Appearing before Parliament on Friday, February 20, Ida Odinga outlined her personal background, professional journey, and advocacy work as she underwent vetting following her nomination by President William Ruto to serve as Kenya’s ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Odinga told lawmakers she was born in Kabarnet at a hospital where both her parents worked, her father serving as a medical officer and her mother as a nurse.
She said she lost her father at a young age and was subsequently raised by her mother.
She noted that she grew up in Gem and later in Migori, experiences she said shaped her understanding of diverse social realities across Kenya.
Odinga also revealed that she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography at the University of Nairobi, a course she credited with exposing her to environmental issues and shaping her interest in sustainability.
"I was born in Kabarnet, at a hospital where both my parents served. My father was a medical officer, and my mother a nurse. I lost my father at a young age, and my mother raised us. I grew up in Gem, and in Migori. I went to UoN for Bachelor of Arts Degree, specializing in Geography which exposed me to environment issues," she said.
During the session, Odinga emphasized that her life has often placed her in spaces requiring courage and advocacy.
She told the committee that her work has been influenced by the challenges facing vulnerable populations across Africa, prompting her to speak out on social and developmental concerns.
She highlighted her advocacy for women’s leadership and governance, noting the importance of inclusive decision-making structures.
Odinga also underscored her long-standing support for girl-child education and nutrition, describing them as critical pillars for sustainable development.
"Throughout my life, I have often found myself in peculiar spaces, that needed a bold voice. My life and work have been deeply affected by issues that inflict vulnerable populations across the continent. I have done my best to speak about them. I have advocated for women in leadership and governance. I have championed girl child education and nutrition," she added.
If approved, Odinga will represent Kenya at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, where she is expected to advance the country’s environmental diplomacy agenda while championing inclusive and sustainable development initiatives at the global stage.