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President William Ruto has officially appointed Ida Betty Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative in the Foreign Service after her nomination was approved by the National Assembly.
In a gazette notice dated February 27, 2026, the President invoked Article 132 (2) (e) of the Constitution to confirm her appointment.
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The notice states that, in exercise of his constitutional mandate, President Ruto appointed Canon (Dr.) Ida Betty Odinga as Ambassador and Permanent Representative in Kenya’s Foreign Service.
The move now clears the path for her to take up the role of Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), headquartered in Nairobi.
Her nomination received the green light on February 24 from the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations following a vetting process conducted in Parliament.
Appearing before the committee on February 20, Ida outlined her priorities for strengthening Kenya’s engagement with the global environmental body.
She emphasised the need for responsible environmental management, cautioning that the country’s future hinges on how well it safeguards its natural resources.
She told lawmakers that the way the environment is managed directly influences the quality of life for present and future generations.
Ida further observed that Kenya and Africa are steadily emerging as global leaders in climate action and stressed the urgency of collective efforts to combat environmental degradation.
She expressed her commitment to advancing Kenya’s environmental priorities and pledged to work diligently to protect the planet if entrusted with the position.
Following the committee’s approval, President Ruto formalised her appointment through the gazette notice.
In her remarks, Ida thanked President Ruto for the confidence shown in her by nominating her to serve in the key diplomatic role.
She also conveyed appreciation for the support and goodwill messages she received from friends, colleagues and Kenyans after her nomination.
Additionally, she paid tribute to her late husband, describing him as her greatest supporter and a central influence in shaping her life.
With the appointment now official, Ida Odinga is set to represent Kenya at UNEP, championing the country’s environmental and climate agenda from its Nairobi headquarters.
