Faith Masita
One major step for Kenya’s environmental diplomacy, Ida Odinga is now waiting for her formal appointment as the country’s representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) after receiving approval from the National Assembly.
Members of Parliament backed her nomination following vetting by the House Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. The committee said she is “fit for the position” and has the experience needed to represent Kenya on the global environmental stage.
While appearing before lawmakers, Ida Odinga spoke confidently about the role and what she hopes to achieve.
“I am ready to serve my country and ensure Kenya’s voice is heard clearly in matters of climate and environment,” she told MPs.
She added, “Environmental issues affect our people directly — from farmers facing drought to communities dealing with floods. We must be part of the global conversation.”
If formally appointed, she will represent Kenya at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, where global decisions on climate action and sustainable development are shaped.
Some lawmakers praised her long record in education and community work, saying it gives her a strong foundation for the task. One MP noted during debate, “She understands the grassroots realities and also has international exposure. That balance is important.”
However, a few leaders had earlier raised concerns about the nomination process. Despite this, the majority vote in Parliament cleared the way for her appointment.
Speaking after the approval, Ida Odinga said, “This is not about me as an individual. It is about Kenya taking leadership in environmental protection.”
Her appointment now awaits formal confirmation through the required legal procedures. Once finalized, she will officially take up the role and begin representing Kenya in global environmental negotiations.
With UNEP headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya holds a unique position in global environmental affairs — and Ida Odinga could soon be one of the key voices speaking for the country on that platform.
Members of Parliament backed her nomination following vetting by the House Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. The committee said she is “fit for the position” and has the experience needed to represent Kenya on the global environmental stage.
While appearing before lawmakers, Ida Odinga spoke confidently about the role and what she hopes to achieve.
“I am ready to serve my country and ensure Kenya’s voice is heard clearly in matters of climate and environment,” she told MPs.
She added, “Environmental issues affect our people directly — from farmers facing drought to communities dealing with floods. We must be part of the global conversation.”
If formally appointed, she will represent Kenya at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, where global decisions on climate action and sustainable development are shaped.
Some lawmakers praised her long record in education and community work, saying it gives her a strong foundation for the task. One MP noted during debate, “She understands the grassroots realities and also has international exposure. That balance is important.”
However, a few leaders had earlier raised concerns about the nomination process. Despite this, the majority vote in Parliament cleared the way for her appointment.
Speaking after the approval, Ida Odinga said, “This is not about me as an individual. It is about Kenya taking leadership in environmental protection.”
Her appointment now awaits formal confirmation through the required legal procedures. Once finalized, she will officially take up the role and begin representing Kenya in global environmental negotiations.
With UNEP headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya holds a unique position in global environmental affairs — and Ida Odinga could soon be one of the key voices speaking for the country on that platform.
