Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s wife, Joyce Gatiria, has for years maintained a low profile despite being Kenya’s second lady.
Joyce has appeared on few public occasions since Kindiki’s entry into politics, defying the norm where second ladies accompany their spouses in nearly every occasion.
While not much is known about her, she boasts a rich education background and is a PhD holder in Environmental Chemistry.
Born in the 1970s in Meru County, Joyce serves as a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi in the Department of Chemistry, a position she has held since 2014.
She is trained as a chemistry and mathematics teacher at Moi University, and has dedicated over two decades to the education sector, teaching in several secondary schools across Kenya.
Among the schools where she has served are Gaciongo Secondary School in Kirinyaga, Chemuswa Secondary School in Nandi, Kiptewit Secondary School in Kericho, and Kithayooni Secondary School in Machakos.
The second lady got her doctorate of Philosophy in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Nairobi in 2013. She also holds a Bachelor of Science, and a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from Kenyatta University.
She is widely respected for her contributions to chemistry, as well as her commitment to maintaining a balanced and impactful career in academia.
Besides her teaching career, Joyce is 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.
She has also authored three textbooks, including her recent release, Statistics for Chemists.
She got married to the Deputy President in 2001 in a memorable celebration witnessed by family and close friends. Together, they are blessed with three children Imani, Neema, and Mwende.
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