Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has held a key meeting with the newly appointed Executive Director of the United Nations Office, Monica Juma, as she takes up the new role.
Taking to his official X account on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Mudavadi congratulated her as she prepares to take up her new global responsibilities at the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).
“Hosted outgoing National Security Advisor, Amb. @AmbMonicaJuma, and congratulated her as she prepares to take up her new global responsibilities as Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV),” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi lauded Monica Juma’s appointment, noting that the appointment reflects her distinguished leadership, professionalism and steadfast commitment to advancing Kenya’s interests on the global stage.
“Amb. Juma’s remarkable career continues to inspire many. It adds to the growing number of Kenyans, particularly women, who are making a strong impact in international governance, peace and security, economic development, and diplomacy. We also exchanged views on matters of national interest as she transitions to her new international responsibilities,” he added.
Monica Juma previously served as the National Security Advisor to President William Ruto and Secretary to the National Security Council.
She was appointed to the dual role by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday, March 6.
In a statement, the UN said Juma will succeed Ghada Fathi Waly of Egypt, who served a six-year term from 2020 to 2026.
“United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Monica Kathina Juma of Kenya as Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as well as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV),” the UN said in a statement.
According to UN practice, the office of the Executive Director of UNODC, as well as the Director-General of UNOV, are typically held by the same person.
The holder of this office is regarded at the rank of Under-Secretary-General, and is appointed by the UN Secretary-General. Typically, the holders of this office serve an initial period of up to five years, subject to renewal.
An Under-Secretary-General (USG) is a high-ranking official in the United Nations and holds the third-highest rank in the UN hierarchy, below the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General.
This means the former Defense Cabinet Secretary is among a group high ranking officials at the global agency.
