- National Assembly has received two nomination messages from President Ruto
- Ida Odinga has been proposed as Kenya’s envoy to UNEP
- Francis Meja has been nominated to chair the Public Service Commission
- Speaker Wetang’ula directed relevant committees to vet the nominees
The National Assembly has formally received communication from President William Ruto seeking approval for two senior appointments.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced on Tuesday, February 10, that the Head of State had forwarded the names of Ida Betty Odinga and Francis Meja for consideration by Members of Parliament.
According to the Speaker, Ida Odinga has been nominated to serve as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The nomination was made under Article 132(2) of the Constitution and in line with provisions of the Foreign Service Act. If approved by Parliament, she will take over the position currently held by Ababu Namwamba, who has since been reassigned as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda.
President Ruto had earlier announced her nomination on January 23, with Head of Public Service Felix Koskei confirming that the name had been submitted to Parliament for processing.
In the same communication, the President nominated Francis Meja to serve as Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The National Assembly is required to vet and approve the appointment before it can be finalised.
Speaker Wetang’ula referred Ida Odinga’s nomination to the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations for review.
Francis Meja’s nomination was sent to the Departmental Committee on Labour.
The Speaker instructed both committees to begin the approval process immediately, to inform the nominees and the public of the hearing dates, and to submit their reports within the required timelines.
The final decision now rests with the National Assembly. Lawmakers will assess the suitability of the two nominees before voting on their appointments.
If endorsed, Ida Odinga and Francis Meja will take up influential roles in government service, pending formal confirmation.
