Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has congratulated Kenya’s National Security Adviser Dr Monica Juma following her appointment to a senior leadership role at the United Nations, describing the move as global recognition of Kenya’s intellectual capacity.
Dr Juma was recently appointed to serve in two key positions at the UN: Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).
The positions place her at the center of international efforts to combat transnational crime, drug trafficking, corruption and terrorism.
Reacting to the news, Kindiki praised Juma’s track record in public service and diplomacy, saying her appointment reflects the caliber of expertise Kenya continues to offer on the global stage.
“Congratulations are in order, Dr Monica Juma, on appointment 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),” Kindiki said.
The deputy president added that the UN had once again drawn from Kenya’s pool of highly skilled professionals.
“Through this appointment, the United Nations Organization has once again tapped from the rich reserve of world-class brain power that Kenya has, picking one of the most intellectually gifted daughters of Kenya,” he said.
Juma currently serves as the National Security Adviser to President William Ruto and Secretary to the National Security Council, a role she has held since 2022.
Her career spans several senior government positions, including Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Energy. She has also served as Kenya’s ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti and as the country’s permanent representative to the African Union.
At the United Nations, Juma will oversee global programmes targeting organised crime, corruption and illicit drug networks, while also managing operations at the UN’s Vienna headquarters.
Her appointment marks one of the most senior UN leadership positions held by a Kenyan diplomat in recent years.