UN Chief appoints Kenya’s Monica Juma as head of UNODC, UNOV
Monica Kathina Juma, National Security Adviser to President William Ruto, has been appointed to two top positions at the United Nations. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced that Juma will serve as Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs a..
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Kenya's National Security Adviser, Monica Juma, has been appointed to two significant leadership roles within the United Nations by Secretary-General António Guterres.
- 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 (UNOV).
- Ms. Juma succeeds Ghada Fathi Waly as Director-General of UNOV and takes over from John Brandolino, who will continue in an acting capacity until her assumption of duties.
- Juma brings extensive experience in public policy, security, diplomacy, and governance, having held multiple Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary roles in Kenya, including at the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs.
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Monica Juma appointed new UNODC Executive Director and Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna - March 2026
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Monica Kathina 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). This appointment makes Dr. Juma the third highest-ranking official in the UN system. She previously served as Kenya's National Security Advisor to President William Ruto and held cabinet positions including Cabinet Secretary for Defence and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, have extended congratulatory messages following her appointment to these senior roles within the United Nations.
