kenya High School, where she spent over a decade mentoring and shaping future leaders.
Her years in the classroom, the statement noted, nurtured a deep-rooted and enduring commitment to education, which later informed her broader work in public service and community development.
Beyond the education sector, Mama Ida has been actively involved in civil society initiatives and women’s empowerment programmes, using her platform to advance the rights of marginalized groups and promote inclusive governance.
Her years in the classroom, the statement noted, nurtured a deep-rooted and enduring commitment to education, which later informed her broader work in public service and community development.
Beyond the education sector, Mama Ida has been actively involved in civil society initiatives and women’s empowerment programmes, using her platform to advance the rights of marginalized groups and promote inclusive governance.
Her advocacy work has earned her national recognition and several honours, including the Elder of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) award.
She is also known for her long-standing role as a pillar of support in Kenya’s political landscape, having stood alongside her late husband, former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, throughout decades of political activism and reform struggles.
She is also known for her long-standing role as a pillar of support in Kenya’s political landscape, having stood alongside her late husband, former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, throughout decades of political activism and reform struggles.
Raila Odinga passed away on October 15, 2025, after a lifetime of public service that included leading Kenya’s opposition movement and serving as Prime Minister during the Grand Coalition Government.
Observers say Mama Ida’s nomination signals a gesture of political reconciliation and national unity, particularly coming from President Ruto, who has often been at political odds with the Odinga family in the past.
If confirmed, she will take over from Ababu Namwamba, who was recently reassigned to Kampala as Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda.
Observers say Mama Ida’s nomination signals a gesture of political reconciliation and national unity, particularly coming from President Ruto, who has often been at political odds with the Odinga family in the past.
If confirmed, she will take over from Ababu Namwamba, who was recently reassigned to Kampala as Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda.
Namwamba previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Sports before being appointed to the UNEP diplomatic post.
The government believes Mama Ida’s leadership and moral authority will boost Kenya’s standing in international environmental forums and strengthen collaboration with global partners on climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
The government believes Mama Ida’s leadership and moral authority will boost Kenya’s standing in international environmental forums and strengthen collaboration with global partners on climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
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