Outgoing National Security Advisor Ambassador Monica Juma has issued an emotional farewell message to President William Ruto and Kenyans as she prepares to leave government service for a senior appointment at the United Nations.
Juma, who has served as National Security Advisor and Secretary to the National Security Council for the last three and a half years, thanked President Ruto for entrusting her with one of the country’s most sensitive offices.
In a message released shortly after a farewell meeting at State House Nairobi, Juma reflected on her time in government, describing the role as a solemn duty dedicated to protecting Kenya’s interests and national stability.
“For the last three and half years, I have had the honour of a solemn responsibility of serving my motherland as His Excellency President Ruto’s National Security Advisor and Secretary to the National Security Council,” she stated.
She thanked the President for giving her the opportunity to work closely with him on matters touching on national security, risks, and strategic planning.
“Thank you, Excellency, for entrusting me with this solemn responsibility, and the privilege of walking by your side, parsing the delicate contours of vulnerabilities, risks, threats, as well as opportunities available to our country,” she said.
Juma added that her work involved crafting strategic responses and advising on issues critical to the safety and stability of the Republic.
Her farewell message came as President Ruto officially bid her goodbye at State House, where he praised her as a respected diplomat, intellectual and skilled negotiator who had served Kenya with distinction.
The outgoing security advisor is set to begin her new assignment at the United Nations on May 11, 2026, where she will serve in a dual role as Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).
The appointment places Juma among the highest-ranking Kenyan officials within the UN system and positions her at the centre of global discussions on transnational crime, security cooperation and international justice.
“As I take my bow, I thank you most sincerely and extend best wishes to you as you continue to steer Kenya forward,” she told President Ruto.
She also appealed for support from Kenyans as she transitions to the international stage.
“I look forward to the support of my motherland, Kenya as I serve on this global arena,” she said.
Juma concluded her message with a patriotic farewell statement in Swahili: “Asante Kenya, kwaheri ya kuonana!”
Her departure marks the end of a notable chapter in Kenya’s national security leadership, where she played a central role in advising government on security coordination and diplomatic engagement.
Over the years, Juma has served in several senior government positions, including in foreign affairs and defence-related assignments, earning recognition as one of Kenya’s most experienced diplomats and policy experts.