Many Kenyans fondly remember Joy Furaha Karambu, popularly known by her stage name Kawira, for her unforgettable role in the hit Citizen TV sitcom Papa Shirandula.
Kawira became a household name through her hilarious portrayal of a naïve yet mischievous schoolgirl from Meru, known for her thick accent, short hair, and boundless energy. Her character’s innocence mixed with cheeky humor made her one of the most loved faces on Kenyan television.
On the show, Kawira’s funny antics and frequent run-ins at Juma Anderson’s home brought laughter to millions of viewers, adding a unique spark to Papa Shirandula’s satirical take on everyday Kenyan life.
After the comedy show ended, Joy Karambu shifted her focus from the screen to her personal life. In July 2024, she addressed fans on social media, assuring them that she was doing well and still living in Nairobi, where she has long been based for work and family.
She revealed that she had taken a step back from the limelight to focus on family and personal projects, noting that she was in a peaceful and fulfilling season of her life.
Earlier reports from 2023 and 2020 also linked her to Nairobi, where she occasionally made appearances on Instagram, sharing snippets of her family and spiritual life. Though she currently maintains a low online presence and has no active X (Twitter) account, her last updates reassured fans that she remains healthy and happy.
Kawira’s story continues to inspire many who grew up watching her journey from a small-town girl in Meru to one of Kenya’s most talented actresses, comedians, and journalists.
