Ruto nominates Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNEP
President William Ruto has nominated the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s widow, Dr. Ida Odinga, for appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
If approved, Ida is set to replace Ababu Namwamba who was reassigned to serve as the High Commissioner to Uganda.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, in a communiqué issued on Friday, stated that the President has formally transmitted the nomination to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, in line with constitutional requirements governing appointments to the Foreign Service.
Koskei described Mama Ida, as she is popularly known, as a distinguished educationist, civic leader and advocate for social justice and gender equity.
Ida 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,” a statement from Koskei read in part.
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.
