Report On Consideration Of Nominee For Appointment As Permanent Representative, Unep

A report of Defence, Intelligence And Foreign Relations (National Assembly)

Published: February 2026 · 13th

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THENATIONALASSEMBLY

DEPARTMENTALCOMMITTEEONDEFENCE,INTELLIGENCEANDFOREIGN

THIRTEENTHPARLIAMENT-FIFTHSESSION-2026 RELATIONS

REPORT ON:

APPROVALHEARINGOFCANON(DR.)IDABETTYODINGA,EGHFOR APPOINTMENTASPERMANENTREPRESENTATIVEOFTHEREPUBLICOF KENYA TO THEUNITEDNATIONSENVIRONMENTPROGRAMME (UNEP)

CLERK'SCHAMBERS

DIRECTORATEOFDEPARTMENTALCOMMITTEES

PARLIAMENTBUILDINGS

NAIROBI

FEBRUARY,2026

| LISTOFABBREVIATIONSANDACRONYMS | LISTOFABBREVIATIONSANDACRONYMS | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | LISTOFANNEXURES. | LISTOFANNEXURES. | | CHAIRPERSON'SFOREWORD... | CHAIRPERSON'SFOREWORD... | | EXECUTIVESUMMARY.... 5 1.0PREFACE.. | EXECUTIVESUMMARY.... 5 1.0PREFACE.. | | 1.1INTRODUCTION... | 1.1INTRODUCTION... | | 1.2ESTABLISHMENTANDMANDATEOFTHECOMMITTEE 7 | 1.2ESTABLISHMENTANDMANDATEOFTHECOMMITTEE 7 | | 1.3COMMITTEESUBJECTS... 7 | 1.3COMMITTEESUBJECTS... 7 | | 1.4COMMITTEEMEMBERSHIP. 8 | 1.4COMMITTEEMEMBERSHIP. 8 | | 1.5COMMITTEESECRETARIAT. .9 | 1.5COMMITTEESECRETARIAT. .9 | | 2.0BACKGROUND... ...10 | 2.0BACKGROUND... ...10 | | 2.1THE OFFICE OFTHEAMBASSADOR/PERMANENTREPRESENTATIVE. ..10 | 2.1THE OFFICE OFTHEAMBASSADOR/PERMANENTREPRESENTATIVE. ..10 | | 2.2NOTIFICATIONOFTHENOMINATION.. 10 | 2.2NOTIFICATIONOFTHENOMINATION.. 10 | | 2.3NOTIFICATIONTOTHEHOUSEANDREFERRALTOTHECOMMITTEE. .10 | 2.3NOTIFICATIONTOTHEHOUSEANDREFERRALTOTHECOMMITTEE. .10 | | 2.4NOTIFICATIONTOTHEPUBLIC.. 11 | 2.4NOTIFICATIONTOTHEPUBLIC.. 11 | | 2.5NOTIFICATIONTOTHENOMINEE.... 11 | 2.5NOTIFICATIONTOTHENOMINEE.... 11 | | 2.6CLEARANCEANDCOMPLIANCEREQUIREMENTS 11 | 2.6CLEARANCEANDCOMPLIANCEREQUIREMENTS 11 | | 2.7ISSUESFORCONSIDERATIONDURINGTHEAPPROVALHEARINGS.. 12 | 2.7ISSUESFORCONSIDERATIONDURINGTHEAPPROVALHEARINGS.. 12 | | 2.8MEMORANDAFROMMEMBERSOFTHEPUBLICINRESPECTOFTHENOMINEE. 14 | 2.8MEMORANDAFROMMEMBERSOFTHEPUBLICINRESPECTOFTHENOMINEE. 14 | | 3.1 | QUESTIONSFROMTHEGENERALQUESTIONNAIRE. ..15 | | 3.2 | GENERALANDMISSION-SPECIFICQUESTIONSTOTHENOMINEE.. ..16 | | 3.3COMMITTEE'SOBSERVATIONSONTHESUITABILITYOFTHENOMINEE .18 | 3.3COMMITTEE'SOBSERVATIONSONTHESUITABILITYOFTHENOMINEE .18 | | 4.0COMMITTEE'SGENERALOBSERVATIONS. ..20 5.0COMMITTEERECOMMENDATIONS.. .21 | 4.0COMMITTEE'SGENERALOBSERVATIONS. ..20 5.0COMMITTEERECOMMENDATIONS.. .21 |

ReportoftheDepartmentalCommitteeonDefence,IntelligenceandForeignRelationsontheApprovalHearingofCanon(Dr.) IdaBettyOdinga.EGHforAppointmentasPermanentRepresentativeoftheRepublicofKenyatotheUnitedNations EnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)

LISTOFABBREVIATIONSANDACRONYMS

ANC

Amani National Congress

Bachelor of Arts

Cap.

Chapter (of the Laws of Kenya)

CBS

Chief of the Burning Spear

DCI

Directorate of Criminal Investigations

EACC

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission

EGH

Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart

H.E.

His Excellency

HELB

Higher Education Loans Board

ICT

Information and Communication Technology

IOT

Ida Odinga Trust

KRA

Kenya Revenue Authority

MDAs

Ministries, Departments and Agencies

Member of Parliament

ODM

Orange Democratic Movement

ODPP

OfficeoftheDirectorofPublicProsecutions

ORPP

Office of the Registrar of Political Parties

SDGs

SustainableDevelopmentGoals

UDM

UnitedDemocraticMovement

United Nations

UNEA

United NationsEnvironmentAssembly

UNEP

United Nations Environment Programme

UNON

United Nations Office at Nairobi

WDM-K

Wiper Democratic Movement of Kenya

LISTOFANNEXURES

Annexure 1:

Transmittal letter from H.E. the President regarding parliamentary approval of thenomineefor appointment totheForeignService

Annexure 2:

Message from the Hon.Speaker of the National Assembly to the House regardingnominationofone(l) personforappointment Ambassador/PermanentRepresentative as

Annexure 3:

Advertisement notifying the public of the approval hearing and submission ofmemoranda

Annexure 4:

Letter from the Clerk of the National Assembly inviting the nominee for the approval hearing

Annexure5:

Letters from the Clerk of the National Assembly to EACC,KRA,DCI, ODPP, ORPP and HELB requesting information on the nominee

Annexure 6:

Letters of clearance from EACC, KRA, DCI, ODPP, ORPP and HELB

Annexure 7:

Nominee's Clearance Certificates from EACC,KRA,DCI; ORPP, HELB andCreditReferenceBureau

Annexure 8:

Nominee's curriculum vitae

Annexure 9:

Minutesof thesittingsof theCommittee

Annexure 10:

Committee'sReport AdoptionSchedule

3 ReportoftheDepartmentalCommitteeonDefence,IntelligenceandForeignRelationsontheApprovalHearingofCanon(Dr.) IdaBettyOdinga.EGHforAppointmentasPermanentRepresentativeoftheRepublicofKenya totheUnitedNations EnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)

CHAIRPERSON'SFOREWORD

This report details the proceedings of the Departmental Committee on Defence,Intelligence, and Foreign Relations during the approval hearings of Canon (Dr.) IdaBetty Odinga,EGH,nominated for appointment asPermanentRepresentativeoftheRepublicofKenyatotheUnitedNations Environment Programme (UNEP). The purpose of the approval hearing was to ascertain the suitability of the nominee to discharge the responsibilities of the office towhich she had been nominated.

TheCommitteeisestablishedpursuant toArticle124(1)of theConstitutionand theNational AssemblyStandingOrder216.TheNationalAssemblyStandingOrder216spellsoutthemandate ofDepartmental Committeeswhichincludesto:vetandreportonall appointmentswherethe ConstitutionoranylawrequirestheNationalAssemblytoapprove,exceptthoseunderStanding Order204(that are doneby the Committee onAppointments).Further,theSecondSchedule of the Standing Orders mandates the Committee,among others,to oversee foreign relations, diplomaticandconsularservices,andinternationalrelations.

The Office of PermanentRepresentative is an office under theMinistry of Foreign andDiaspora Affairs.The duties oftheoffice,pursuant toSection 21 oftheForeignServiceAct Cap185E,is to pursue theforeignpolicy objective of theRepublic; act as thepersonal representative of theHead ofState; act as an official representative of theRepublic at officialfunctions in thehost country; be responsiblefor the management and administration of theMission; and be accountable for any expenditure of the Mission.

In accordance with Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution,His Excellency the President nominated Canon (Dr.)IdaBetty Odinga,EGH,for appointment asPermanent Representative oftheRepublic ofKenyatoUNEPandforwardedthenominationtotheNationalAssemblyforapproval.The nominationwassubsequentlyreferredtothe Committeeforconsiderationinlinewith thePublic Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F.The Committee conducted the approval hearing on Friday, 20" February 2026, during which it examined the nominee's academic background, professional experience, integrity, vision for the role, and overall suitability in accordancewiththeConstitutionandrelevantstatutes.

3 and 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F; section 20 (2) of the Foreign Service Act,Cap 185E and Standing Order 216(5)(f)of the National Assembly,the Committee recommends that the House APPROVES the appointment of Canon (Dr.) Ida Betty Odinga,EGH as thePermanentRepresentative of theRepublic of Kenya to theUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

I takethis opportunitytothank all theMembers of theCommitteefor theirinput andvaluable contributionsduring the approvalhearings andpreparation of thisreport.TheCommittee also appreciates the Offices of theSpeaker and of the Clerk of theNationalAssemblyforthe technical support accorded to it during the exercise.

On behalf of theCommittee andpursuant toStanding Order 199(6)of theNational Assembly,it is nowmy duty andprivilege topresent totheHouse,theReport of theDepartmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the Approval Hearing of Canon (Dr.) Ida Betty Odinga, EGH for Appointment as Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP).

ReportoftheDeparmentalCommitteeonDefence,IntelligenceandForeignRelationsontheApprovalHearingofCanon(Dr.) 4 IdaBettyOdinga,EGHforAppointment asPermanentRepresentativeoftheRepublicofKenyatotheUnitedNations EnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)

?4162126

SIGNED:.

DATE:..

THEHON.NELSONKOECH,CBS,M.P. CHAIRPERSON,DEPARTMENTALCOMMITTEEONDEFENCE,INTELLIGENCE ANDFOREIGNRELATIONS

EXECUTIVESUMMARY

Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution mandates the President to nominate,and with the approval of the National Assembly appoint, ambassadors, high commissioners and diplomatic representatives. Article 124(4)(a) further requires that such appointments be considered by a Committee of the relevantHouse.

Pursuanttotheseprovisions,andin accordancewithsections3and5of thePublicAppointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F, His Excellency the President transmitted to the Speaker of theNational Assembly thenomination of Canon (Dr.)IdaBetty Odinga,EGH,for appointment as PermanentRepresentativeoftheRepublicofKenyatotheUnitedNationsEnvironment Programme (UNEP). The Speaker conveyed the Message to the House and referred the nomination to the Departmental Committee on Defence,Intelligence and Foreign Relations for vetting and reportingwithinthestatutorytimelines.

In compliancewithArticle118oftheConstitution andSection6(4)of thePublicAppointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, the Clerk of the National Assembly notified the public of the intended approval hearing and invited submission of memoranda on the suitability of the nominee. Twomemoranda were received in theform of emails,however,they did notmeet the threshold under section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, which requires that "Any person may prior to the approval hearing, and by written statement on oath, provide the Clerk withevidence contestingthesuitabilityofa candidate.TheClerk also soughtclearancefrom the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC),Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA),Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), and Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), all of which confirmed thenominee'scompliancewithstatutory andintegrityrequirements.

The Committee conducted the approval hearing on Friday, 20" February 2026, guided by the Constitution, the Foreign Service Act, Cap. 185E,and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F. During the hearing, the Committee assessed the nominee's academic qualifications, professional background, leadership experience, integrity, and vision for advancing Kenya's environmental diplomacy.The nominee emphasised theimportance of multilateral collaboration,mobilisation of partnerships to address global environmental challenges,and strengtheningUNEP'srole as a strategicinstitution headquarteredinNairobi.She alsonoted the linkbetween environmental sustainability and socio-economic development,and the need for inclusive,values-drivenleadership.

TheCommitteeobservedthatthenomineesatisfiedtheconstitutionalrequirementsfor appointment,met theintegrity threshold under ChapterSixof the Constitution,and demonstrated anunderstandingofthemandateandexpectationsoftheOfficeofPermanentRepresentativeto UNEP. Accordingly, and pursuant to Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution, sections 3 and 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F, and section 20(2) of the Foreign ServiceAct,Cap.185E,theCommitteerecommendsthattheHouseAPPROVESthe appointment of Canon (Dr.)Ida Betty Odinga,EGH,asPermanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

ReportoftheDepartmentalCommitteeonDefence,IntelligenceandForeignRelationsontheApprovalHearingofCanon(Dr.) IdaBettyOdinga,EGHforAppointmentasPermanentRepresentativeoftheRepublicofKenya totheUnitedNations EnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)

1.0PREFACE

1.1 Introduction

1. Pursuant to Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution as read with sections 20(2) and 22(2) (a) of the Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E, His Excellency the President, through the Head of the Public Service and via the transmittal letter dated 2ndFebruary,2026,transmitted to the Speaker of theNational Assembly thenameof one(1)personnominated for approval by the Housefor appointment asPermanent Representative. 2. Article 124(4)(a) of the Constitution provides that when a House of Parliament considers any appointment for which its approval is required under the Constitution or an Act of Parliament, the appointment shall beconsideredby a Committee of therelevantHouse. 3. This report details the proceedings of the Committee during the approval hearing of the was to ascertain the suitabilityofthe nominee to discharge theresponsibilities of the office of the Permanent Representative of theRepublic of Kenya to the UNEP.

1.2EstablishmentandMandateoftheCommittee

3.The Departmental Committee on Defence Intelligence and Foreign Relations is one of the Departmental Committees of theNational Assemblyestablished under Standing Order 216 whose mandates, pursuant to the Standing Order 216 (5) includes, among others, 1o vel and reportonallappointmentswheretheConstitutionoranyotherlawrequirestheNational Assembly to approve,except thoseunderStandingOrder204(CommitteeonAppointments).

1.3CommitteeSubjects

4.The subject matter of the Committee is stated in the Second Schedule of the National Assembly Standing Orders and includes, among others, foreign relations, diplomatic and consular services,andinternationalrelations.
5.In executing its mandate, the Committee oversees the following government Ministries, Departments,and Agencies (MDAs):
(a) The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs:
(b) The Ministry of Defence;
(c)The StateDepartment for East African CommunityAffairs (EAC); and
(d) The National Intelligence Service (NIS).

1.4 Committee Membership

6. The Committee was constituted by the House on 27th October 2022 and reconstituted on 6th March2025comprisesthefollowingMembers:

Chairperson

Hon. Nelson Koech, CBS, M.P.

Belgut Constituency

UDA Party

Vice-Chairperson

Hon.Maj.(Rtd.) SheikhAbdullahi Bashir,CBS,M.P.

Mandera North Constituency UDM Party

Members

Hon.Wanjira Martha Wangari,CBS,M.P. Gilgil Constituency UDA Party

Hon. Joshua Kandie, M.P. Baringo Central Constituency UDA Party

Hon. Hassan Abdi Yusuf, CBS, M.P. Kamkunji Constituency Jubilee Party

Hon. Kwenya Thuku Zachary, M.P. Kinangop Constituency Jubilee Party

Hon.OdhiamboMillieG.Akoth,CBS,M.P Suba North Constituency ODM Party

Hon. Logova Sloya Clement, M.P. Sabatia Constituency UDA Party

Hon. Kanchory Elijah Memusi, M.P. Kajiado Central Constituency ODM Party

Hon. Ikana Fredrick Lusuli, M.P. Shinyalu Constituency ANC Party

Hon. (Dr.) Kasalu Irene Muthoni,MP Kitui County

Hon. Mohamed A. Hussein, M.P. Lagdera Constituency ODM Party

WDM-K

Hon. Kirima Moses Nguchine, M.P. Imenti Central Constituency UDA Party

Hon.Anne Muratha, M.P. Kiambu County UDA Party

Hon. Luyai Caleb Amisi, M.P. Saboti Constituency ODM Party

1.5CommitteeSecretariat

7.The Committee Secretariat comprises the following technical staff:

Mr.Muyodi Emmanuel

ClerkAssistantI/HeadofSecretariat

Mr. Bernard Njeru

Mr. Lenny Muchangi

Clerk Assistant III

Legal Counsel II

Ms. Noelle Chelagat

Mr.EdwinMachuki

MediaRelationsOfficerI

Fiscal Analyst II

Mr.SalatAli

Mr. John Ng'ang'a

PrincipalSerjeant-at-ArmsII

AudioRecordingOfficer

Mr.Daniel Ominde

Mr.AlexNamwada Hansard OfficerI

ResearchOfficerIII

Ms.MaryanGabow

PublicCommunicationsOfficerIlI

2.0BACKGROUND

2.1 The Office of the Ambassador/Permanent Representative

8.The Office of the Ambassador/Permanent Representative is an office under theMinistry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, according to Executive Order No. 2 of 2025.

9. The duties of the office (Head ofa Mission),pursuant toSection 21 of the Foreign Service Act Cap185E,areto:

(a) actively pursue the foreign policy objective of the Republic in the host country;
(b) act as the personal representative of the Head of State in the host country;
(c) act as an official representative of the Republic at official functions in the host country;
(d)be responsiblefor the management and administration of theMission and all members of the Foreign Service located at the Mission, including the locally engaged staff of the Mission;and
(e)be accountablefor anyexpenditure oftheMission and ensure that thebudgetoftheMission is administered in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act, Cap 412A and all otherapplicablelawsandregulations.
10.On appointment,Article 132(2)(e)of the Constitution provides that the President shall nominate and,with theapprovalof theNational Assembly,appointandmaydismisshigh commissioners,ambassadors anddiplomaticandconsularrepresentatives.Section20ofthe Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E, reaffirms these constitutional provisions, designating the Office of a high commissioner, ambassador, diplomatic,or consular representative as a State officeasperArticle260oftheConstitution.

11. Additionally, Section 20(2) ofthe Act provides that in accordance with Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution, the President shall nominate and, subject to approval by the National Assembly, appoint high commissioners, ambassadors, and diplomatic or consular representatives. Furthermore,Section 20(3) ofthe Act mandates that a nominationunder subsection(2) should ensure a fair balance between career diplomats and other appointees, as well as represent the gender, regional, and other diversities of the Kenyan populace. Any individual nominated for appointment under subsection (2) must be a Kenyan citizen and possess reputable character and standing.

2.2NotificationoftheNomination

12. Pursuant to Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution as read with Sections 20(2) and 22(2)(e) of the ForeignServiceAct Cap185E,andSections 3and 5 of thePublicAppointments (Parliamentary Approval)Act, Cap 7F,His Excellency the President, through theHead of the PublicService,transmitted to theSpeaker oftheNationalAssemblyvide thetransmittal letter dated 2"d February, 2026, referenced EOP/CAB.26/4A VOL.VII/(144) (Annexure 1), the name and curriculum vitae together with other testimonials of Canon (Dr.) Ida Betty Odinga, EGHnominatedfor appointmentPermanentRepresentativeof theRepublicofKenyatothe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

2.3Notification totheHouseandReferral totheCommittee

13. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 42(2) of the National Assembly,the Speaker, through a Communication dated Tuesday,1o"hFebruary2026,informed Members of the President's Message(Annexure 2)on nomination of Canon (Dr.)Ida Betty Odinga,EGH

ReportoftheDepartmentalCommitteeonDefence,IntelligenceandForeignRelationsontheApprovalHearingofCanonDr.) 10 IdaBettyOdinga,EGHforAppointmentasPermanentRepresentativeoftheRepublicofKenyatotheUnitedNations EnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)

nominated for appointment Permanent Representative of theRepublic of Kenya to theUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

14. Pursuant to Section 8(1) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F andStandingOrder 216(5)(f) as readwith theSecond Scheduleof theStandingOrdersof the National Assembly, the name and curriculum vitae and other testimonials of Canon (Dr.) Ida Betty Odinga, EGH nominated for appointment Permanent Representative of the Republic of 15. Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) were referred to the Departmental Committee on Defence,Intelligence and Foreign Relations for approval hearing, as required under Article 124(4)(a) of the Constitution, and reporting to the House within twenty-eight (28) days.

2.4NotificationtothePublic

15.Article 118 of the Constitution provides that Parliament shall facilitate public participation and involvement in the legislative business and other business of Parliament and its Committees. Further, Section 6(4) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F provides that the Clerk shall notify the public of the time and place for holding approval hearings at least seven days prior to the hearings.

16. Further, Section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F provides that any person may,prior to the approval hearings and by written statement on oath,providetheClerkwithevidencecontestingthesuitabilityofacandidatetoholdtheoffice towhichihecandidatehasbeennominated.

17.Pursuant toArticle118of the Constitution asreadwithSection 6(9)of PublicAppointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act,Cap 7F, the Clerk of the National Assembly placed an advertisementin theprint media on12thFebruary2026(Annexure3)inviting thepublic to submit memorandabywayof written statement on oath(affidavit)on the suitability or otherwise of the nominees on or before 19"hFebruary 2026 at 5.00 pm.
18.Further,through the same advertisement and pursuant toArticle 118of the Constitution, Order45(3)oftheNationalAssembly,the ClerkoftheNational Assemblynotifiedthegeneral public that the approval hearing of the nominee would be conducted on Friday,2otFebruary 2026 in the Mini Chamber, County Hall, 1st Floor, Parliament Buildings at 10.00 am.

2.5NotificationtotheNominee

19. On 11th February 2026, the Clerk of the National Assembly invited the nominee through letter dated 11th February 2026 (Annexure 4) and through an advertisement in the print media on 12th February 2026 (Annexure 3),for the approval hearing in accordance with Section

2.6Clearanceand ComplianceRequirements

20. On Wednesday, 11th February 2026, the Clerk of the National Assembly wrote to the EACC, KRA, DCI, HELB, ORPP and ODPP (Annexure 5) requesting for reports with respect to the nominee on ethics and integrity, tax compliance, criminal records, higher education loans repayments andpoliticalpartyaffiliations.

21. The EACC, through a letter Ref. No.EACC.7/10/5 VOL.XXXV (82) dated 18th February 2026, (Annexure 6) stated that it had not undertaken any investigations pursuant to its mandate nor recommended the prosecution against Canon (Dr.) Ida Betty Odinga, EGH. 22. The KRA, through a letter Ref. No. KRA/5/1002/5(13600), dated 17th February 2026, (Annexure6),confirmed thatthenomineewastaxcompliant. 23. The DCI, through a letter Ref. No. DCI/CRO/SEC/6/7/2/A/VOL.XVIII/161 dated 16th February 2026 (Annexure 6), provided forensic fingerprint analysis of the nominee had been conducted in the criminal database andfound that she had noprevious criminal record. 4. 24.The HELB,through a letter Ref. No.HELB/RR/112009/V/478 dated 12th February 2026 (Annexure 6), indicated that the nominee was compliant. 25. The ORPP, through a letter Ref. No. ORPP/ORG/34/1 VOL. II (44) dated 16th February 2026(Annexure 6) confirmed that the nominee was neither an official nor a member of any registered political party. 6. 26.TheODPP,through aletterRef.No.ODPP/SPP/GEN dated13thFebruary2026(Annexure 6) confirmed that there were no active criminal proceedings or previous charges recorded against thenominee.

2.7Issuesfor Consideration during theApproval Hearings

27. In conducting the approval hearings, the Committee was guided by Section 6(7) and (8) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F which provides that: 2. (7)Anapprovalhearingshallfocusonacandidate'sacademiccredentials,professional trainingandexperience,personalintegrityandbackground.

(8) The criteria specified in the Scheduleshall be used by a Committee duringan approval hearingforthepurposesofvettingacandidate.

4. 28.Additionally,Section 7 of the Actprovides that the issues for consideration by therelevant House of Parliament in relation to any nomination shall be: 5. (a)theprocedureusedtoarriveatthenominee; 6. (b) any constitutional or statutory requirements relating to the office in question; and thesuitabilityofthenomineefortheappointmentproposedhavingregardtowhetherthe nominee'sabilities,experienceandqualitiesmeettheneedsofthebodytowhichnominationis beingmade.

(a)ProcedureforNomination

29. Article 132 (2)(e) of the Constitution confers upon the President the power to nominate and, with the approval of the National Assembly, appoint high commissioners, ambassadors and diplomatic and consular representatives. 2. 30.Section 5(1) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F,further requires the appointing authority, upon nominating a person for appointment, to notify the relevantHouseofParliament. 31. In this regard, pursuant to Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution and Section 5(1) of the Public Assembly of the nomination of Canon (Dr.) Ida Betty Odinga, EGH for appointment to the

12 ReportoftheDepartmentalCommitteeonDefence,IntelligenceandForeignRelationsontheApprovalHearingofCanon(Dr.) IdaBettyOdinga,EGHforAppointmentasPermanentRepresentativeoftheRepublicofKenya totheUnitedNations EnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)

officesofPermanentRepresentativeof theRepublicofKenyatotheUnitedNations EnvironmentProgramme (UNEP).

(b) Constitutional and StatutoryRequirements

32. In addition, the Constitution and various statutes guide the appointment of persons to public office.In determining the suitability of the nominees,the Committee was guided by the provisionsonleadership and integrity as outlinedin ChapterSix of the Constitution.Article 73(2) of the Constitution provides that the guiding principles of leadership and integrity include: 2. (a)selection on thebasis of personal integrity,competence and suitability,or election in free and fairelections; 3. (b)objectivity and impartiality in decision making,and in ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favouritism, other improper motives or corrupt practices; 4. (c) selfless service based solely on the public interest, demonstrated by — 5. (i)honestyintheexecutionofpublicduties;and 6. (ii) the declaration of any personal interest that may conflict with public duties; 7. (d) accountability to the publicfor decisions and actions; and 8. (e) discipline and commitment in service to the people. 9. 33.Furthermore,Article 75 of the Constitution requires a State Officer,whether in public or privatelifetobehaveinamanner that avoidsconflictbetweenpersonal interestandpublic officialduties.It further prohibits a State Officer whohasbeendismissedor otherwise removed from officefrom holding any other State Office. 10. 34.Regarding the activities of State Officers,Article77of the Constitution prohibits afull-time State Officer from participating in any other gainful employment, or holding office in a political party. 11. 35.Further, Article 78 of the Constitution disqualifies persons who are not Kenyan citizens from appointment as State Officers. Equally, a State Officer is barred from holding dual citizenship. 12. 36.In addition, the Committee considered Section 10 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, Cap 185Cwhichprovides that:

A-State officershall,tothebestof their ability

(b)carryoutthedutiesinatransparentandaccountablemanner;
(c)keepaccuraterecordsanddocumentsrelatingtothefunctionsoftheoffice;and
(d)reporttruthfiullyonallmattersoftheorganizationwhichtheyrepresent.
37.Further,Section 20 of the Foreign Service Act, Cap 185Eprovides that:
(l)TheOfficeofahighcommissioner,ambassador,diplomaticorconsularrepresentative shall be aState officefor purposes of Article260 of the Constitution.
(2)Pursuant to Article132(2)(e)oftheConstitution,thePresidentshallnominateand, subjecttotheapprovaloftheNationalAssembly,appointhighcommissioners, ambassadorsanddiplomaticorconsularrepresentatives.
(3)Anominationundersubsection(2)shallreflect--
(a)afairbalancebetweencareerdiplomatsandotherappointees;and (b)thegender,regional andotherdiversitiesofthepeopleofKenya.
(4)Apersonnominatedforappointmentundersubsection(2)shallbe--

13 Reportof theDepartmentalCommitteeonDefence,IntelligenceandForeignRelationsontheApprovalHearingofCanon(Dr.) IdaBety Odinga,EGH for AppointmentasPermanent Representative of theRepublicofKenyato theUnited Nations Environment Programme(UNEP)

(a)acitizenofKenya;and
(b)ofareputablecharacterandstanding
(c)Suitabilityofthenomineesfortheproposedappointmentshavingregardtowhetherthe nominees'abilities,experienceandqualitiesmeettheneedsofthebodytowhichthe nominationisbeingmade.
38.Thenominee's suitabilitytohold thePermanent Representative of theRepublic ofKenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was assessed through a scrutiny of her academic credentials, professional training and experience, personal integrity, background, as well as her performance during the approval hearings conducted on Friday, 2oth February 2026.

2.8MemorandafromMembersof thePublicinrespectoftheNominee

39. The Clerk of the National Assembly placed an advertisement in the print media on 12th February2026(Annexure3)inviting thepublicto submit memoranda bywayofwritten statements on oath(affidavit)on thesuitabilityor otherwiseof thenomineein conformity with Section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F. 40. In this regard, by 19th February 2026 at 5.00 pm the Committee had received two submissions via email from members of the public regarding the nomination of Canon (Dr.) IdaBettyOdinga,EGHfor appointment tothe officesofPermanentRepresentativeof the RepublicofKenya to theUnited NationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP).However,they did not meet the threshold under section6(9)of thePublicAppointments(Parliamentary Approval) Act, which requires that "Any person may prior to the approval hearing, and by writtenstatementon oath.\_provide the Clerkwith evidence contestingthe suitabilityof a candidate.

3.0 APPROVAL HEARING OF CANON (DR.)IDA BETTY ODINGA,EGH FOR APPOINTMENTASPERMANENTREPRESENTATIVEOFTHEREPUBLICOF KENYATOTHEUNITEDNATIONSENVIRONMENTPROGRAMME(UNEP)

41. On Thursday, 19"h February 2026, the Committee held a sitting to deliberate on the approval hearings and noted that: 2. (i)The Committee would proceed with the approval hearing as scheduled on 2o"h February 2026, from 10.00 am; and 3. (ii)The Committeewould examinethenominee against thecriteriasetout inSection7of the employmentrecord;professional affiliations;potential conflict ofinterest;knowledge of the relevant subject; overall suitability for the position; integrity; vision and leadership; and expectations and key priorities. 42. Canon (Dr.) Ida Betty Odinga, EGH, appeared before the Committee on Friday, 20"h February 2026,at10.00amandwasvettedunderoathpursuanttoArticle132(2)(e)oftheConstitution, the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F, the Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E and the National Assembly Standing Orders.The Committee noted as follows:

3.1 Questionsfrom theGeneral Questionnaire

Citizenship,DateandPlaceofBirth

43.The nominee is a Kenyan citizen born on 24th August 1950 in Baringo District, within the Republic of Kenya. She confirmed that she is a citizen by birth and does not hold dual citizenship.

AcademicandProfessionalQualifications

44. The nominee holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with Education option, specialising in Geography, from the University of Nairobi.

EmploymentRecord andWorkExperience

45. The nominee previously served as a teacher at Highway Secondary School and Kenya High School,andlater as anEducation Officer.Sheis currentlytheManagingDirector of East AfricaSpectreLimited and theProprietor of OpodaFarm.

Honoursandawards

46. The nomineehas received severalrecognitions,includingElder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH); Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Humanities), Great Lakes University of Kisumu; Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Humanities), Igbinedion University; Kenya's Most Powerful Women Award (The Standard); Trailblazer Award and Lifetime Achievement Award (Human Achievers Foundation); and Distinguished African Amazon Award (Centre for Economic and Leadership Development).

Professional AssociationandMemberships

47.The nominee is the patron of the Women Governors Caucus (G7),Advisory Council; has served as the Global Peace Ambassador,UN; has served as the patron of Kenya Medical Women'sAssociation,andKenyaBreast Health Organisation;has served as the Champion of Integrated Care pack Program; is the founder and patron of the Kenya League of Women;

has served as the Council Member, Maseno University; and the Chairperson,Paraplegic Association ofKenyaAdvisoryBoard.

PublishedWritings

48. The nominee submitted various speeches and extracts reflecting her advocacy work and public engagements.

PublicOffice,PoliticalActivitiesandAffiliations

49. The nominee served as the First Lady to the Prime Minister between 2008 and 2012;a member of the Election Board NARC; Lead Women League Campaign; and Azimio Women League Campaign.

IncomeandNetWorth

50. The nominee declared an estimated net worth of approximately KES 500 million comprising immovable property, motor vehicles and shareholding investments. Her sources of income includesalaryandreturnsfrominvestments.

PotentialConflictofInterest

51. The nominee declared that she does not have any persons, litigation, financial arrangement, matter orissuethatwouldpresentapotentialconflictofinterestshouldsheassumethe position of Permanent Representative.The nominee stated that,should a conflict of interest ariseduring thedischarge ofher duties,shewould declaretheinterest inwritingtothe appointing authority in accordance with the law.The nominee participated inWhite Ribbon Alliance, to enhance awareness, prevention of fistula, and eradication of chigoe flea infestations in underserved communities.

Pro-Bono,CharityWorkorDonationtoCharity

52. The nominee has participated in civil society initiatives, including breast cancer awareness, eradication of jiggers,educational scholarships and women's empowerment programmes. She is the founder of the Ida Odinga Trust (IOT), a non-partisan organisation advancing education,maternalhealthandnutrition.

Integrity

53. The nominee stated that she has neither been charged in a court of law nor adversely mentioned in any investigatory report of Parliament or any Commission of Inquiry in the last threeyears.Thenomineehasneverbeendismissedorotherwiseremovedfromofficefor contravention of the provisions of Article75 of the Constitution.

3.2 General andMission-Specific Questions to theNominee

54.To assess the nominee's overall suitabilityfor theposition,the Committeeposed questions to thenominee onher suitabilityfor appointment as thePermanentRepresentativeof the Republic of Kenya to theUnited NationsEnvironment Programme (UNEP).The nominee responded asfollows:

OnInspiringYoungGirls

55.The nominee encouraged young girls to remain confident in their values and identity and to pursue education diligently,underscoring education as a key pillar for personal growth and development.Thenomineefurtheremphasisedtheimportanceofupholdingintegrity,

16 ReportoftheDepartmentalCommiteeonDefence,IntelligenceandForeignRelationsontheApprovalHearingofCanon(Dr.) IdaBettyOdinga,EGHforAppointmentasPermanentRepresentativeoftheRepublicofKenyatotheUnitedNations EnvironmentProgramme(UNEP)

faithfulness, and hard work, remaining prayerful, and respecting guidance from mentors. Additionally,thenominee indicated that shehas consistently championed gender-responsive policies and related advocacy initiatives.

OnAdvancingKenya'sClimateDiplomacy

56. The nominee submitted that Kenya and Africa are emerging as global leaders in climate actionthroughframeworks such astheNational ClimateChangeActionPlan(2023-2027). She committed to strengthening partnerships to ensure climate initiatives deliver socioeconomicbenefitstovulnerablepopulations.ShecitedKenya'sleadershipattheUnited NationsEnvironmentAssembly(UNEA-7) and proposed multi-stakeholderworkinggroups to support the implementation of environmental resolutions.

OnTranslatingAdvocacyExperienceintoDiplomacy

57. The nominee submitted that her experience in advocacy, coalition-building and public engagementprovides a strongfoundation for multilateraldiplomacy.Shestatedthat she founded the League of Kenya WomenVoters,which hasparticipated in the Commission on theStatus of Womensince the1995BeijingConference. 58. She stated that such engagements require consensus-building, negotiation and engagement acrossgovernments,civil society and development actors.Shestated that she considerssuch skills to be directly transferable to the diplomatic engagements at UNEP.

On AddressingResource Constraintswithin theUNSystem and SupportingUNEP

United Nations system, particularly in climate change financing and programme support. She noted the significance of UNEP as the only United Nations headquarters located in the Global South and domiciled inNairobi,Kenya.
60.The nominee submitted that she would adopt a collaborative approach and work with teams comprising individuals with diverse skills and expertise. She committed to engage stakeholders to address the challenges and contribute to mobilising solutions to support UNEP'smandate

OnIntegratingEnvironmentai SustainabiitywitiSocial andDevelopmentPriorities

61.The nominee submitted that environmental sustainability is closelylinked to health,nutrition, education andlivelihoods.While drawinginferencesfromherworkthrough theIda Odinga Trust (IoT) and nutrition initiatives across Africa, the nominee noted that environmental degradation and socio-economicvulnerability areinterconnected.

62. Shealsomentionedher collaborationwithProf.Wangari Maathai inenvironmental advocacy,andherroleinpromoting cleaner household energysolutions at theEastAfrica Spectre Limited. She submitted that she will adopt an approach that aligns environmental diplomacy with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Kenya's development priorities.

OnAddressingtheTechinical NatureofUNEP'sWorkandSafeguardingKenya's Credibility

63. The nominee acknowledged the importance of addressing environmental challenges through collaborativeapproaches.Shesubmittedthatheracademicbackgroundingeography

17 IdaBety Odinga,EGHfor AppointmentasPermanentRepresentative of theRepublicofKenya totheUnited Nations Environment Programme(UNEP)

introducedher toenvironmentalissuesearlyinhercareer,andthather subsequent engagement in environmental advocacy, policy forums and clean energy initiatives provided practical exposure tosustainabilitymatters.She stated thather leadership approach would involve convening expertise, partnerships and ensuring that global environmental discussions producepracticaloutcomes.

OntheNominee'sMotivationandReadinesstoServe

64. The nominee stated that her acceptance of the nomination is grounded in a lifelong commitmenttopublicserviceandleadership.Shedescribedtheappointmentasa continuation of ajourney shaped by service in education,civil society and national advocacy, rather than a departure into a new field. She stated that her upbringing instilled values of integrity, accountability, hard work and fairness, which have guided her professional and personal life. 2. 65.She submitted that balancing career,family responsibilities andpublic engagementhas prepared her to undertake demanding responsibilities. She stated that service to the nation is a patriotic duty and affirmed her readiness to answer that call.

3.3Committee'sObservationsontheSuitabilityoftheNominee

66.The Committee,having reviewed the nominee's completed questionnaire, curriculum vitae and oral submission,made the following observations regarding her suitability for appointment as Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations EnvironmentProgramme(UNEP):
(1) THAT,in accordance with Article 78(1) and (2) of the Constitution, the nominee is eligible for appointment toState Office since she is aKenyan citizen and doesnot hold dual citizenship.
(2) THAT, the nominee possesses extensive skills in environmental matters and has engaged in environmental advocacy, policy forums, and clean-energy initiatives, demonstrating practical exposure to sustainability issues aligned with UNEP's mandate.
(3) THAT, the nominee has extensive professional and leadership experience in education, civil society engagement, and private enterprise, which she submitted has equipped her withskillsinconsensus-building,stakeholderengagement andpublicleadershipnecessary for multilateral diplomacy.
(4) THAT, the nominee demonstrated appreciation of the linkage between environmental sustainability and socio-economic development, particularly in the areas of health, nutrition,educationand livelihoods,and expressedher intention toadvanceintegrated approaches consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals and Kenya's development priorities.
(5) THAT, the nominee acknowledged the resource constraints facing the United Nations system, particularly in climate change programmes, and underscored the strategic importanceof UNEPas theonlyUnitedNationsheadquarterslocatedin theGlobalSouth anddomiciledinNairobi.Sheindicatedthatshewould adopt acollaborativeapproachby convening multidisciplinary expertise and partnerships to mobilise solutions and strengthenUNEP'scapacity.
(6) THAT, the nominee expressed her commitment to advancing Kenya's climate diplomacy, includingsupporting theimplementationofresolutionsadoptedattheUnitedNations

Environment Assembly and strengthening partnerships to ensure that climate initiatives translateintotangiblebenefitsforvulnerablepopulations.

(7) THAT,the nominee meets the requirements of Chapter Six(6)of the Constitution on leadership and integrity having obtained clearances from EACC, KRA, DCI, ODPP, ORPP andHELB.
(8) THAT, the nominee has neither been charged in a court of law nor adversely mentioned in anyinvestigatoryreport of Parliament or anyCommission ofinquiryin thelast threeyears.
(9) THAT, the nominee does not hold office in any political party, a requirement under Article 77(2)of the Constitution and theSchedule of the Public Appointment(Parliamentary Approval) Cap 7F.
(10) THAT,the nominee has never been dismissed from office under Article 75 of the ConstitutionforcontraventionoftheprovisionsofArticles75(1),Article76,Article77 andArticle78(2)oftheConstitution.
(11) THAT, overall, the nominee demonstrated understanding of the policy, diplomatic and collaborative dimensions of the role and expressed readiness to work with technical experts,Government institutions andinternational partners toadvance Kenya's environmentalinterestsatUNEP.

4.0COMMITTEE'SGENERALOBSERVATIONS

67.The Committee,having considered the nominee's academic credentials and professional qualifications, work and professional experience, personal integrity, as well as her performanceduringthe approval hearing,madethefollowinggeneral observations:
1) The nominee is a Kenyan citizen and does not hold dual citizenship in conformity with Article 78 of the Constitution.
2)The nominee committed not to participate in any other gainful employment while serving as aState Officer as required byArticle 77(1l) of the Constitution.
3)InaccordancewithArticle77(2)oftheConstitutionandtheScheduleofthePublic Appointment (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F, the nominee does not hold office in any political party.
4)ThenomineeindicatedcompliancewithArticles75and76of theConstitutiononthe conduct and financial probity of State Officers. She indicated the nonexistence of potential conflict of interest and committed to declare any should it arise.
5)By thesetdeadlineofreceiptofmemorandafrommembersofthepublic,theCommittee hadreceivedtwosubmissionsviaemail tothe approval ofthenomineeforappointment as Ambassador/PermanentRepresentativeofKenyatotheUnitedNationsEnvironment Programme (UNEP).However,they didnot meet thethresholdundersection6(9)of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, which requires that "Any person may priortotheapprovalhearing,andbywrittenstatementonoath,providetheClerkwith evidencecontestingthesuitabilityofacandidate.
61 The nomineepresented her academic and professional credentials,made oral submissions during the approval hearing, demonstrating her suitability for appointment in accordance with the provisions of Section 6(7) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F.

5.0COMMITTEERECOMMENDATION

68. Having conducted the approval hearing pursuant to Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution; Sections 3 and 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F; Section 20 (2) of the Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E and Standing Order 216(5)(f) of the National Assembly,theCommitteerecommendsthattheHouseAPPROVEStheappointmentof Canon (Dr.) Ida Betty Odinga, EGH as the Permanent Representative of the Republic ofKenya to theUnited NationsEnvironmentProgramme(UNEP).