Kenya’s President William Ruto has appointed Ida Betty Odinga, the wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as the country’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The appointment was announced on Friday in a statement issued by the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei.
Mr Koskei said the president had nominated Mrs Odinga in recognition of what he described as her “lifelong service” to the nation, citing her work in advancing women’s education and empowerment.
“His Excellency the President has, in exercise of the prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government, caused the nomination of Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga, E.G.H., for appointment as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” the statement said.
UNEP is headquartered in Nairobi, making Kenya the only country in the Global South to host a United Nations headquarters.
Mrs Odinga, an educationist and long-time advocate for girls’ education, has previously served in various leadership and philanthropic roles both in Kenya and internationally.
Her appointment is subject to the required constitutional and parliamentary approval processes.
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