Former Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr. Monica Juma, now serving as President William Ruto's security advisor was one of the most influential members of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's cabinet, composed of top and respected technocrats.

During her tenure spanning five years in cabinet, Dr. Monica Juma held roles in three different ministries: Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Devolution, showcasing the considerable trust placed in her by President Uhuru.

Previously, she had served as Principal Secretary for Internal Security and later for Foreign Affairs.


Before these roles, the seasoned security expert had been an advisor to former President Mwai Kibaki and subsequently served as Kenya's ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union.

Educated at the University of Cape Town in international relations, she later found herself in the inner sanctums of power, entrusted with sensitive portfolios by President Uhuru.

Following Uhuru's departure from power in September 2022, Dr. Juma continued to serve in the Kenya Kwanza administration as Dr. Ruto's security advisor.

In 2023, she was appointed as the Secretary to the National Security Advisory Council, the country's top security decision-making body chaired by the President.

With the entire cabinet dismissed by President Ruto on Thursday, attention now shifts to his next nominees for these key positions.