Amb. Dr. Ida Betty Odinga
Head of Mission
About the mission
About the Kenya Permanent Mission in UNEP
Kenya's Permanent Mission in UNEP represents the Republic of Kenya at the international organisations seated there.
Kenya's Permanent Mission in UNEP is the Republic of Kenya's delegation to the international organisations seated there.
It advances Kenya's positions across the multilateral agenda, works with partner delegations on shared priorities, and reports to the Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs in Nairobi.
About this mission
Who we are
Our mission
To amplify Kenya’s voice on the global stage, advocate for impactful policies, and foster collaborations that advance Country’s environmental and development priorities, whilst promoting UNON and UNEP as a global multilateral hub.
Our vision
To position Kenya as a global leader in environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Our values
- Patriotism
- Customer Focus
- Professionalism
- Team Spirit
- Ethics, Equity and Integrity.
Our history
- 1975
The Permanent Mission was established on 18th November 1975 through Cabinet Memorandum CAB (75) 60, which also recommended the appointment of a Permanent Representative at the level of Ambassador to represent Kenya’s interests at the United Nations Environment Programme.
- 1977
She presented her Letters of Credence to Mostafa Kamal Tolba on 10th February 1977, officially accrediting her as the first Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to UNEP.
- 1986
Following the establishment of the Mission, Margaret Wambui Kenyatta was appointed as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme by Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta. She represented Kenya in the UNEP Governing Council, a position she held until 1986.
- 2014
The Permanent Mission served both UNEP and UN-Habitat until 2014, when the Government of Kenya separated the UNEP and UN-Habitat functions, leading to the establishment of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to UN-Habitat to handle human settlement matters.
- 2022
In furtherance of the Government’s efforts to strengthen Nairobi’s multilateral diplomatic capacity and to facilitate the efficient functioning of UNON, the Diplomatic Service Centre was established through Executive Order OP/CAB 5/1 dated 5th August 2022 and launched on 30th August 2022 as part of the Permanent Mission of Kenya to UNON.
What we do
- a) Providing synergetic support to the technical focal points within the Government of Kenya, in particular: the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the Government of Nairobi City County and the National Environment Management Authority.
- b) Facilitating policy by engaging with other diplomatic missions within the context of Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) at UNEP.
- c) Bringing critical environment issues to the attention of decision-makers at all relevant levels of the Government of Kenya.
- d) Keeping abreast with environmental conventions and protocols that Kenya is party to with a view to advancing and articulating national positions on them.
- e) Liaising with the African Group, Group of 77 and China as well as other interest Groups with a view to developing common positions.
- f) Liaise with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in provision of diplomatic immunities, security and other privileges provided under the Vienna Convention as well as the Host Country Agreement.
The mandate of the Kenya Mission to United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is to perform diplomatic, representational and multilateral duties on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kenya at UNON and UNEP.
Service delivery charter
What to expect from us
| Service | What you bring | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Response to inquiries | Request received and required information provided | Nil | Within 3 working days |
| Render advice in the development of Kenya's position for Multilateral environmental negotiations | Receipt of invitation from the relevant Ministry and participation in inter-ministerial meetings. | Nil | As per the guided timelines |
| Articulate Kenya’s position in UNEP and UNON meetings | Notification of meeting and Kenya’s position paper. | Nil | Continuous |
| Serve as liaison for the Government of Kenya with UNEP and UNON | Continuous collaboration with UNON and UNEP | Nil | Continuous |
| Serve as liaison for the Government of Kenya with UNEP and UNON | Receipt of specific requests from UNON/UNEP or GOK | Nil | As per appropriate timelines |
| Provision of Host country services to UNON, UN Agencies and the Diplomatic corps | Receipt of request of Service | Dependent on the relevant guidelines | Timelines dependent on the relevant guidelines |
| Supporting improvement of conditions around UNON complex | a. Specific requests from UNON b. Regular assessment of conditions around UNON Complex | Nil | Continuous |
| Attending to visitors at the Mission | Arrival of Visitors | Nil | Upon arrival and within 10 minutes to process visit in the event of no appointment |
| Response to communication (letters, and emails) | Receipt of written requests | Nil | Within three (3) working days and for complex issues, an initial reply is given stating when a full response should be expected |
| Prompt answering of incoming calls | Incoming calls | Nil | Answer within (3) rings and promptly communicate progress of the call |
Heads of mission
Those who have served
- 2025–2026
Amb. Ababu Namwamba, EGH
- 2024–2025
Amb. Gertrude Angote
- 2015–2023
Amb. Rose Makena
- 2012–2015
Amb. Martin Kimani
- 2010–2011
Amb. George Awuor, MBS
- 2009–2010
Amb. Macharia Kamau
- 2007–2009
Amb. Wellington P. Godo, CBS, OGW
- 2003–2007
Amb. Eng. Andrew Kiptoon, EGH
- 2002–2003
Amb. Nehemiah K. Rotich
- 2000–2002
Amb. Prof. Michael Koech
- 1993–1996
Amb. Prof. Samson K. Ongeri
- 1991–1993
Amb. Raphael M. Kiilu
- 1986–1989
Amb. Mrs. K. N. Kinyanjui
- 1981–1985
Amb. Dr. Sally Kosgey
- 1976–1981
Amb. Margaret Kenyatta
Our work
Kenya at UN Environment Programme
The Kenya Permanent Mission represents the Republic of Kenya before UN Environment Programme and the other bodies of the international system seated in UNEP. We carry Kenya's positions into negotiations, defend our national interests and work with partner delegations to shape decisions that reach far beyond any single capital.
The bodies we represent Kenya in
See where we focus →The people
Our team
Mission leadership
Mr. Abdishakur S. Hussein, OGW
Deputy Permanent Representative
Mission team
Dr. Rose Anyona
Deputy Director · Head of Chancery
Mr. Patrick Nzangu Nzusi
Deputy Director General · Head of Diplomatic Service Centre
For Kenyans abroad
Diaspora
Answers
Common questions
Can the Permanent Mission help with passports, visas or other consular services?
No. A Permanent Mission represents Kenya at the international organisations seated in UNEP and has no public consular counter. For consular services, use Find a mission to reach the Kenyan embassy or high commission that serves you.
I have lost my passport, what should I do?
If you need to travel soon, apply for an Emergency Travel Document. If you are in danger or distress, call the 24/7 consular line first.
Get in touch
Contact us
Enquiry sent
Thank you. We have logged your enquiry under reference and will reply by email within 2 working days.
In an emergency abroad? Do not wait for an email reply. Call the 24/7 consular line on +254 20 331 8888.
Good to know
Before you visit
What to bring
- Your booking reference (book online before you come).
- A valid passport or national ID, and a photocopy.
- The supporting documents for your service.
- Proof of any eCitizen payment for the service.
- Arrive about 10 minutes early, with a pen.
If you live far from UNEP, ask the mission about honorary consuls or mobile consular clinics near you.
When we're closed
The mission observes Kenyan public holidays and the local public holidays of Kenya.
Kenyan public holidays
- 1 JunMadaraka Day
- 10 OctUtamaduni (Huduma) Day
- 20 OctMashujaa Day
- 12 DecJamhuri Day
- 25–26 DecChristmas and Boxing Day
- 1 JanNew Year's Day
- VariesGood Friday, Easter Monday and Eid