DEFENCE COMMITTEE VETS DR. IDA ODINGA FOR UNEP POST

DEFENCE COMMITTEE VETS DR. IDA ODINGA FOR UNEP POST

Parliament Buildings
Friday, 20th February 2026

The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has vetted Dr. Ida Betty Odinga for appointment as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In a meeting chaired by Hon Nelson Koech, Committee Members examined Dr. Odinga’s qualifications, experience, and vision for strengthening Kenya’s global leadership in environmental diplomacy.
Dr. Odinga, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Nairobi, highlighted her lifelong work in education, women’s empowerment, and environmental advocacy. “I was privileged to attend the historic Beijing Conference on Women in 1995, which marked a turning point for women’s empowerment. Since then, I have remained committed to advancing the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action,” she told the Committee.
She outlined her past initiatives, including hosting a high-level roundtable for African First Ladies on maternal and child health in 2008, championing the African Nutrition Policy, and collaborating with the Wangari Maathai Foundation and the Green Belt Movement to promote tree planting and sustainable livelihoods.
Hon. Memusi Kanchory questioned her on how she would expand Kenya’s participation in carbon markets and attract climate finance flows to developing countries. 
Dr. Odinga responded that she would leverage her vast networks and resource mobilisation skills to deepen partnerships and attract international funding. “I am a good mobiliser when it comes to getting resources. I will utilise my social capital and networks to advocate for Kenya’s participation in carbon markets and climate finance,” she said.
On transitioning from advocacy to formal diplomacy, Dr. Odinga said leadership had been the common thread in her career. “The common denominator is leadership. I will use my decades of soft diplomacy and international networks to advance Kenya’s global environmental interests,” she said.
Committee Members also questioned the nominee on Kenya’s role in global environmental governance and the challenges facing UNEP and UN-Habitat. 
Dr. Odinga pledged to promote teamwork and broaden Kenya’s influence in international negotiations. “Kenya, as host of UNEP, plays a central role in sustainability governance. I will advocate for equitable climate financing, South–South cooperation, and stronger African leadership in shaping environmental policy,” she said.
She added that she would diversify funding sources for the UN agency, engaging private sector and philanthropic foundations to sustain their programmes amid dwindling donor contributions.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Odinga assured the Committee of her commitment to serve with diligence and patriotism. “If approved, I pledge to serve with humility and ensure Kenya’s leadership in environmental diplomacy continues to inspire Africa and the world,” she said.