Joy Karambu, popularly known as Kawira from the iconic Kenyan TV show Papa Shirandula, gained fame for her hilarious portrayal of a naive high school girl from Meru, complete with her signature thick accent. The comedy series, which aired on Citizen TV for many years, concluded around 2020.
After Papa Shirandula ended, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, Joy continued her acting career. She joined the cast of Vioja Mahakamani on KBC, a long-running Kenyan courtroom comedy/drama, where she continues to perform. She has also made guest appearances in skits, including collaborations with the Vitimbi crew during events like the 2023 Labour Day celebrations.
On the personal front, Joy was married to Pastor Ephantus Wahome Safari, a gospel artist and motivational speaker, from 2014 until their separation in 2020 after six years of marriage. The couple had twins, a son and a daughter, following the tragic loss of one of their triplets at birth. Joy has spoken openly about the separation, citing irreconcilable differences, and has since focused on raising her children, nurturing her faith, and advancing her career.
As of early 2026, Joy remains active in Nairobi as a digital creator, voice-over artist, brand promoter, and media personality. Her social media presence is strong, with over 13K followers on Instagram (@kawirajoy) and regular updates on X (@KawiraJoy), the latest being on January 10, 2026. There are no recent reports suggesting any changes in her location or well-being.
Joy Karambu continues to entertain and inspire fans, blending her love for comedy, media, and digital content creation.
