President William Ruto has congratulated Monica Juma following her appointment as Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna.
In a statement posted on X, Ruto said Juma’s appointment reflects recognition of her performance in various roles she has held in government, most recently as his National Security Advisor and Secretary to the National Security Council.
The president said Juma had served Kenya with professionalism and patriotism and had delivered in all assignments entrusted to her, earning international recognition.
Ruto also thanked António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, for the appointment.
He noted that the selection of Juma, whom he described as a Kenyan and a woman leader, came at a time when women’s achievements are being celebrated.
Ruto said Kenya remains committed to multilateralism and expressed hope for continued collaboration with the United Nations.
He concluded by congratulating Juma on her appointment and wished her well as the world marks International Women’s Day.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Monica Juma as the new Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).
She succeeds Ghada Fathi Waly of Egypt, whom the Secretary-General praised for her dedicated service.
John Brandolino, Director of the Division for Treaty Affairs at UNODC, will continue to serve as Acting Executive Director of UNODC and Acting Director-General of UNOV until Juma formally assumes her roles.
Juma brings extensive experience in diplomacy, governance, and security. She is currently serving as the National Security Adviser to the President of Kenya and Secretary to the National Security Council, a role she has held since 2022.
Her career in public service spans strategic Cabinet positions, including the Ministry of Energy (2021-2022), Ministry of Defence (2020-2021), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2018-2020), and as Acting Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining in 2022.
She also served as Principal Secretary in several ministries, including Foreign Affairs (2016-2018), Interior and Coordination of National Government (2014-2016), and Defence (2013-2014).
Her diplomatic assignments include serving as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kenya to Ethiopia and Djibouti, as well as Permanent Representative to the African Union, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) between 2010 and 2013.
Juma’s academic background is equally distinguished. She holds a PhD from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, earned between 1998 and 2000, and both a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Government and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi, obtained in 1991 and 1987, respectively.
She has also contributed to research and policy development as Executive Director at the Research Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) from 2008 to 2010, and at the Africa Policy Institute from 2006 to 2008.
She has taught as an Adjunct Faculty Member at the African Centre for Strategic Studies, National Defence University in Washington DC since 2002, and worked as a Senior Researcher and Policy Analyst at Safer Africa between 2002 and 2006.
Fluent in English, Kiswahili, and Kamba, Juma is known for her strategic approach to leadership. Her appointment to UNODC and UNOV places her at the helm of critical global initiatives addressing drugs, crime, and international security.
Secretary-General Guterres expressed confidence in Juma’s leadership, citing her “depth of expertise, experience and knowledge spanning public policy making, execution and academia across critical areas of security, diplomacy and governance.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone for Kenya in international diplomacy and global governance, highlighting the country’s growing influence in multilateral organisations.
Juma will take over from Waly after the transition period under Brandolino’s acting leadership, ushering in a new era for the UN offices in Vienna and advancing the Organisation’s mission in addressing global crime and drug-related challenges.
The appointment was announced on March 6, 2026, and is expected to strengthen UNODC’s efforts in policy development, coordination, and international cooperation in combating transnational crime.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!