Julie Gichuru is one of the most celebrated media personalities in Kenya with a career that spans broadcast, print and digital media. She was once the darling of Kenyan TV screens before leaving mainstream news to explore other ventures.
Over the years, Julie has won awards, built businesses, and inspired many young people. Her influence is felt across Africa, where she continues to advocate for leadership, peace, and innovation.
With a net worth estimated at around $500,000, Julie Gichuru’s success story proves that hard work, resilience, and determination can change lives.
Julie Gichuru Biography and Career Journey
Julie Gichuru was born on January 7, 1974, in Dagoretti, Nairobi. She is the daughter of a Kashmiri father and a Kikuyu mother. Growing up was not easy for her because her parents separated, and her father remarried. Julie has three sisters and one half-brother.
She attended several schools including St Christopher’s, Green Herald in Bangladesh, Loreto Convent Musongari, and Imani School. She later pursued her higher education in the United Kingdom where she earned an LLB Law degree and an MBA from Cardiff University’s Law and Business Schools.
While studying in the UK, Julie worked in a food factory packing pancakes to fund her education. She later returned to Kenya and got her first opportunity at KTN before moving to Capital FM and then back to KTN as a reporter. From there, she joined NTV and later became one of the top anchors at Citizen TV under Royal Media Services.
In 2017, she left Citizen TV and shifted focus to her production company, Arimus Media Ltd. Through this, she has produced programs such as Africa Leadership Dialogues, Great Debaters Contest, and Maisha. She also launched the online retail fashion outlet Mimi.
In 2019, she was appointed Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Mastercard Foundation, a global milestone in her career.
Julie has won several awards including the Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness Award, the Order of the Golden Warrior and recognition as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Forbes, Avance Media, and New African have all listed her among the most influential African women.
Husband and Children
Julie is married to Anthony Gichuru, the son of the late Salome Njeri and Samuel Gichuru, the former CEO of Kenya Power. Anthony comes from a prominent family, and his mother was a successful entrepreneur before her passing.
The two met officially in 1999 although their families had known each other for years. Julie was initially hesitant to marry because of her parents’ divorce, but the couple eventually tied the knot on November 29, 2003.
They have five children, although tragedy struck when their son Mwaura died at just seven months after choking while being fed. Their surviving children are Njeri, Kimoshe, Daniel and Joseph. Julie often shares that her daughter Njeri is her pride, describing her as strong and beautiful.
Parents and Early Life
Julie’s parents played a significant role in shaping her life, though not always in positive ways. Her father was of Kashmiri descent while her mother was Kikuyu from Kiambu. After their separation, Julie and her siblings experienced difficult moments that taught her resilience.
She has openly talked about how family struggles pushed her to work harder in school and later in her career. Despite the challenges, she excelled academically, showing that setbacks do not define one’s destiny. Her story continues to inspire many who come from broken families.
House and Lifestyle
Julie Gichuru lives in an elegant home that reflects her success. While she keeps most of her private life away from the public, glimpses shared online show a spacious and luxurious house. The home features modern designs, a serene compound and tasteful décor that mirrors her personality.
Her lifestyle is a mix of elegance and simplicity. She avoids flaunting wealth, instead focusing on family, career, and philanthropy. This balance has made her one of the most respected figures in the region.
Interesting Facts About Julie Gichuru
- Julie was born in Wanyee Estate, Dagoretti, Nairobi.
- She once worked night shifts in the UK to pay for her education.
- She has a mixed heritage of Kashmiri and Kikuyu roots.
- She lost her son Mwaura at infancy but remained strong for her family.
- She has four surviving children with her husband Anthony.
- She has been listed multiple times among Africa’s most influential women.
- Her net worth is estimated at $500,000 from media, business and investments.
