The departing National Security Advisor, Monica Juma, has challenged new foreign service officers who have been posted to be keen and dedicated to protecting the national interest of Kenya as they prepare to assume diplomatic posts in other countries.

Taking it to their social media handle on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Monica Juma, while speaking at the Foreign Service Academy during the first session of a three-week pre-departure training programme for the diplomats, said that in her speech on the Trinity of Statecraft, she pointed out that diplomats should have a clear perception of the role of the three pillars in the execution of the strategic goals of a country.

“There is no greater honour than serving your country abroad,” Juma said.

According to Juma, the interests of a nation are safeguarded best when the region is stable and secure, and as a result, diplomacy is critical in the enhancement of peace, cooperation and regional stability.

She also cautioned that Kenya has development interests both internally and externally, which are threatened and challenged, and that diplomats should take proactive steps and be vigilant in defending the interests of the country, no matter their location.

The programme is a gathering of new officers who have been posted to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and other government agencies that are preparing to be posted to Kenyan missions in the world.

Juma encouraged them to work with integrity, professionalism and commitment, as their efforts will be the ones that will directly affect the image of Kenya in the international arena.

Juma’s sentiments echoed

Other speakers at the session included the Acting Director-General of the Foreign Service Academy, Patrick Wamoto, who exhorted the officers to be patient, resilient, accountable and culturally intelligent in their new position.

Wamoto also noted that contemporary diplomacy has become more complex with the emergence of new challenges in the international arena, new foreign relations participants and changes in their practices and methods of diplomacy, where diplomats have to be flexible and adaptable. A diplomat is a negotiator and an act of bridging.

“A diplomat is both a negotiator and a bridge-builder. Learn the language, master the culture, and use every opportunity to tell Kenya’s story,” Wamoto said.

He also pointed out the government’s role in economic diplomacy, whereby he urged the officers to make Kenyan missions overseas active economic hubs which can attract investment, increase trade opportunities and create economic prospects for Kenyans. Furthermore, he emphasised the increased role of digital diplomacy, and he urged the officers to enhance their communication and social media proficiencies to overcome misinformation and successfully connect with audiences worldwide.

The training programme will seek to arm the diplomats with the knowledge, skills and strategic awareness which will enable them to effectively represent and defend the interests of Kenya in the international arena.

Juma’s appointment by United Nations

Juma’s remarks come ahead of her exit as National Security Advisor following her appointment by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna.

The announcement was made on March 6, 2026, placing the Kenyan diplomat and security expert in charge of two key United Nations offices.