NAIROBI, Kenya — Moses Wetang’ula has congratulated Monica Juma following her appointment to a senior leadership role at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
In a statement after a meeting with the outgoing National Security Advisor, Wetang’ula said he held a “productive engagement” with Juma and commended her for her new international assignment.
Juma has been appointed Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna.
The National Assembly Speaker congratulated the diplomat and encouraged her to continue representing Kenya and the wider region with distinction in her new role.
“I took the opportunity to congratulate her on her appointment to the United Nations as Executive Director of the UNODC and Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna,” Wetang’ula said.
He expressed confidence in Juma’s leadership, noting that she had demonstrated strong diplomatic credentials during her years in government service.
Wetang’ula also recalled working closely with Juma during his tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying their professional collaboration had shown her ability to handle complex international engagements.
“Having worked closely with Amb. Monica, during my tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I have full confidence in her leadership and ability to excel in this role while further elevating Kenya’s profile on the global stage,” he added.
Juma, a veteran diplomat and public servant, has previously served in several high-ranking government roles, including Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Cabinet Secretary for Defence.
Her appointment to the UN agency places a Kenyan diplomat at the helm of one of the world’s key institutions dealing with transnational crime, drug trafficking, corruption, and terrorism.
The UNODC coordinates global efforts to combat organized crime and illicit drug trade while promoting justice, the rule of law, and international cooperation.
Her tenure will involve overseeing UN programs aimed at addressing crime prevention, anti-corruption initiatives, and international cooperation against illicit trafficking networks across multiple regions.
