Dr Collins Odote holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Law from the University of Nairobi, Postdoctoral Fellowship Community Land Rights in Kenya (Strathmore University), Master of Law (University of Nairobi), Bachelor of Law (University of Nairobi) and Diploma in Law (Kenya School of Law). He is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Environmental Law and Policy (CASELAP) and the director of CASELAP, a multidisciplinary and postgraduate unit of the university. He has served at CASELAP since 2010 contributing to its growth by developing its curricula, teaching, and supervising students, coordinating its seminars and colloquia, and establishing collaboration and partnerships. He has over forty articles published to his name, in refereed journals, book chapters, books and monographs. Furthermore, he is a weekly columnist in The Business Daily and has written over 300 columns on diverse topics ranging from the environment, land, elections, education, the Constitution, COVID-19, regional integration, and extractives. He has also attended, spoken at, and written papers for numerous international, regional, national, and local level workshops.

Dr Odote links his academic work to policy and governance influence. He has thus consulted for, engaged with, and trained members of key actors in the country including the National Assembly, the Senate, County Assemblies, Council of Governors, Media, Judiciary, Civil Society, Political Parties and State Agencies and Departments, Constitutional Commissions, Donors and Local Communities. He has consulted for the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank, The United Nations Environment programme, The UN Food and Agriculture Organization, The United Nations Office for Drug and Crime, The East African Community, Government of Kenya, International Development Law Organization, National Democratic Institute, Danish International Development Organization, Department for International Development, County Assemblies Forum, National Environment Management Authority, amongst others. 

Dr. Odote has also led several research projects and continues to engage in others bringing in resources to the University and resulting in the establishment of collaborations both locally and internationally. He believes in mentorship and intergenerational succession. He has edited two publications in honour of two distinguished scholars of the University of Nairobi, contributing personal resources for part of the publication for the second, in honour of Professor Charles Okidi. As a manager of Parklands Strategic Management Unit of the Student Welfare Authority, he mentored many students and continues to do so, after the end of his term. He has served for three years as a Commissioner of student elections and is an accomplished process facilitator who has moderated several high-level meetings for diverse audiences.

Dr Odote is a highly regarded people-manager whose exemplary leadership qualities have seen him appointed to serve as chairman and member of numerous University Committees, to the accomplishment of the mandate that each committee is given. He continues to mentor his colleagues, and endeavors to build the strengths of all who work with him. In his first year as appointed Director of CASELAP he has led the University through milestones and has lifted the Center to become the overall best performing unit in the institution.