Kenya’s new second lady: Details of Dr. Joyce Gatiria Njagi-Kithure
By Amina Wako |
Known for her low-key lifestyle despite her husband's prominent public roles, Dr. Kithure has built an impressive career while balancing the responsibilities of family life.
Dr. Joyce Gatiria Njagi-Kithure emerged from years of professional dedication to academia in a rare moment under the spotlight, becoming a figure of national interest as her husband, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, took the oath as Kenya's third Deputy President under the 2010 Constitution.
Known for her low-key lifestyle despite her husband's prominent public roles, Dr. Kithure has built an impressive career while balancing the responsibilities of family life.
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Dr. Kithure’s journey is one of quiet resilience and determination. Trained as a chemistry and mathematics teacher at Moi University, she has dedicated over two decades to the education sector, teaching in several secondary schools across Kenya.
Her career includes time spent at Gaciongo Secondary School in Kirinyaga, Chemuswa Secondary School in Nandi, Kiptewit Secondary School in Kericho, and Kithayooni Secondary School in Machakos.
Currently serving as a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Nairobi (UoN), Dr. Kithure has gained recognition as a leader in her field. With a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from Kenyatta University and a PhD in Environmental Chemistry from UoN, her academic journey has earned her significant respect.
She is also an accomplished researcher, awarded prestigious grants, including a $12,000 grant by the International Foundation for Science in 2010 to investigate pesticide residues in the Upper Tana River Catchment.
Her publication portfolio, covering topics such as the impact of food canning processes and the effectiveness of industrial wastewater treatment in Kenya, has contributed valuable insights to the field of environmental chemistry.
Beyond her research, Dr. Kithure has published three textbooks, including her recent release, Statistics for Chemists. One of her colleagues at UoN described her as “a mentor and a role model to many, not only within the university but across the academic field in Kenya.”
Prof Kithure Kindiki and his wife, Dr Joyce, during his swearing-in ceremony. (X/Kindiki Kithure)
Prof. Kindiki, in his swearing-in speech, acknowledged Dr. Kithure's sacrifices. “She is a professional in her own right who has sacrificed to raise our three children,” he said.
“Many, many days and nights of my absence as I served the country in different roles, I am very grateful to my wife and the children for being the foundation and providing the support that I have always required as I navigate this difficult space of public service.”
As a mother of three—Imani, Neema, and Mwende—Dr. Kithure's journey has been one of balance and perseverance. Her faith also remains a cornerstone of her identity, as she recently reaffirmed at her father's funeral, introducing herself as “saved, nampenda Mungu (I love God)” and the eldest in her family.
One shared thread between Dr. Kithure and Prof. Kindiki is their shared academic roots at Moi University, where they each began their undergraduate journeys before going on to distinguish themselves in their respective fields.
Dr. Kithure, who completed her undergraduate studies in 2000, continues to be a respected figure at UoN, where she has taken on leadership roles, from sitting on the Departmental Committee on Corruption Prevention to guiding postgraduate students.
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