Ida Odinga: My net worth is about Sh500 million

Ida Odinga on Friday  publicly declared that her net worth stands at approximately Sh500 million as she appeared before Parliament for vetting as Kenya’s nominee for Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The nomination, tabled before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, saw the seasoned educationist offer a rare glimpse into both her financial standing and her personal journey.

Responding to questions from MPs on her wealth declaration, Ida said her assets—accumulated over decades of professional work and investments—total about Sh500 million.

The disclosure is part of the mandatory vetting process for state nominees, aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in public appointments.

During the session, she traced her roots to Kabarnet, where she was born at a hospital where both her parents worked, describing her upbringing as grounded in discipline and public service. She highlighted her long career in education, leadership roles in community development initiatives, and engagement in environmental and social advocacy.

Ida told the committee that her experience in leadership and grassroots mobilization would be instrumental in representing Kenya’s environmental interests on the global stage, particularly at a time when climate change and sustainable development remain pressing international concerns.

If approved by Parliament, she will represent Kenya at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, positioning her at the heart of global environmental diplomacy.

The vetting process is expected to conclude with a committee report to the House before a final decision is made on her appointment.