Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Monica Juma to a senior United Nations position, describing it as a milestone for Kenya’s global standing.

Mudavadi spoke during a farewell reception hosted by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in Nairobi on Friday evening, March 27, 2026, in honour of the outgoing National Security Adviser.

The event brought together senior government officials, diplomats and members of the international community to celebrate Juma’s public service and her transition to the international role.

“Amb. Monica Juma’s appointment as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) further cements Kenya’s standing on the global stage,” Mudavadi stated.

He said the appointment strengthens Kenya’s leadership in multilateral diplomacy and reinforces the country’s voice in global governance. Mudavadi also thanked President William Ruto for supporting Juma’s transition to the international assignment.

Historic appointment in the UN system

Juma becomes the highest-ranking Kenyan within the United Nations system and only the second African to hold the dual position after Egypt’s Ghada Fathi Waly.

The appointment was announced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on March 6, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day celebrations.

Guterres expressed confidence in Juma’s leadership, citing her extensive experience in public policy, diplomacy and security. She will succeed Waly, while John Brandolino will continue serving as Acting Executive Director of UNODC and Acting Director-General of UNOV until she formally assumes office.

In her new position, Juma will lead global initiatives addressing transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, corruption, terrorism financing and human trafficking. UNODC works with member states through research, legal assistance and capacity-building programmes across more than 150 countries.

As Director-General of UNOV, she will also oversee one of the United Nations’ major duty stations, which hosts several international organisations, including the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization.

Leaders praise Juma’s diplomatic career

Juma brings extensive experience in public service and diplomacy to the role. She has served as National Security Adviser to President Ruto and Secretary to the National Security Council since 2022.

Her previous Cabinet positions include Defence, Foreign Affairs and Energy. She also served as Acting Cabinet Secretary for Petroleum and Mining at different times.

Earlier in her career, she held several senior government roles, including Principal Secretary in various ministries. She also served as Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Permanent Representative to the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also congratulated Juma following a meeting on March 12, expressing confidence in her ability to represent Kenya and the wider African region in the global arena.

Mudavadi said the appointment reflects Kenya’s growing diplomatic footprint and commitment to global peace, security and sustainable development.

Leaders attending the reception described Juma’s elevation as recognition of Kenya’s contributions to international governance and its role in addressing global challenges related to justice, security and the rule of law.