The Kenyan Parliament has screened Ida Odinga, widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, following her nomination by President William Ruto to serve as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Ida Odinga’s vetting took place before the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on Friday, where lawmakers assessed her academic qualifications, professional background, and strategic vision for advancing Kenya’s leadership in global environmental diplomacy.
During the session, the 75-year-old nominee emphasized Kenya’s unique position as host of UNEP’s global headquarters in Nairobi. She pledged to leverage that advantage to champion equitable climate financing, deepen multilateral cooperation, and amplify African voices in shaping international environmental policy frameworks.
Odinga also outlined her commitment to strengthening UNEP’s financial sustainability at a time when international donor support is declining. She proposed diversifying funding streams by engaging private sector actors, philanthropic organizations, and other non-traditional partners to ensure continuity of environmental programmes and initiatives.
Her nomination comes at a critical time as global climate negotiations intensify and developing countries push for fair access to climate finance and technology transfer. If approved, she will represent Kenya at one of the most influential environmental bodies within the United Nations system, further positioning the country as a key player in global environmental governance.
The parliamentary committee is expected to table its report before the full House for consideration and approval.
