Ruto bids farewell to Monica Juma as she takes up senior UN role

President William Ruto has today bid farewell to outgoing National Security Advisor Monica Juma, commending her years of service to the country as she prepares to take up a senior position at the United Nations.

Ruto thanked Juma for her dedication to public service, noting her extensive contribution to 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,” Ruto said.

He described her as a highly respected professional and intellectual who had served with distinction in various government roles over the years.

“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,” he added.

The President congratulated Juma on her appointment to two senior positions at the United Nations, where she will serve as Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director General of the United Nations Office at Vienna.

“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,” Ruto said.

Present during the meeting was Joseph Boinett, who has been deputising Juma in the role.

Juma has been a key figure in Kenya’s foreign policy and security architecture, previously serving in senior diplomatic and cabinet positions, including as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Defence.

Her departure marks a transition to the global stage, where she is expected to play a leading role in shaping international efforts on crime prevention, drug control, and multilateral cooperation.

At the farewell ceremony, Ruto wished her well in her new responsibilities, expressing confidence that she would continue to represent Kenya with distinction in her global assignments.

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres announced the appointment of Juma to the two roles on March 6, 2026.

She succeeds Ghada Fathi Waly of Egypt, to whom the Secretary General is grateful for her dedicated service to the organisation.