Meet Joyce Kithure, Kenya's new Second Lady

Second lady Doctor Joyce Kithure.[ Stafford Ondego, Standard]

As Deputy President Kithure Kindiki walked up the dais to take his oath of office at KICC on Friday, in tow was his spouse, Joyce Gatiria Kindiki, marking her first major public appearance. 

Donning a cream-colored skirt suit and modest heels, Joyce stood by her husband’s side, holding the Constitution firmly throughout the ceremony conducted by Judiciary Chief of Registrar Frida Mokaya.

After taking an oath, Kindiki thanked his wife in his speech, commending her sacrifices and unwavering support. 

"I want to thank my wonderful wife, Joyce—a woman who sacrificed a career of her own to raise our three children, Imani, Emma, and Mwende,” he said. 

“Many days and nights of my absence in service to this nation were made possible by her support.”

Despite her husband’s prominence, Joyce has largely remained out of the public eye. 

Married to Kindiki in 2001, she has maintained a private life. 

Her profile on LinkedIn reveals she’s a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Nairobi, where she has worked since 2014. 

With a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry, Joyce has dedicated nearly three decades to academia.

Joyce now steps into the role previously held by Dorcas Gachagua, who championed causes for the boy child and drug rehabilitation. 

Previously between 2017 and 2022, Rachel Ruto, as Second Lady, led women’s empowerment initiatives through the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO).

As Dr. Joyce Kindiki assumes this new position, many are curious to see what initiatives she will champion in support of Kenya’s social causes.