Ruto Bids Farewell to Monica Juma as She Takes Helm at UN Vienna

Key facts

• President William Ruto bid farewell to National Security Advisor Monica Juma.
• Juma will serve as Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
• Juma will also be Director General of the UN Office at Vienna (UNOV).
• UN Secretary General António Guterres announced Juma's appointment on March 6, 2026.
• Juma succeeds Ghada Fathi Waly of Egypt in her new roles.
• Juma previously served as Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Defence.
• The farewell meeting took place at State House, Nairobi.

A Farewell to Kenya's Security Architect

President William Ruto has formally bid farewell to Monica Juma, Kenya's outgoing National Security Advisor, as she prepares to transition to a significant international career. The send-off ceremony, held at State House, Nairobi, marked the culmination of Juma's extensive service to the nation, particularly in the critical domains of security and diplomacy. Juma is set to assume two high-profile positions within the United Nations system, a move that underscores her considerable expertise on the global stage. Her departure from Kenya's public service signifies a new chapter, one where her leadership will be applied to pressing international challenges. President Ruto lauded Juma's dedication and intellectual prowess, highlighting her impactful tenure as National Security Advisor and in previous senior government roles. Her transition to the UN represents a significant gain for multilateral efforts against transnational crime and for fostering international cooperation.

Commendations for Distinguished Service

During the farewell meeting, President Ruto expressed profound gratitude for Ambassador Juma's years of dedicated public service. He described her as a highly respected professional and intellectual, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Kenya's security, diplomacy, and public administration sectors. "We thank Ambassador Monica Juma, the outgoing National Security Advisor, for her years of dedicated public service to our nation," President Ruto stated. He further elaborated on her capabilities, noting, "Through her service, she distinguished herself as a highly respected professional and intellectual with extensive knowledge in security, diplomacy, and public administration. She was also result-oriented and a skilled negotiator." The President's remarks underscored Juma's effectiveness and the breadth of her expertise, positioning her as a formidable asset to both national and international endeavors. Her ability to navigate complex policy areas and her commitment to achieving results were consistently emphasized.

A Global Mandate in Vienna

Monica Juma's new responsibilities will place her at the helm of crucial United Nations operations based in Vienna, Austria. UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced her appointment on March 6, 2026, to the dual roles of Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). In these capacities, Juma will spearhead global efforts to combat illicit drugs, organized crime, corruption, and terrorism, while also serving as a central hub for diplomacy, development, and international cooperation. Her appointment is seen as a significant development in addressing emerging global security threats linked to organized crime and illicit trade. She succeeds Ghada Fathi Waly of Egypt, who has been thanked for her dedicated service to the organization. Juma's extensive career, spanning government service, diplomacy, security policy, and academic research, makes her exceptionally qualified for these influential positions.

A Career Forged in Public Service and Diplomacy

Juma's tenure as National Security Advisor saw her play an instrumental role in coordinating Kenya's security strategy, navigating both domestic and regional challenges, and advising the presidency on critical matters of national interest. Prior to this, she held several high-profile positions, including Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Defence, where she was pivotal in shaping Kenya's foreign policy and strengthening international partnerships. Her diplomatic credentials are extensive, including service as Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti, and as Permanent Representative to the African Union, IGAD, and UNECA between 2010 and 2013. This period placed her at the heart of regional diplomacy and conflict resolution efforts. Beyond her government roles, Juma has contributed to academia, serving as Adjunct Faculty at the African Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. since 2002. She holds a PhD from the University of Oxford and advanced degrees in Government and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi.

Confidence in Global Leadership

President Ruto expressed his firm belief in Juma's capacity to excel in her new international roles. "I congratulate Ambassador Juma on her new roles… I am confident that she will excel in her new duties. Her experience, leadership, and commitment to service will make a significant contribution on the global stage," he stated. This endorsement reflects Juma's reputation as a skilled negotiator and a strategic thinker, qualities that are essential for navigating the complexities of international governance and security. Her appointment is expected to bolster the UN's capacity to address some of the world's most pressing security and development challenges. The farewell ceremony was attended by Joseph Boinett, who had been deputizing Juma in her role as National Security Advisor, signaling a smooth transition within Kenya's security apparatus.

The bottom line

• Monica Juma has departed her role as Kenya's National Security Advisor.
• She is taking up two senior leadership positions at the United Nations in Vienna.
• Juma will lead the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Office at Vienna (UNOV).
• Her appointment was announced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on March 6, 2026.
• President William Ruto praised her extensive contributions to Kenya's security and diplomacy.
• Juma's career includes significant roles as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Defence.