Dr. Ida Betty Odinga, E.G.H., born on August 24, 1950, is one of Kenya’s most influential and respected public figures — a pioneering business leader, educator, and lifelong advocate for women's empowerment.

As the Managing Director of East Africa Spectre Ltd. since 2003, she has led the company — a leading manufacturer of liquefied gas cylinders — to regional prominence, transforming operations through strategic expansion and positioning it as a key player in East Africa’s energy sector. She remains one of the first and most prominent female corporate leaders in the region.

Dr. Odinga is the Founder and Patron of the Ida Odinga Trust, a charitable organization that champions the rights and well-being of women and girls across Kenya. Through initiatives such as the #LindaKesho campaign, she has directly reached over 1 million girls, advocating against early pregnancies and child marriages, and providing over 2,000 scholarships to students in high schools and colleges. She also works tirelessly to promote safe spaces for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence across all 47 counties in Kenya.

Trained as a teacher, Dr. Odinga devoted over 20 years to education before transitioning into corporate and public advocacy work. Her deep passion for civic education and women’s leadership culminated in the establishment of the League of Kenya Women Voters (LKWV) in 1991. As its founder and chairperson, she played a pivotal role in lobbying for affirmative action, leading to the creation of 47 women representative positions in Kenya’s Parliament under the 2010 Constitution.

Dr. Odinga’s commitment to public service and national development has earned her numerous accolades, including:
• Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) – Kenya’s second-highest civilian honor (2019)
• Distinguished African Amazon Award by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (2012)
• Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanities from Igbinedion University, Nigeria (2012)

She is also the Founder and First Trustee of the Dr. Ida Odinga Library, Research, Innovation and Resource Centre Trust, and an active member of various organizations including: • Maendeleo ya Wanawake
• National Council of Women of Kenya
• Kenya Women Finance Trust
• Kenya Paraplegic Organization

Key Causes & Initiatives Supported:
• Prevention of early marriages and teenage pregnancies
• Reintegration of teen mothers into school
• Breast cancer and fistula awareness
• Promotion of women's political participation
• Eradication of the Chigoe flea in rural communities

Hon. Harriette Chiggai currently serves in the Executive Office the President of Kenya as the President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights, the first of its kind in Kenya. Her office focuses on the rights of women and girls in all areas affecting their lives and advises His Excellency the President on matters pertain to women’s rights and empowerment. Her office further supports the coordination of the President’s special projects and adoption of the Women’s Agenda across all sectors, as outlined in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) plan and Women’s Charter. Prior to this, Hon. Chiggai has served and is an accomplished Advocate of the High court of Kenya. She is an iconic figure with a wide leadership and professional experience. She has served in various institutions and Government Boards in Kenya and East Africa. She has over 10 years legal experience in various organizations including private legal practice, and senior management positions. Hon. Chiggai is extremely passionate about empowerment of women and girls, leadership, governance, youth mentorship and development and she was nominated by PAW Africa as the 2015 Phenomenal Africa Women of the year based on her contribution to mentorship programmes and transformative leadership and governance. Hon. Chiggai has been recognized as the Gender Data Champion in the Kenyan Government by Data2X, an arm of the UN Foundation.