Justina Wamae
| Full Name | Justina Wambui Wamae |
| Gender | Female |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Family | Married to Alex Kanyi and have one daughter |
Justina Wamae is a Kenyan businesswoman, advocate, and politician, best known as the running mate for Professor George Wajackoyah in the 2022 presidential election under the Roots Party.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Kibera, she grew up in a modest household and experienced the challenges of life in one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements.
After the 2007–2008 post-election violence, her family relocated to Syokimau, a suburb in Machakos County.
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She attended Kilimani Primary School, where she completed her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 2001.
For her secondary education, she joined Limuru Girls High School, a national school known for academic excellence, where she sat for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2005.
Justina graduated from Daystar University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Information Systems.
In 2012, she earned a Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management from CIPS UK, and a Master’s in Purchasing and Logistics from JKUAT in 2014.
Career & Business
She initially worked as a British Council exam invigilator and later took up contract work with them for 8 months to fund her further studies.
Wamae never held a formal salaried job until later; instead, she engaged in unpaid internships and explored freelance projects such as hosting a YouTube show on crime.
Eventually co-founded a family business with her husband in excavation, construction, and building materials supply, based in Utawala, Nairobi.
She operates machinery like graders and oversees strategy and operations. The business employs over 30 people directly and contributes to a larger supply value chain.
Justina Wamae also served as Managing Director of Finpro Association Ltd, an enterprise empowering youth-owned businesses, and led the “Warembo na Uhuru” women’s lobby group in Machakos County during the 2017 campaign.
Political Journey
Justina Wamae’s political journey reflects her commitment to public service and advocacy, marked by her rise to national prominence despite early setbacks.
Wamae’s entry into politics began with her candidacy for a parliamentary seat in the 2017 Kenyan general election.
Representing the Mavoko Constituency in Machakos County, she ran as an independent candidate but was unsuccessful in securing the seat.
This early attempt showcased her ambition to contribute to governance and address community issues, particularly those related to her roots in Kibera and her advocacy for youth empowerment.
Wamae’s political profile surged in 2022 when she was selected as the running mate for Professor George Wajackoyah, the presidential candidate of the Roots Party, in the August 2022 Kenyan general election.
At age 35, she was one of the youngest deputy presidential candidates, alongside other notable female running mates like Martha Karua and Ruth Mucheru Mutua.
The Roots Party, known for its unconventional campaign centered on policies like legalizing cannabis and promoting the slogan “Tingiza Miti” (Shake the Trees), brought Wamae into the national spotlight.
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During the campaign, Wamae played a prominent role in articulating the Roots Party’s manifesto, launched in June 2022.
Her visibility increased through media appearances and public engagements, where she emphasized youth empowerment and economic development, drawing from her experience as the managing director of Finpro Association Limited.
Despite the party’s limited electoral success, her participation highlighted her as a bold and emerging political figure.
Post-2022 Election Activities
Following the 2022 election, Wamae applied for a permanent secretary position in the Kenyan government but was not selected.
In July 2024, Wamae was appointed to a 20-member Presidential Taskforce on Human Resources for Health, a significant recognition of her expertise and public profile.
However, she declined the offer, citing personal reasons, including being on maternity leave after giving birth to her son and safety concerns due to threats from Gen Z protesters during social unrest.
She elaborated on this decision in a podcast and interview on July 16, 2025, noting the government’s disconnect from public sentiment at the time and her fear of being targeted, with references to the protest term “kusalimiwa” (a polite term for violent confrontation).
She continues to be a significant voice in Kenyan politics and governance, with her actions and statements shaping public discourse.
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