President William Ruto has nominated Ida Betty Odinga, the wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to serve as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The announcement was made on Friday by the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, who stated that the appointment recognizes Ida Odinga’s lifelong dedication to public service.
The President described her contributions as embodying “the highest ideals of selfless leadership,” highlighting her courage and enduring commitment to promoting women’s education and empowerment.
“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/Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” the statement read in part.
Ida Odinga has long been a prominent advocate for education, women’s rights, and social development in Kenya. Her nomination to represent the country at UNEP underscores the government’s focus on environmental leadership and sustainable development on the international stage.
This appointment marks another high-profile role in Kenya’s diplomatic and environmental initiatives, with #Ida Odinga expected to leverage her extensive experience in advocacy and leadership to advance the country’s interests at the global level.