NEW YORK, United States — Kenya’s Monica Juma has officially taken the oath of office as Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, marking a major milestone for Kenya’s diplomatic presence on the global stage.
Juma was sworn in at the United Nations Headquarters in New York by António Guterres, pledging to serve with integrity, impartiality and commitment to the principles of the United Nations.
“In taking this oath, I am reminded that international civil service is, above all, a commitment to people,” Juma said following the ceremony.
“As I solemnly declared my dedication to carry out these functions with integrity, impartiality, and the utmost regard for the purposes and principles of the United Nations, I reflected on the responsibility that comes with this trust.”
Commitment to Global Peace and Justice
Juma said she assumes the role with humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility at a time when the international community faces complex security and governance challenges.
“I step into this role with humility, gratitude, and a profound sense of duty. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the UN system and around the world to advance peace, security, justice, and the rule of law for a more prosperous and dignified future for all,” she said.
Her appointment places a Kenyan at the helm of one of the United Nations’ most influential institutions responsible for combating transnational crime, corruption, terrorism, illicit trafficking, and drug-related offences.
Distinguished Public Service Career
Juma brings decades of experience in governance, diplomacy, national security, and international relations.
Before her appointment, she served as Kenya’s first National Security Adviser and Secretary to the National Security Council from 2022 to 2026.
She previously held several senior Cabinet positions, including Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Energy. She also served as Acting Cabinet Secretary for Petroleum and Mining between 2018 and 2022.
Her public service career further includes appointments as Principal Secretary in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Defence.
Diplomatic and Academic Credentials
Juma has also represented Kenya at key regional and international institutions.
Between 2010 and 2013, she served as Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti, while also acting as Permanent Representative to the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Beyond government, she has held academic and research positions at institutions including the African Centre for Strategic Studies at the National Defence University in Washington, D.C., the University of Pretoria, and the Africa Institute of South Africa.
Juma holds a PhD from the University of Oxford, where she also earned a certificate in refugee studies. She obtained her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Government and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi.
Key Role in Global Security Agenda
As head of UNOV and UNODC, Juma will oversee international efforts to tackle organised crime, corruption, terrorism financing, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and other cross-border security threats.
The offices play a central role in supporting member states to strengthen criminal justice systems, promote the rule of law, and enhance international cooperation against emerging security challenges.
Her appointment has been widely viewed as recognition of Kenya’s growing diplomatic influence and Africa’s increasing representation within global governance institutions.
