• During vetting, Dr. Odinga declared her net worth at KSh500 million and outlined Kenya’s recent leadership at the United Nations Environment Assembly. She highlighted three resolutions Kenya sponsored:

On Friday, February 20, 2026, Dr. Ida Betty Odinga — widow of the late Raila Amolo Odinga appeared before Parliament for vetting after her nomination as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

In her opening remarks, Dr. Odinga described the moment as both personal and patriotic. She thanked President William Ruto for the nomination and pledged to serve with dedication and integrity. Paying tribute to her late husband, she called him “my greatest supporter… who immensely contributed to who I am today.”

President Ruto nominated Dr. Odinga on January 23, 2026, citing her distinguished career as an educationist and her advocacy for democracy and gender equity. If confirmed, she will replace Ababu Namwamba, reassigned as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda.

During vetting, Dr. Odinga declared her net worth at KSh500 million and outlined Kenya’s recent leadership at the United Nations Environment Assembly. She highlighted three resolutions Kenya sponsored:

  • Promoting sustainability solutions through sport for a resilient planet
  • Addressing the environmental sustainability of artificial intelligence
  • Tackling the environmental dimensions of antimicrobial resistance

“These are critical resolutions,” she said, promising to establish specialized working groups to ensure implementation. She emphasized that environmental diplomacy must align with Kenya’s development priorities and deliver tangible results at the grassroots.

Referencing Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan, Dr. Odinga positioned the country and Africa as emerging global leaders in climate action. She pointed to renewable energy potential and green industrialization as key areas of focus.

Responding to questions about inspiring young girls, she urged them to pursue education: “Be yourself, get education, because education is the key to further development. If you can do that, then heaven is the limit.”

On resource mobilization, she expressed confidence in leveraging her networks: “We need to mobilize our community and mobilize our resources. Don’t forget, we can also mobilize resources outside Kenya. My social capital is quite high.”

Lawmakers commended her preparedness, with Suba North Member of Parliament (MP) Millie Odhiambo describing her as “overqualified” for the role.

If approved, Dr. Odinga will represent Kenya at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, pledging to safeguard environmental sustainability and amplify Kenya’s voice in global climate diplomacy.

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