In 2002, Better Days, a program that aired on Kenya Television Network (KTN) became an instant hit in the country with memorable casts such as Charles Ouda, Joyce Gachanja, Valentine Wanjiku, Zain Armstrong, among others.
Joyce Gachanja was the lead actress in the show, better known by her stage name 'Ciku'. She was from a poor background and was torn between accepting to get married to an old rich man or sticking to her poor boyfriend.
Unfortunately, Joyce left the show in 2007 when it stopped airing due to the post-election violence.
“We were left in limbo because we didn’t know whether we would be called back for the show, " she stated in a previous interview.
Years later, this is what she has been up to:
Joyce is a producer who together with her husband, Yafesi Musoke, own Briefcase Inc, a company that specialises in TV and film production. While she produces, her husband writes the scripts.
Together, they have worked on several shows, plays and have done advertisements for big brands in the country, the latest being the popular Mawowowo.
The duo met at Daystar University, where Joyce studied communication and Yafesi did advertising, which was under marketing. Both were engaged in the school's drama productions.
“We were probably the only ones who didn’t think we were dating. We were always busy so there was no time for looking into each other’s eyes," Joyce stated.
Eventually, Yafesi asked her on a date and that is when their love story began.
They now have three children, Tendai, Sanyu and Ng'ang'a.
In a local TV interview, Joyce narrated that her biggest career challenge was launching back from motherhood.
"You look up from changing diapers and the industry has moved on and you just just feel like you are out of your depth and trying to re-establish connections," she stated.
However, Joyce declared that acting was her first love and she would not hesitate to go back.
"I love the process of creating something and how we are able to rise from despair when things don’t work the way we wanted. That’s what I actually consider an accomplishment. It used to be the awards but I think getting back up is a big deal for me," she told parents margazine.
