Joyce Kabui

Joyce Kabui headshot
MPS '22, Global Development
  • Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
  • Colleges attended and degree earned: United States International University (USIU-Africa): Master of Arts in Communication Studies; Daystar University: Bachelor of Arts in Communications
What are the big challenges you want to tackle in the world?

I aspire to be part of organizations working to end energy poverty while mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and tackling rising inequality in sub-Saharan Africa.

What were you doing before the MPS program?

I worked with RTI International as a Senior Communications Specialist supporting the USAID-funded Power Africa East Africa Energy Program. This is a 4-year, $65m program aimed at connecting the population of 10 African countries to affordable and reliable electricity services. Prior to that, I worked with Oxfam International, Kenya where I played an integral role in implementing programs that aimed to reduce poverty, inequality, and injustices.

What does global development mean to you?

I resonate the most with Amartya Sen’s definition of development as “the freedom to be and to do.” Global development is, in my view, about giving opportunities and platforms to uplift and improve the quality of life of the underserved. It is about ensuring everyone enjoys the freedom to be and do regardless of their profile or standing. It is people-centered, and it takes collaborative efforts at an international level to realize gains at scale.

How do you envision your MPS degree contributing to your career?

I see the program enabling me to pursue a more strategic role in public policy and global development. It will open up opportunities for me to be impactful in shaping the public policy ecosystem for economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. I purpose to specifically work in the energy sector supporting energy transition programs aligned with the existing development blueprints and SDGs.

Tell us a fun fact about you.

I can almost quote every Friends TV series episode. It’s my all-time favorite.

Connect with Joyce: